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Everybody wants to be healthy. Some things related to our health are beyond our control, but having a healthy diet is certainly within our control. From the time we are very young, to the time we are very old, we have the opportunity to make healthy choices. People at all stages of life are learning that consuming the recommended daily intake of Omega-3s is vital to overall health and well-being. From infants to seniors, and everyone in between, the health benefits of Omega-3s abound.
MothersDuring pregnancy, a woman needs to watch what she consumes for her own good health and for the health of her unborn baby. Since the mother is the sole source of nutrients for the unborn child, she needs to consume a balanced diet which includes consuming the recommended daily intake of Omega-3s. Even after pregnancy, a mother still needs to maintain a healthy diet as her child will continue to absorb nutrients from her breast milk. Indeed, before, during, and after pregnancy, foods rich in DHA should definitely be a part of a mother’s healthy diet for the many health benefits to herself and to her child.
Research indicates that consuming foods containing enough EPA and DHA will help to:
- Provide the mother with the optimal amounts of EPA and DHA to stay healthy during pregnancy
- Moderate post-partum depression and mood change
- Provide the mother with DHA to meet the infant’s needs through breastfeeding
- Return the mother’s EPA and DHA levels to a healthy state soon after pregnancy
Fetuses and InfantsThe mother is the fetus’ sole source of DHA during fetal development, and its primary source of this “essential” fatty acid during infancy, if she chooses to breastfeed. Therefore, she needs a diet rich in DHA to ensure that her child is getting enough of this essential nutrient for its growth and developmental needs.
Research indicates that during fetal development and infancy DHA is essential to the development of the child’s vital organs. As such, the baby needs to get enough DHA from conception through to infancy to develop:
- A healthy brain
- Good eyes and eyesight
- A fully functional nervous system
ToddlersDuring infancy, DHA is received through the mother’s breast milk. After this stage, it is important that they continue to receive the “essential” fatty acids, EPA and DHA, to assist with normal growth and development. Foods rich in EPA and DHA should be part of a toddler’s healthy diet for the many health benefits they provide.
Once the infant is no longer breast-feeding, it is important that he/she continues to receive these important nutrients. More infant formulas are becoming available with DHA as an ingredient due to supporting evidence of the positive effects of these omega-3s. To combat the issue of providing toddlers with a way to consume their recommended daily intake of omega-3s, food manufacturers are beginning to include EPA and DHA in their products making it easier for toddlers to receive their “essential” fatty acids compared to swallowing capsules.
Studies have shown that EPA and DHA can assist with:
- Improving vision
- Improving cognitive and behavioral development
In addition, some on-going research is looking at benefits related to:
- Maturation of the immune system
- Improve asthma symptoms
School Age ChildrenChildren can be fussy eaters and it’s not always easy to make them eat the foods they need to stay healthy. However, because their bodies cannot efficiently produce all Omega-3s, they need to regularly consume foods rich in Omega-3s for their overall wellness and normal development.
Research indicates that DHA is a part of every brain cell and it plays a crucial role in the brain’s ability to function. As the brain continues to grow and develop throughout childhood, children need to consume the recommended daily intake of Omega-3s as it may help to reduce the symptoms of:
- Dyslexia and other learning disorders
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and other behavioral disorders
- Dyspraxia and other coordination disorders
- Poor eyesight and other health conditions
- Asthma
Young AdultsYoung adulthood is defined as the teenage and early adult years. Early adulthood is when many people begin to make independent choices about aspects of their lifestyles, including their diet. Many of these choices easily become habits that are hard to change later in life. Young adults need to be informed about the importance of Omega-3s so that they can factor foods containing EPA and DHA into their regular diets. Research indicates that, during this phase of life, most of the health benefits of EPA and DHA involve controlling the effects of hormonal changes as the body is transformed. Studies suggest that EPA and DHA may help to reduce the risk of symptons associated with:
- Depression, aggression, and other behavioral disorders
- Early Heart disease and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma
AdulthoodAdulthood is when most people take stock of their dietary intake to ensure that their diet is well balanced for healthy living and longevity. A healthy diet can help to protect against long-term conditions that may become prominent health risks later in life. Research suggests that EPA and DHA may be helpful in reducing the risks of various health conditions, so, consuming the recommended daily intake of Omega-3s is essential.
Studies indicate that, during adulthood, EPA and DHA may be helpful minimizing the risk of many diseases and conditions including:
- Strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases
- Inflammation resulting from arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease
- Alzheimer's disease and other conditions of mental deterioration
- Age-related macular degeneration (deterioration of eyesight)
MEG-3® as a Rich Dietary Source of Omega-3sNutritionists and health professionals alike recognize the essential role of EPA and DHA to your overall health and wellness throughout your lifetime. MEG-3® can help to ensure that you are getting the recommended daily intake of Omega-3s in a convenient and worry-free manner. Available as a dietary supplement, and as a healthy food ingredient, MEG-3® provides you with Omega-3 in its purest form. Along with a well balanced diet, you can ensure that you and your family are getting adequate amounts of EPA and DHA by choosing MEG-3® supplements or by choosing food products that contain MEG-3®.
Reference:
- Gibson RA, Makrides M, Colyer CG. “Essential role of fats throughout the lifecycle: summary and recommendations.” Medical Journal of Australia 176 (June 2002): S107-
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Health Benefits
Life Stage Benefits
What Is Omega-3
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Daily Requirements
Nutritionists and health professionals have come to recognize the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids to your overall health. However, the majority of people do not consume enough Omega-3s in their diet to achieve the optimum health benefits. Specifically, EPA and DHA have been identified as being severely lacking in the Western diet. Because EPA and ...
Other Health Benefits
The Omega-3s EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) provide your body with many essential health benefits. EPA and DHA are building blocks of all cells and vital organs, including such organs as your brain and heart. EPA and DHA are also used for suppressing bad compounds and providing good compounds, which are needed to support ...
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