| What is the optimum omega3 intake? The answer | | | | provide essential nutrients and micronutrients that are |
| might not make you happy, but no one really knows. | | | | not present in many popular foods. |
| A growing number of health experts say that we | | | | Fast foods are some of the most nutritionally |
| should strive for optimal nutritional intake on a daily | | | | incomplete foods available. They are generally very |
| basis, in order to reduce our risk of chronic diseases | | | | high in calories and very low in nutrients. |
| and to minimize the effects of aging. But, their | | | | If the optimum omega3 intake is the amount that is |
| opinions vary greatly about what that actually means. | | | | found in a serving of salmon, then that's about |
| We know about some of our minimum daily | | | | 1000mg. The content of a salmon serving varies |
| requirements for essential nutrients. But, we don't | | | | from one fish to the other. We can only estimate. |
| know much about micronutrients, which are elements | | | | As far as supplements are concerned, most of them |
| that are present in foods, but only in very small | | | | are 1000mg capsules. But, that's 1000mg of fish oil. |
| amounts. | | | | Only a portion of that is omega-3 fat. Omega-6s and |
| Some experts say that if we only meet our minimum | | | | other fatty acids are also present. |
| daily requirements, then we will only enjoy minimal | | | | In some of the better supplements 50% of the |
| good health. Some researchers have said that low | | | | fatty acids are omega-3s. So, with two capsules per |
| omega-3 intake is a preventable cause of death. | | | | day, you should be getting close to the optimum |
| Others have said that high intakes are associated | | | | omega3 intake. Some people might need more. |
| with a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, arthritis, | | | | There is a general consensus about what our dietary |
| Alzheimer's and other health problems. | | | | goals should be when it comes to the ratio of |
| It has been proven that normal brain development in | | | | omega-3s to 6s in the diet. One to one would be |
| infants requires that DHA, a specific omega-3, be | | | | optimal. Four to one is probably acceptable and easier |
| present in the diet. Because of that, infant formulas | | | | to achieve. |
| and baby foods are now fortified with the nutrient. | | | | It has been estimated that in some people's diets, |
| But, of all the things that have been said about it, no | | | | particularly in many American diets, the ratio is as high |
| scientists have suggested an optimum omega3 | | | | as 30 or 40 to one, skewed greatly towards the |
| intake. There are some diet doctors that make their | | | | sixes. High omega-6 intake sets the body up for |
| own recommendations and plenty of other people | | | | disease and hastens the aging process. |
| have their opinions. But, there is no expert consensus. | | | | So there you have it. No one has a perfect diet. We |
| Some of the healthiest diets include a daily serving of | | | | can only hope to reach optimum omega3 intakes |
| salmon, lots of fruits and vegetables and fiber from | | | | with a good health supplement. |
| whole grains, like wild rice or oatmeal. Those foods | | | | |