Balance. Easier said than found.
Certain seeds may come in handy when it comes to achieving a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Chia and hemp seeds are gaining increasing popularity as legitimate sources of PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids).1,2
The human body needs these essential fatty acids, but we don’t make them. Totally messed up right? That’s why it’s important to find healthy dietary sources. Chia and hemp seeds help us to consume omega-3 and omega-6, and—bonus!—they tend to come with additional health benefits.3
Chia Seeds
Not all fat is bad. Chia seeds are approximately 40 percent oil. Of this 40 percent, around 60 percent is the plant-based omega-3 fat, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
ALAs can help support healthy cholesterol levels already in the normal range.2
Food preparation
With little to no preparation, chia seeds can easily be incorporated into your diet.2,3 Use them as salad toppings or additions to soups, pudding, or pasta. They add a mild nutty flavor to oatmeal, yogurt, and smoothies.
Heads up! If you’ve ever experienced swallowing difficulties, you may want to add the seeds to a liquid base first, since they expand in size and could block your throat if swallowed whole. Or, reap the benefits by adding to pancakes or other baked goods.
Hemp Seeds
Like chia, hemp seeds contain ALA, the plant-based omega-3. Dietary hempseed also contains linoleic acid (LA) which is an omega-6.7
Since 30 percent of hemp seeps are healthy fats, they’re a healthy, plant-based fatty acid addition to our diets.1
Protective factors
Because dietary hempseed is high in PUFAs, it tends to provide protection to the heart.1 And, the ratio of omega-6: omega-3 is also believed to provide relief from some skin conditions. If we are deficient in essential fatty acids, we may notice an increase in dry skin, eczema, and cracked heels.4
Essential Omegas
The human body is a well-oiled machine. Essential fatty acids provide much of this natural oil, but our bodies don’t make all of the essentials on its own. Everything from supporting brain health and stress management can be affected by omega-3s.5,6
Seeds like chia and hemp offer high proportions of the plant-based version of these essential fatty acids.
> Learn about “The Complete Omega Product”: MegaX®
> Share your recipes featuring Chia Seeds on Facebook!
References
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