Marie-France is passionate about natural health products to maintain optimum health and vitality. A professionally trained Naturopath, she is also a sales representative at Land Art since 2015.
We often hear about Omega-3s, that we should include more in our diet, or use supplements of different kinds. What are fatty acids, and why is it so important to get enough on a daily basis?
Omega-3s are part of a category known as essential nutrients. By definition, “essential” means that we do not produce them ourselves; we, therefore, need to provide them to our bodies by eating them. Special attention is required as there aren’t very many foods which contain Omega-3s. Omega-3, or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is exclusively found in plants. The most common sources are found in seeds, such as hemp, flax and even chia. With ALA, our body can synthesize two other long chains of fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid; unless you wish to score big time at Scrabble, you only need to remember their diminutive forms: EPA and DHA. We find interesting quantities of EPA and DHA in fatty fish such as mackerel, anchovies, herring, sardines and wild salmon; but then again, we need to eat them on a regular basis, which means at least twice a week.
Omega-3s also play a primordial physiological role in our health. First of all, they are implicated in the creation of anti-inflammatory prostaglandin, which means that they supply our body with elements to reduce inflammation and swelling. Some inflammation is desirable; it is an intrinsic barrier, created by our own immune system. However, it is important to note that for certain individuals, the immune system goes into overdrive and the inflammation becomes a source of chronic pain or other important health issues. Omega-3s play an important protective role against tumors and cardiovascular diseases. They reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels while promoting the creation of good cholesterol. Omega-3s are indispensable for the development of the brain. A deficiency in this essential fatty acid may lead to behavioral disorders, difficulties learning, insomnia, cognitive decline and even depression. Several personality disorders may also have a link to a deficiency in EPA/DHA.
The Canadian diet does not contain very much Omega-3. Our needs are enormous, but they absolutely need to be supplied. This is why it is so important to use a supplement, no matter how healthy we are. Children and teenagers benefit from an EPA and DHA supplement for the development of their brains and to improve concentration in class. People who are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease should seriously consider taking a supplement too. Menopause is easier if essential fatty acids are sufficiently available to the body. Countries, such as Japan, where more foods containing omega-3s are regularly eaten, have lower incidences of cardiovascular disease and beat the world records for longevity!
To ensure an adequate supply of omega-3 EPA and DHA, Land Art has developed a delicious formula with an orange and ginger flavor, made with oil from small raw fish. Our oil, which is not distilled, provides 830 mg of EPA and 550 mg of DHA. To help make your Land Art Omega-3 supplement even better, integrate it into a salad dressing; it’s quick and delicious! Even the most stubborn picky eaters won’t know that they are eating fish oil. Here’s to your health!
2 teaspoons of Land Art Omega-3
1 tablespoon of tahini (sesame butter)
1 teaspoon of roasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon of maple syrup
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt and pepper
