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Tag: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  • Healthy Foods to Help You Lose Weight

    Healthy Foods to Help You Lose Weight

    You are what you eat. Or at least that’s how the saying goes. You’re more than what you eat, however. Indeed, how you sleep and exercise are two other components important to good health and weight loss. The following foods can play an important part in any weight loss plan.

    1. Leafy greens: Yes, that’s right – leafy greens can help you lose weight. For one, they’re filling. For another, they’re loaded with fiber, what aids in digestion. They’re also very nutritious and loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. So, grab some kale and make it a part of your diet.
    2. Lean meats: Not all meats are bad for you. In fact, chicken breast as well as lean beef can help you lose weight. As long as the meat isn’t processed, you can benefit from it. Meat provides protein and a high protein diet can help you burn calories faster. Just keep your portions in line and you’ll enjoy your meat craving and lose weight.
    3. Consume tuna: Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids and is also filling. It is also relatively fat free and can help you lose weight. If you can buy fresh tuna, then do so. Otherwise, shop for Albacore tuna packed in water – you’ll get the protein you need and avoid the fats that can undermine your diet.
    4. Incorporate beans: Beans are a great way for you to burn calories. They’re high in protein and fiber, aiding in digestion. Beans are also quite filling and you may find yourself satisfied with only a modest portion.
    5. Choose avocados: When it comes to avocados, you’ll find a fruit that is chock-full of healthy fats. They also contain a lot of water, so they’re not as dense as you might think. Add avocados to your salad and you’ll have a healthy meal filled with fibre, potassium and nutrients.
    6. Eat nuts: Yes, nuts are high in fast, but at the same time they aren’t especially fattening. This fact means you can enjoy the protein and fibers provided by nuts and enjoy the side benefit of losing weight. Eat nuts in moderation as they still contain a lot of calories. They’re also filling and better to eat than a candy bar when a craving overtakes you.
    7. Fruit is where its at: Fresh fruit is one of the best foods to consume. People who eat them regularly are healthy. Don’t worry about the sugar as it is natural. The fiber comes in handy too especially when it pertains to digestion.
    8. Enjoy your yogurt: Is yogurt good or bad for you? Yogurt is very healthy as it contains a probiotic bacterium that benefits your gut. A healthy gut may reduce inflammation and keep you from getting fat. Choose only a full-fat yogurt as the low-fat variety can contribute to diabetes or obesity. You should also know that low-fat yogurts are filled with sugar and that’s never a good thing.

    Also Read: Vegan Diet Plan and Menu Tips for Gain a Weight

    See a Nutritionist

    If you’ve been trying to lose weight by eating right and exercising and are still not reaching your goals, then it may be time to meet with a nutritionist. A nutritionist will review your current diet and create an outline to follow. Your nutritionist may also recommend a fitness expert if she suspects you aren’t burning off enough calories explains Fitness.

    Together, a nutritionist and a fitness instructor can help you reach your goals, including losing weight, feeling better and being in an improved overall state for good health. And it is your good health you don’t want to lose, something you may never again regain if you do.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Is Fish Oil Really Necessary?

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Is Fish Oil Really Necessary?

    According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health, but they can only be absorbed through food and supplements because our bodies cannot make them. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of heart disease and they play a critical role in brain function. Therefore, medical professionals recommend eating a diet that includes tuna, halibut, salmon, krill, nut oils and plants that have been proven to contain this necessary nutrient. However, omega-3 fish oil pills are becoming an increasingly popular way for people to absorb these essential fatty acids, and this has led to a wide variety of medical opinions.

    What are the Medical Perks Associated with Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

    Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to cut many people’s risk of having a stroke in half, and this nutrient can have a positive impact on a wide variety of other medical issues:

    • Diabetes
    • Lupus
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Depression
    • Osteoporosis
    • Macular degeneration
    • Skin disorders
    • ADHD

    It is also important to note that having a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent the cognitive decline that accompanies dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Due to this, it is understandable that so many baby boomers have made the decision to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

    Do Fish Oil Pills Really Work?

    Medical experts and nutritionists worldwide have been debating for several years whether or not fish oil pills are a viable resource for omega-3 fatty acids. According to many experts, these pills can have a positive impact in some cases, but they are also likely to provide the average person with no noticeable benefits. Additionally, research indicates that taking too many fish oil pills can cause you to gain weight.

    It is interesting to note that 20 percent of adults living in the U.S. and U.K. are currently taking fish oil pills on a regular basis. If these pills truly provided all of the health benefits that have been associated with them, it seems likely that there would have been a noticeable decrease in medical issues within these two countries over the last few years. With this in mind, it is a good idea for every person to carefully consider whether or not adding a fish oil pill to their daily routine makes sense. However, if you are battling with issues such as lupus and osteoporosis, these supplements do have the potential to provide you with some positive results.

    Is There a Downside to Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

    There are several symptoms associated with having an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency:

    • Dry skin
    • Poor circulation
    • Mood swings
    • Depression
    • Poor memory
    • Heart problems

    With all of these potential issues, it probably seems like increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids is obvious. However, it is important to note that taking a fish oil supplement can cause undesirable side effects such as diarrhea, bloating, belching and flatulence. Additionally, anyone who ingests a lot of omega-3 fatty acids runs the risk of increased bleeding even if they do not already have a bleeding disorder. Fish oil pills can also have a negative interaction with a variety of medications, including insulin, Plavix, Glyburide, Lipitor, Cyclosporine and topical steroids. Therefore, it is imperative for anyone who is considering taking a fish oil supplement to consult with their primary care physician to ensure that they will not be putting their health at risk.