Atlanta Acupuncture Clinic located in Atlanta Georgia

Brain Health, Heart Health, Joint Health »

Level Up to Omega-3

Seafood and I don’t get along at all. I’m not a fan and I don’t think I ever will be. When I was little, I used to eat fish sticks happily. I’m convinced I didn’t know what I was actually eating though. Then when I got older, I was shocked to learn what fish was, how it’s a source of food for people and quite a normal thing to eat. I felt as if I had been bamboozled by my parents for the entirety of my childhood! My reasons for not liking seafood are pretty straightforward: I don’t like the smell of it, it makes me nauseous. Don’t get me started on the smell of the seafood section when you go to the grocery store, I consciously avoid that part of the store at all costs. Yes, I’m that dramatic.

Furthermore, the most obvious reason I dislike seafood is because I don’t care for the taste. I have tried fish and other types of seafood on a few occasions and every time I do, I regret it. Although, if someone were to put a gun to my head and force me to eat one kind of seafood, it would have to be tilapia, because it’s the only kind of fish I’ve tried that doesn’t taste that fishy. It’s actually decent! But of course, I wouldn’t voluntarily eat tilapia.

Omega-3’s, which are commonly found in fish, are important to incorporate in your diet for many reasons. They may improve bone strength and increase joint health. (Hjalmarsdottir, 2017) They are also helpful in keeping skin cells healthy; preventing acne and pre mature aging. (Don’t have to tell me twice!) Additionally, there have been a few observational studies that discussed an association with diets high in omega-3’s and a decreased risk of cognitive decline, developing Alzheimer’s, and dementia. (Office of Dietary Supplements, 2018) A boost in brain power is always a good thing!

Since I vehemently despise seafood, I have to find alternative sources of omega-3’s. I typically get my dose of omega-3s from food as well as supplements. My go to sources of omega-3’s consists of: blueberries, pineapple, walnuts, and leafy green vegetables. I like to incorporate pineapple and blueberries into fruit salads, which make awesome and wholesome snacks. Walnuts are great to have during the day as a crunchy snack, I usually couple them with Brazilian nuts, which also contain omega-3’s. Anytime I’m having a salad, I try to choose either spinach or kale as the base, since both of those greens contain omega-3’s.

Furthermore, to ensure I get my daily dose of omega-3’s, I also keep ProOmega-D by Nordic Naturals on hand, which we sell in the clinic. My favorite thing about this product is that it comes in a lemon flavor, how fun! So I never get a whiff of any sort of fishy smell, just a pleasant lemony taste! If you enjoy fish, more power to you! Because honestly, that’s probably the easiest way to get omega-3’s. However, if you’re like me and not a fan of the inhabitants of the sea, I recommend venturing out and trying alternative sources of omega-3’s.

References
Office of Dietary Supplements, (2018) National Institutes of Heath Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Hjalmarsdottir, Freydis, (2017) Healthline. 17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.