Positive Health Online

Reprinted with permission from: https://www.jenreviews.com/omega-3/

 

You may have heard about Omega-3 fatty acids before but you may not quite understand what it is or why we need it. Omega-3 is an essential fat the body is incapable of making naturally. That means that we have to get it from the foods and supplements that we put into our body. Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fat, which basically means that it is one of the ‘good fats’. Polyunsaturated fats are natural and healthy whereas saturated fats or so-called ‘bad fats’ are found in highly processed foods and can lead to unfavourable health complications when consumed in large amounts and over a long period of time.

Omega-3 is important for quite a few reasons, some of which being;

• Regulation of blood clotting;
• Boosting artery wall relaxation and contraction;
• Strengthening of cell membranes;
• Normalizing the speed at which your heart beats;
• Brain development and growth.

And that’s just the beginning. If you’re not reaching for a plate of salmon just yet, you will be after this list!

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Helps Fight Anxiety

More people in The United States are affected by Anxiety disorders than any other mental health disease. Statistics show that over 40 million adults in America are living with Anxiety. That’s over 18 percent of the population (1).

Anxiety disorders are not always easy to diagnose because it can affect different people in different ways. Symptoms of Anxiety can be mental and physical and are at some times debilitating. The most common symptoms are feelings of dread and panic, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, feelings of disassociation with reality, sweating, chest pains and nausea (2).

There is not always a trigger leading up to an anxiety or panic attack which is one reason why the disorder is so difficult to live with. While medication is widely available and information on coping mechanisms are easy to find, some people prefer a natural remedy.

An Ohio study on the effect of Omega-3 on cytokine production in the brain yielded a surprising side effect of the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids by a group of medical students. The students taking the Omega-3 supplement showed a marked reduction in stress and anxiety when compared to the students who received the placebos (3).

The chemical responsible for regulating our moods and therefore our levels of anxiety is called Serotonin. It’s Serotonin’s job to transmit messages from neuron to neuron, but when our cell membranes don’t get enough Omega-3 the Serotonin is blocked (4).

A regular intake of Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen the cell membranes, which in turn boosts the performance of Serotonin which prevents anxiety (5).

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Eye Health

Omega-3 fatty acids are so beneficial to the development of strong, healthy eyes that many baby formula companies add it to their formula (6). Omega-3 is recommended for pregnant women for the same reason.

Omega-3 is made up of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is found naturally in the retina and its presence there is said to keep it healthy and functioning. Omega-3 can also be used to combat dry eye syndrome, a disorder where your eyes do not produce enough moisture resulting in itchy eyes accompanied by a burning sensation (7).

Numerous studies carried out on infants and adults and the results have shown visual acuity improvement to be undoubtedly linked with an increase of Omega-3 consumption.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Help Fight Infertility

It is estimated that nearly 10 percent of women in The United States struggle to conceive naturally and or carry a baby to term (8), and this number only increases as women get older.

While battling infertility is a complicated and often expensive process, one thing that you can do to help is to increase your daily intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids

• Balance irregular menstrual cycles;
• Enhance blood flow into the uterus, boosting the development of your uterine lining;
• Enhance the naturally produced cervical mucus which helps sperm reach and fertilize eggs;
• Curtails inflammation in the uterus.(9)

Inflammation in the uterus can be aggravated by Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is an infection in your fallopian tubes, womb and ovaries. Symptoms include; pain during vaginal intercourse, unusual bleeding, nausea, back pain and fever. If you do not receive treatment, the infection could result in blockages and adhesions in your fallopian tubes (10). It is recommended to couple medication with Omega-3 to speed up the reduction of inflammation (11).

Omega-3 fatty acids also have important fertility benefits for men. It plays a part in the level of sperm production and increases blood flow which aids in circulation to a man’s genitals (12).

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Be Used To Treat Skin Issues

When it comes to maintaining a healthy complexion and treating skin conditions, what you put into your body may be more important than what you put on your face.

A diet that includes Omega-3 fatty acids can be very beneficial in fighting and reducing oily skin, acne, psoriasis and eczema, to name a few. This is because the fatty acids work to keep cell membranes healthy. When your cell membranes are healthy they efficient in acting as barriers to any harmful substances, while still allowing nutrients into the cells and waste to pass out of the cells (13).

A healthy cell membrane also allows cells to hold more water, resulting in hydrated and healthy looking skin.

When suffering from acne, you may experience a painful redness and swelling. This caused by inflammation in the skin. Omega-3 is a natural anti-inflammatory (14).

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Cardiovascular health

Possibly the most important reason to take Omega-3 fatty acids is for your heart health. Omega-3 offers a myriad of positive and healing effects when it comes to blood pressure and heart disease. Doctors recommend eating at least two portions of omega-3 rich fish per week for the heart healthy benefits (15).

Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated, which is the healthy natural fat as opposed to saturated fats which is what you find in highly processed foods. Switching out saturated fats for omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids will lower your cholesterol levels (16).

Inflammation can be a culprit in blood vessel damage and an increased risk of strokes. The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 work to counter this damage.

Atherosclerotic plaque is the calcification of arteries. It occurs when there is a buildup of plaque within the arteries. The plaque is formed from cholesterol, waste from cells and excess calcium. As more and more plaque collects in the arteries, it starts to cut off the flow of blood to the rest of the body and may result in angina, heart disease and kidney disease. If a clot of plaque dislodges, it may result in a heart attack or stroke (17).

Triglycerides in Omega-3 stabilize the process of atherosclerotic plaque buildup (18).

6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Ease Menstrual Pain

Menstruation is different for every woman, but many women experience uterine cramping, nausea, back pain and more on a monthly basis.

A Danish study investigated the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B12 in relation to menstrual symptoms and found that they do in fact provide relief (19).

A separate study showed that a group of women who suffered from extreme menstrual cramping, or dysmenorrhea, reported a definite decrease in pain after taking an Omega-3 capsule daily for three months.

The reason for these soothing effects seems to be linked to the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 fatty acids, as the lining of the uterus may become inflamed during menstruation.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduces Fatty Liver

About 30 percent of adults in America have what is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD occurs when there is a buildup of fat within the liver. Some people experience fat in the liver as well as inflammation, this is known as NASH(20). When there is fat and inflammation it can lead to fibrosis, or scarring of the liver, and if left untreated could eventually turn into cirrhosis of the liver.

Some of the symptoms of NAFLD/NASH include but are not limited to;

• A reddish colour in the palms of your hands;
• Swelling in the abdomen;
• Engorged breasts in males;
• Inflated, visible blood vessels under the skin;
• Yellow coloration of the eyes and skin.

Some causes of NAFLD and NASH are obesity, lipodystrophy (a disorder to do with fat storage) and diabetes. Some medicines are also to blame for the development of the disease (21).

Omega-3 fatty acids are used to treat NAFLD and NASH because of all the benefits it has when it comes to cardiovascular disease and inflammation. A study on the full scope of potential benefits of Omega-3 on this disease is currently under way (22).

8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevents And Reverses Insulin Resistance

Whenever you eat something, specifically carbohydrates, glucose is released into the body. The presence of glucose in turn spurs on the production of insulin. Some people suffer from insulin resistance which is a pathological (in the blood) condition where cells within the body do not respond to insulin in the way they should.

The number one way to improve your insulin sensitivity is through regular exercise and weight loss. Tied in with weight loss is a healthy diet.

Foods high in Omega-3 are recommended for improving insulin sensitivity, with multiple studies being currently carried out on rodents and humans to establish to entire scope of benefits offered (23).

9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Lowers Cholesterol

You develop high cholesterol as a result of having too many triglycerides, or too much fat, in the blood. Eating a large amount of saturated fats, smoking, stress, diabetes and consuming alcohol has also been linked to having high cholesterol. On the whole, it is a dangerous by-product of leading an unhealthy lifestyle (24).

Steady high levels of cholesterol in the body may result in atherosclerosis. This is when cholesterol and other debris start to build up in your arteries and can cause a fatal heart attack or stroke if it comes unstuck, or blocks an artery entirely.

Introducing Omega-3 into the body helps balance the level of triglycerides and actively lowering the level of triglycerides most recently ingested (25).

10. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protects And Improves Brain Health During Pregnancy

Taking Omega-3 supplements or including Omega-3 dense foods in your diet during pregnancy is not only good for the expecting mother, but for the baby too!

In fact, it is recommended that pregnant women and breastfeeding women get at least 500 mgs of Omega-3 a day. Pregnant and lactating women should be getting their Omega-3 from supplements as well as through their diets (26).

The DHA in Omega-3 fatty acids support brain growth as well as the development of the eyes and nervous system, which is particularly important during foetal growth. Omega-3 is crucial to the development of a foetus’ nervous system. The EPA in Omega-3 is good for the heart and immune system.

The benefits of Omega-3 for babies continues after birth and is often prescribed to women who are breast feeding, as it boosts the development of breast milk (27).

11. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Counters Inflammation

When you are injured in some way, may you have an infected wound or a splinter, you will notice the skin around your injury puff up and become warm and red. This is inflammation at work. Inflammation is your immune system working to correct a problem within your body.

Chemicals originating in white blood cells are released and make their way to the wounded or infected area in the body. The problem is that sometimes too much of this chemical is produced. When that happens, inflammation starts to affect healthy tissue (28).

Inflammation can sometimes even dangerously affect your organs. This usually happen as result of an autoimmune disease. The organs most likely to be affected are the kidneys, lungs and heart. Some signs to look out for are;

• Shortness of breath;
• Kidney failure;
• Fluid retention.

Omega-3 is good for countering excess inflammation, especially when coupled with certain anti-inflammatory medications.

Diet can be very beneficial when it comes to avoiding excess inflammation. Some foods to avoid are Omega-6 rich foods, highly processed carbohydrates and high-sugar foods.

A lack of sleep, regular exercise and high levels of stress can also negatively contribute to excess inflammation (29).

12. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fights Autoimmune Disease

An autoimmune disease is an illness where your immune system mistakes healthy cells for foreign cells. It then begins to attack the healthy cells. This action can result in any of a number of autoimmune related diseases. Some signs that your immune system is not working the way it should include;

• Joint and or muscle pain;
• Insomnia;
• Intolerance to heat;
• Sudden weight loss;
• Rapid heart beat;
• Dry mouth;
• Hair loss;
• Severe abdominal pain and blood present in stool.

Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and lupus are a few of the autoimmune diseases that Omega-3 fatty acids can help soothe.

Omega-3 fatty acids have the biggest impact on autoimmune diseases of all fatty acids available. Studies have shown the taking Omega-3 alleviates pain and inflammation related to autoimmune disease and has in some cases lessened the amount of medication patients needed.

Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition where the liver becomes inflamed. It can be caused by alcohol abuse, excess fat in the liver or contracting the hepatitis C or B virus. When your liver becomes infected and inflamed your body will start to produce prostaglandin I and II which send white blood cells to the infected liver and decrease inflammation. Omega-3 is key in prostaglandin I production (30).

Taking fish oil supplements are recommended for the most effective results when using Omega-3 to fight autoimmune diseases (31).

13. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improves Sleep Patterns

A recent study involving nearly 400 children between the ages of seven and nine has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can have a huge impact on getting a good night's rest. (28) Children who received the Omega-3 supplements slept on average for over an hour longer and had far fewer sleep disturbances than the children who received the placebo.

Studies on the full scope of Omega-3 for sleep patterns in adults are under way.

The DHA in Omega-3 spurs on the release of higher levels of melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

Maintaining a regular sleep pattern is crucial for adults and children alike. When you are asleep, your brain repairs and regenerates your neurotransmitters, which is how cells in your brain communicate.

Getting enough sleep also helps balance weight (children who get less sleep are often overweight and at risk for diabetes), promotes growth and protects against vascular damage which is caused by the circulation of stress hormones.

It is recommended to eat at least two servings of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna or swordfish a week to help regulate your sleep cycle through Omega-3 (32).

14. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help With Symptoms Of ADHD

ADHD, or attention hyperactivity disorder, is a chronic condition where neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) fail to send signals between nerve cells. Dopamine, the chemical responsible for concentration, is mostly affected by ADHD.

Nearly 6 percent of school going aged children are said to suffer from ADHD. ADHD is usually diagnosed during childhood but that persists into adulthood. While symptoms do sometimes change as a person matures, the effects of ADHD can be lifelong.

Children with ADHD (either the inattentive-type or hyperactive-type) are often viewed as simply misbehaving, when in reality a lot of children will need the help of medication in order to be able to focus.

Children who exhibit any of these signs may be living with ADHD;

• Very easily distracted;
• Always moving or squirming when seated;
• Daydreams often;
• Loses things regularly;
• Talks excessively;
• Always running around and climbing things;
• Has trouble completing tasks;
• Interrupts people often.

A study on the effect of Omega-3 was carried out in The Netherlands on a group of young boys diagnosed with ADHD. The boys consumed Omega-3 enriched foods every day for sixteen weeks. At the end of the trial the boys’ parents reported a marked reduction in attention problems (33).

Many times however, children go undiagnosed and grow up still unaware of their condition. About 60 percent of children with ADHD will still have ADHD as adults. Symptoms of ADHD in adults can be a little different;

• Difficulty in initiating tasks;
• Procrastination;
• Very poor time management and task handling;
• Quick temper;
• Impatient and very easily bored;
• Hyperfocusing on certain tasks;
• Impatient.

Omega-3 fatty acids are so beneficial in treating ADHD in children and adults because in an ADHD affected brain, nerve cells block the flow of dopamine and the chief component of these nerve cells are fatty acids.

Adult males that took part in a study testing Omega-3 fatty acids on adult ADHD in Italy reported an increase in attention span and a decrease in general moodiness (34).

15. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Be Beneficial To Persons Living With Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways and bronchospasms (when the muscle walls of the bronchioles suddenly contract) . Chest tightness, wheezing, a whistling sound when breathing, shortness of breath and coughing are all characteristics of asthma.

When you have asthma your airways are constantly inflamed. When the walls of your airways become swollen, muscles tighten and trigger an onset of symptoms.

You can also have allergic asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. The former is asthma symptoms brought on by an allergic reaction to pollen and the latter is brought on by physical exercise (35).

The inflammation that causes asthma can be brought on by ingesting too much Omega-6. Omega-3 fatty acids work to minimize the inflammation in the airways, thus reducing symptoms.

A Western diet can be saturated with Omega-6 rich food (vegetable oils, margarine, pork products and mayonnaise) so we must be mindful to include Omega-3 full foods.

15 Best Omega-3 Fatty Acids Rich Foods

The following foods are all high in unsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids, but Omega-3 is not all they have to offer...

1. Salmon

Salmon is the poster food for Omega-3 fatty acids and with good reason! But it’s not just Omega-3 that makes salmon so healthy. It contains astaxanthin, which gives the salmon its red colour and works to reduce bad cholesterol which in turn decreases the risk of developing heart disease.

Salmon is high in Vitamin B 12 and 3, Vitamin D, protein and potassium. The protein helps body with the healing process after it has been injured.

Salmon has more potassium than bananas. Potassium keep fluid retention at a normal level and lowers high blood pressure.

Selenium is a mineral fund in salmon that keeps bones healthy and helps keep autoimmune thyroid disease in check by decreasing thyroid antibodies.

Salmon is a powerful and delicious tool for treating inflammation.

2. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a ‘super food’ that originated in South America. They are said to have been a dietary staple for the Mayan and Aztec people hundreds of years ago.

Chia seeds are high in fibre, protein, calcium and of course Omega-3 fatty acids but low in calories. Chia seeds are also an excellent source of antioxidants.

Chia seeds are also loaded with bone nutrients. The calcium, magnesium and phosphorous help fight the onset of brittle bones and can be especially beneficial for the elderly.

They are a great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians and are easy to incorporate into your diet. They don’t have a strong taste and can sprinkled on smoothies or mixed into oats.

Chia seeds are whole grain and gluten free.

3. Walnuts

The Omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts make them really good for your brain! Vitamin E, melatonin (a hormone that keeps our sleep cycles regular) , antioxidants, folate and Omega-3 all work together to improve cognitive function, especially in young adults.

Walnuts also have a powerful impact on sperm production and quality. A study in America showed that men who ingested 75 grams of walnuts daily for twelve weeks showed sperm with improved shape, size and swimming speed.

While the white flaky skin of a walnut is not necessarily delicious, it holds nearly 90 percent of the antioxidants the nut provides.

4. Egg Yolks

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the egg yolk, not the white, so if you are trying to load up on Omega-3, skip those egg white omelettes!

Egg yolks have a mixed reputation as a healthy option because they are quite high in cholesterol. Because of this some dieticians do not recommend over loading your diet with eggs.

Egg yolks also contain vitamin B, folate and choline. Choline works to build up cell walls within our body, keeping them strong and healthy.

The Omega-3 in egg yolks lowers triglycerides, a fat lipid found in the blood. A large amount of triglycerides can result in the development of heart disease.

Eggs are also an excellent source of protein suitable for vegetarians.

5. Spinach

One cup of spinach yields 200 grams of Omega-3 making it an excellent source of good fatty acids.

Spinach is a relatively inexpensive food that offers a whole lot of vitamins and minerals including zinc, iron vitamin A, B6 and C, calcium and folate, to name a few!

Cooked spinach is full of xanthene and beta carotene which improve eyesight. Spinach is also great for anyone suffering from dry eye syndrome which is sometimes brought on by a lack of vitamin A.

Other health benefits of spinach include;

• Maintaining a healthy blood pressure;
• Producing enough stomach mucus to protect against ulcers;
• Aiding in foetal development;
• Boosting your metabolism;
• Preventing strokes and osteoporosis;
• The anti-inflammatory properties (thanks to Omega-3);
• Strengthening of muscles.

6. Fish Oil

Fish oil capsules are basically a concentrated dose of Omega-3. They have become a popular health supplement especially for vegans and vegetarians. However everyone could benefit from taking them as most of us, especially in the West, are not getting enough good unsaturated fats in our diets.

The benefits of taking fish oil are abundant, fish oil;

• Reduces arthritis symptoms;
• Inhibits the growth of cancerous cells;
• Significantly improves eggression and restlessness in children with ADHD;
• Protects hippocampal cells;
• Reverses and prevents cardiovascular disease;
• Is immune-boosting;
• Increases fertility and is important for strong foetal development.

7. Soybeans

Soybeans, or soya beans, are grown in the Americas and are available for consumption in a variety of forms. Edamame is a juvenile form of soybeans in the pod that is popular in Japan. Soy milk can also be used as an alternative to regular milk for vegans or persons suffering from lactose intolerance.

Zinc, vitamins C,K and B6, iron, potassium, copper and riboflavin are all found in soybeans.

The most notable dietary advantages of soybeans are the formation and oxygenation of red blood cells, the metabolism stabilization which can help with insomnia and healthy weight loss and the soothing of menopausal symptoms.

Soybeans are high in fibre which aid digestion by stimulating contractions of muscles in the small intestines and preventing constipation. A healthy digestive system is key in preventing cancer of the colon.

Soybeans also contain magnesium which has been linked directly to improving the amount of hours and quality of sleep one gets a night.

To really get the most nutrition out of your soybeans, it is recommended to buy organic.

8. Mackerel

Mackerel is the most heavily consumed fish in all of India and as with all of the fish on our list, mackerel has astoundingly high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.

The anti-inflammatory compounds, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids are just a few reasons you should include this fish in your diet.

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (the most prevalent autoimmune arthritis) you may be experiencing swelling and pain in your joints, this is because it causes corrosion in the lining of the joints. If left untreated however the symptoms can become a lot more serious. Damage to the heart, blood vessels, lungs, skin and eyes are all symptoms of progression of the disease.

This is all because the arthritis causes your immune system to attack healthy tissues. Mackerel is high in fatty acid anti-inflammatories that help to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Consuming mackerel can help regulate blood pressure, lower the danger of diabetes and the joint pain brought on by arthritis and protect against certain types of cancer.

9. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds, or linseeds, are a small brown on tan seed with a wide variety of nutritional benefits. They can be consumed whole (not always recommended as the body struggles to absorb all the nutrients this way), ground or as flaxseed meal.

They are high in Omega-3, fibre (both insoluble and soluble) and are powerful antioxidants. They also contain 800 times more lignans than any other plant based food. Lignans contain antioxidants and oestrogen.

Studies in animals have concluded that the ALA in Omega-3 found in flaxseeds have had an inhibiting effect on growth and incidence in tumours.

They have also shown a positive effect against colon, breast and prostate cancer.

The benefits of flaxseeds include but are not limited to;

• Lowering cholesterol in the body;
• Maintaining healthy hair and skin;
• Soothing menopausal symptoms;
• Fighting against certain kinds of cancers.

Flaxseeds are also gluten free and flaxseed meal can be used in as a egg substitute when baking for vegans.

Pregnant and lactating women however should avoid consuming flaxseeds or flaxseed oil.

10. Oysters

Oysters are an expensive and acquired taste and are not always thought of as a health food, but they are chock full of minerals and vitamins.

Vitamins C, D, B and A as well as over a total of fourteen minerals are found in the meat of just one oyster. Almost 90 percent of the recommended daily dose of iron can be found in just one serving of oysters. Oysters are high in protein and low in unhealthy fats.

The Omega-3 in oysters is beneficial in protecting against Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (improves circulation) and issues with weakening bones (fights osteoporosis).

Another health benefit of oysters is that they strengthen the immune system. The anti-inflammatories and antioxidants in oysters help the body fight against free radicals, which are rogue cells that attack healthy cells.

One must always be sure to know where oysters have been sourced as they absorb nutrients heavily from their surroundings.

11. Anchovies

Anchovies are a tiny fish that packs a big taste! Most people only ever eat them on pizza or as a dressing over their chicken Caesar salad, without knowing the full scope of their nutritional value.

Anchovies are great for combating the ageing process (proteins that aid in cell and membrane repair), maintaining healthy skin (vitamin , Omega-3 and selenium) and assisting with weight loss (high protein and low calorie).

Other benefits include stripping away of unhealthy cholesterol, strengthening of bones and eyesight and preventing toxicity build up in the body.

Anchovies can be quite high in sodium so people with high blood pressure should be wary of including too many in their diets.

12. Tofu

There are eight essential amino acids nutritionally available and tofu contains all of them. It is also an excellent source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. Tofu is made from curdled soybean milk. Eaten regularly in the East, it is becoming more popular worldwide, especially as a meat substitute for vegans and vegetarians because of the high protein content.

Tofu contains something called phytoestrogens, which is a chemical that mimics the hormone oestrogen. Phytoestrogens attach themselves to the receptor sites for oestrogen within the cells making up female breast tissue and this has the potential to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

13. Lentils

Lentils contain the highest concentration of protein out of any plant based foods. They are also an excellent source of fibre which make them great digestive tract aids. A diet high in lentils can have positive effects for those suffering from Crohn's and IBS.

Lentils have more to offer than alleviation from constipation, a few other health benefits are;

• High in folic acid (helps prevent birth defects in pregnant women);
• Full of amino acids that aid in muscle generation (specifically sprouted lentils);
• Keep blood sugar consistent;
• Relaxes cardiovascular muscles and lowers blood pressure, keeping your heart healthy;
• Protects genes and cells from being damaged;
• High in iron.

14. Mustard seeds

Mustard seeds have been used in cooking for so long that they have even been mentioned in the Bible and a Sanskrit about Buddha. They come from a plant that is very closely related to broccoli, cabbage and sprouts. They are available in white, black and brown. While the tastes and textures may be a bit different, the nutritional values are all the same.

Mustard seeds contain manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1, copper, antioxidants, sulphur and phosphorous.

The selenium found in mustard seeds can help battle arthritis and alleviate pain and discomfort associated with menstruation.

The magnesium in mustard seeds helps to lower blood pressure and helps dissipate migraines.

The antioxidants in mustard seeds help to slow down the aging process and the sulphur can be very beneficial for those suffering from skin conditions and infections.

Some more health benefits of mustard seeds are;

• Alleviating menopausal symptoms;
• Easing respiratory problems;
• Lowering the risk of heart disease and heart attacks;
• Lowering blood pressure.

15. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are full of a slow releasing carbohydrate. These kinds of carbohydrates are better for you as they keep you fuller and energized for longer throughout the day. They are also full of resistant starch and fibre which can be a useful tool when it comes to managing weight loss.

Kidney beans hold over eight different kinds of minerals and vitamins including iron folate that are great for blood oxygenation and healthy pregnancies.

Kidney beans are also high in Omega-3 and protein, making them a great meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Acknowledgement Citation

Republished with permission from https://www.jenreviews.com/omega-3/