Journal of the American Dietetic Association Recommends More Omega-3
With all the talk about how fantastic omega-3 fatty acids are for our bodies, it’s sometimes easy to forget that not everyone likes to eat fish, which is the food that is richest in these essential nutrients for our brain and heart. Sometimes those who like fish can’t get it because they live too far inland from good fish markets. In addition, many fear contaminants found in fish such as methylmercury. And then there are vegetarians vegans who simply can’t eat fish. This can make it tough for these people to get their healthy fatty acids.
A recent article in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association outlined that group’s belief that eating good foods is the best way to get the nutrients you want. They recommended eating two servings of seafood a week, especially of oily fish like mackerel and sardines, which would provide about 3,500 milligrams (mg) of the DHA and EPA, two of the most desirable omega 3 fatty acids, per week.
Fortunately, you no longer have to eat fish or take spoonfuls of fish oil to get your omega-3s. These days, most grocery stores carry eggs from chickens that were fed a diet high in omega-3s, and meat, breads, and even snack foods are often fortified with these essential nutrients. To make certain you are getting enough DHA and EPA, I recommend taking a highly refined omega-3 supplement that ensures accurate dosing and purity.
Bottom line: Experts agree you must consume more omega-3s in your diets.
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Barbara S. Levine, R.D., Ph.D., has been a researcher, consultant, and teacher of nutrition at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country. Dr. Levine is a DHA & B Vitamin Center scientific advisory board member and director of the first NIH-funded Nutrition Information Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill-Cornell Medical College, The Rockefeller University, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Strang Cancer Prevention Center.