ARE ALL OMEGA-3’S THE SAME?
If you are confused about dietary supplements, you are not alone. There are so many out on the market today and the unfortunate part of the supplement industry is that is poorly regulated. A recent study stated that only 25% of supplements on the market HAD what they SAID they had in them. There are three main types of omega-3’s to keep track of. There is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). EPA and DHA are found mainly in fish and are commonly referred to as marine omega-3’s. ALA is found mainly in plant-based foods such as flaxseed, walnuts, and canola and soybean oils. Studies have shown that EPA and DHA offer some measurable protection against heart attacks and strokes. They have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects to battle conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. They jury is still out on the exact effects of ALA because the body actually converts ALA to EPA and then to DHA, but only in small amounts. The best way to get more omega-3’s is to increase your intake of fish in your diet. However, not all fish are created equal. Cold water fish such as mackerel, trout, herring, tuna, salmon and sardines are the best when it comes to omega-3 levels. Swordfish, flounder, perch and catfish have lesser levels of omega-3’s. The American Heart Association recommends that adults eat two servings of omega-rich fish per week (about 400-500mg of EPA and DHA). People with heart disease should double that amount. Taking fish oil capsules is also a viable option. Be careful about the levels reported on the bottle as they may be misleading. Please allow The Hart Wellness Center and Dr. Hartmann steer you in the right direction when it comes to supplement intake.
GOOD NEWS FOR CHOCOLATE, WINE AND TEA LOVERS
Polyphenols are found in grapes, tea, red wine, cocoa and coffee. Flavonoids are a subtype of polyphenols that have shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing and high intake of any of these above mentioned items come with their own individual risks. Everything is best in moderation.
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
“October, here’s to you. Here’s to the heady aroma of the frost-kissed apples, the wine-y spell of ripened grapes, the wild-as-the-wind smell of hickory nuts and the nostalgic whiff of that first wood smoke.”
LETTERS FROM LINZIE
Linzie will not be returning to Yoga classes during the month of October. She will have plans to return in a month or two once everything has settled into the winter months. Thank you to all yoga students and she will be in touch soon for updates on classes and schedules upon her return. There will be a WORKSHOP and details are to come.
