Omega III

"If you don't eat fish, how do you get enough omega-3 in your diet?" "Do you get enough protein?" Two questions I've heard often repeated when people find out I'm vegetarian. The answer to both is: There are plenty of plant-based means for including good fatty acids (known as omega-3s) and protein in your diet. Walnuts, avocado, flax, hemp, olive oil, green leafy veggies, soybeans, and pumpkin seeds are some of the most common sources. You can take vegetarian supplements, but I have a really hard time swallowing those gigantic pills.

So why the big fuss over omega-3? WebMD offers an explanation...

"The benefits of omega-3s include reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke while helping to reduce symptoms of hypertension, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain and other rheumatoid problems, as well as certain skin ailments. Some research has even shown that omega-3s can boost the immune system and help protect us from an array of illnesses including Alzheimer's disease. Just how do omega-3s perform so many health "miracles" in people? One way, experts say, is by encouraging the production of body chemicals that help control inflammation -- in the joints, the bloodstream, and the tissues." Read the whole article here. 

Pretty important stuff, right?

In our house we like to include a sprinkling of flax seed or ground flax in just about everything from smoothies to cookies. (Flax is an excellent replacer for eggs in baking!) I recently found an easier way of ingesting our daily dosage of omega-3....Smooth, creamy, and delicious! 

Kinda spendy, but totally worth it! One tablespoon has 93% of your daily allowance for omega-3 (1,490 mg). And, it tastes awesome...We chose the pomegranate/blueberry variety of Barleans brand flax oil.  They also have cinnamon, lemonade, banana/strawberry flavors and of course, plain ol' plain. 

Hey now, there's no reason why you shouldn't enjoy improving your health! :0) So, whether it's munching on a handful of walnuts, grinding flax seed between your teeth, savoring luciously smooth flax oil, or eating a hearty green salad, make a mental note to daily add more omega-3 to your diet!