Why it's Good to Fatten Up Your Brain
Feb 9th 2014
Did you know that your brain is made up of 60% fat? Your brain needs the right fats to thrive! It is well known that omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) may contribute to the maintenance of healthy mental function. Symptoms of omega-3 deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, mood swings, and depression, to name a few.1
If you find yourself trudging through your day, forgetting what you walked into the room for, or just feeling down, the answer could be as simple as getting adequate omega-3s. Omega-3 deficiency is incredibly common. This is because your body does not produce them on its own—they must be obtained through diet.
Why Omega-3s Are So Vital to Your Brain
One study concluded that supplementation with the major long chain omega-3 fatty acid found in the brain known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) “improved memory and the response time of memory in healthy, young adults whose habitual diets were low in DHA.”(2)
Low levels of DHA have been associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and cognitive impairment.(3) Similarly, people suffering from depression were found to have lower levels of omega-3s than healthy volunteers.(4)
The Standard American Diet is typically imbalanced with too many omega-6s and not nearly enough omega-3s. If you’re not deliberately making sure you’re getting your omega-3s, chances are you’re not getting enough.
Get Your Omega-3s – Without the Toxins
The typical go-to product for omega-3s are fish oil supplements. On one hand, that makes sense, considering that research has found that fish oil exerts “positive effects on brain functions in healthy older adults.”5
There’s just one little problem with fish oil: Mercury contamination. As of 2013, science has confirmed that mercury contamination in fish is now global.6
We have a vegan alternative to fish oil supplements that’s completely free of contaminants such as mercury, PCBs, and dioxins. O-Mega-Zen3 DHA is derived from marine microalgae – the base of the marine food chain where fish get their DHA from. Grown under controlled conditions to insure a very clean product, this concentrated form of DHA comes in gluten-free vegicaps and is combined with a small amount of vitamin E to preserve freshness.
Get your DHA – without the contaminants!
“Love this stuff! Doesn't have a fishy after taste and it's benefits would make it worth the while if it did :)” – Simone
If You Prefer to Eat Your Omega-3s
Raw and sustainably grown, our cholesterol-free sacha inchi oilis one of nature’s best sources of omega-3s, with 50% total content.
Sacha inchi is an Amazonian vine which has been used by indigenous cultures for hundreds of years for its health-giving properties. The oil from the star-shaped sacha inchi seed is one of the highest plant sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids on the planet.
Most sacha inchi products are roasted, which can damage delicate oils and nutrients. Our sustainably grown sacha inchi oil is created using a low-temperature, cold-press process that keeps nutrients intact. When you and your family enjoy sacha inchi oil, you’re getting your omega-3s and helping to protect the endangered fertile land in the Amazonian rainforest from being razed for raw materials that are less sustainable. It’s good for you, and the planet!
“This stuff replaced my fish oil – much healthier and nothing harmed in its process. It also made my skin glow.” – Rena
“Truly one of the most delicate oils I've ever tasted. The flavor is so light and heavenly! As expected, great when applied topically also. Amazing oil all around.” – Kristya
Ways to Enjoy Sacha Inchi Oil
Sacha inchi oil has a delicious, mild nutty flavor. It’s perfect for drizzling over salads, mixing in with soups, or making a homemade salad dressing…check out our this yummy Sacha-lina Herb Dressing!
“I love sachi inchi oil and use it every day in my morning smoothie. It has a great mild, nutty flavor and is full of omegas.” – Beth
Keys to Health
With our sacha inchi oil and Omega-Zen3 DHA capsules, you’ll never be deficient in omega-3s again!
Sources:
1 - “Omega-3 Fatty Acids” University of Maryland Medical Center, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide.
2 – “DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2013.
3 – “Fatty acid analysis of blood plasma of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, other types of dementia, and cognitive impairment.” University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, 2000.
4 – “Lowered omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids and cholesteryl esters of depressed patients.” Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Belgium, 1999.
5 – “Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Brain Function and Structure in Older Adults.” Cerebral Cortex, Oxford University Journals, June 24, 2013.
6 - “Mercury as a global pollutant: sources, pathways, and effects.” Environmental Science & Technology Journal. May 21, 2013.
Sunfood's "Natural Solutions" does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. This information has not been approved by the FDA and has not been verified by medical professionals. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.