Why You Need Omega-3 & a Multivitamin

Why You Need Omega-3 & a Multivitamin
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Essential nutrients keep you healthy and energized. Ideally, you get these nutrients from the foods you eat. But for one reason or another, you may not have a balanced diet. That's why you could benefit from a multivitamin and omega-3 supplement. They can ensure that you get what your diet doesn't provide.

Why Take a Multivitamin and Omega-3?

The average American diet contains unhealthy processed meats, refined grains, salty snacks and sugary drinks, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Your diet should consist of plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and lean meats like fish and poultry. If you are not able to eat this way, you may become fatigued or develop more serious problems such as inflammation, anemia or neurological issues. A daily multivitamin and omega-3 supplement can help you stay energized and avoid more serious nutrition-related problems.

Why Do You Need Essential Fats?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of essential fat. There are three types of fat: saturated fat, trans fat and unsaturated fat. You want to get most of your fat from unsaturated sources: vegetables, nuts, seeds and fish. Avoid trans fats completely, and limit your intake of saturated fat to less than 7 percent of your daily calories. Unsaturated fats from fish are especially healthy, because they include omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that your body is not able to make on its own. Your body uses omega-3 fatty acids in your cell membranes and brain. They have been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease, arthritis and some forms of cancer. Take a daily omega-3 supplement to ensure that you get these essential dietary fats.

Why Do You Need Essential Vitamins?

In addition to essential fats, you need 13 essential vitamins to function properly. The essential vitamins are A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate. Your body uses these vitamins in energy production, healing and brain and cardiovascular function.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Stress, genetics, physical fitness and diet can all affect your health. Develop healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercising and eating well every day. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends a daily supplement. This will protect your health even when you are not eating the way that you should. If you are on medication, check with your doctor, to see if a multivitamin or omega-3 will interfere with any medications that you're taking.

References

Article reviewed by Amy Richards Last updated on: Mar 10, 2011

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