Omega-3 fatty acids have become popular because of the health benefits that they provide your body if you include them in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and in nuts, seeds and some vegetables. If you eat a Mediterranean style diet, then you will consume ample omega-3 fatty acids because of the types of foods that are included in this style of eating.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that your body must get through the foods that you eat. Your body uses them throughout your body in your cell membranes and they are important for brain function, blood clotting, hormone production and omega-3 fatty acids seem to offer health benefits because they decrease your risk for developing heart disease, arthritis and cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like salmon, tuna, halibut, anchovies and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in plant sources such as walnuts and flaxseed.
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is a style of eating that is common in the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea. Each of the countries are different, but the American Heart Association states that the Mediterranean diet includes high consumption of fruits, vegetables, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds. The diet also contains foods high in unsaturated fat, such as olive oil and fish. The diet is usually low in meat and when it is present it is in small amounts. Red meat, dairy and eggs are not considered a large part of the diet. Wine is included with many meals and is consumed in moderation in the Mediterranean diet.
Importance of Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids and the Mediterranean diet have a connection because of the types of fats that are common in the diet. The Mediterranean diet is low in meat, and therefore is low in saturated fat. Omega-3 fats from fish, nuts or seeds are polyunsaturated fats that are considered healthy for your heart. The Mediterranean diet is high in unsaturated fat, particularly because of the use of olive oil, vegetables, nuts, seeds and fish.
Considerations
The American Heart Association says that the Mediterranean style diet is similar to a traditional healthy eating plan. The style does include a large amount of fat, but it is healthier because the fat is unsaturated. The Mediterranean style diet is a heart healthy diet because it includes fish and other sources of omega-3 fats, but you must do more than just eat omega-3s to improve your heart health. MayoClinic.com says that, in addition to the healthy fats in the diet, the Mediterranean diet also emphasizes exercise as an additional heart healthy habit.
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