Just about every isle in a grocery store contains a variety of products that are packaged with the words: “A good source of Omega-3″ boldly printed on the label. Food manufacturers have discovered that omega-3 sells product. Omega-3 is an essential body fat that is found in every cell in the human body, but the body can’t make enough omega-3 on its own, so our diet plays an important role in supplying enough of these essential fatty acids (EFA) to keep the body functioning properly.

Fat has been called the villain, when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. A low-fat diet has been promoted by health professional and the food industry for years, but in reality a low-fat diet does not enhance our health or regulate weight. Medical studies indicate that a shortage of fat can be a health negatives not a positive, in terms of keeping the body balanced and running effectively. Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent illnesses like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, diabetes and even the devastating Alzheimer condition. Our heart and mind cells and every other cell in the body, benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. They are readily available in a wide range of food sources.

The fat issue can be understood by putting it into two groups: Regular fat and essential fat. Omega-6 is known as regular fat and omega-3 is the essential fat. When the ratio of regular fat to essential fat is out of proportion, the body begins to experience health issues. Both fats are important but if there is too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3 in the cells, problems begin to manifest. The ratio of regular fat to essential fat should range between 2:1 and 4:1, but the typical American diet has a ratio between 10:1 and 30:1.

The culprits for this out of proportion fat intake are corn-derived products, corn-fed beef and animal fats. Fast and fried foods that are high in trans fats and hydrogenated oils and the lack of nuts, seafood and seeds in the diet, also play a role in our fat imbalance. In order to get our fat ratio inline, a diet consisting omega-3 foods like seafood, eggs, nuts, flaxseed and pumpkin seeds, as well as canola and hempseed oil should be implemented. Omega-6 foods like corn, soybean, sunflower and evening primrose oils should also be added to balance the ratio.

Vegans as well as all vegetarians can get omega-3 and omega-6 fats from the plant kingdom. People have lived for thousands of years as healthy vegetarians by using plant sources for omega-3 as well as for omega-6 fatty acids, but the fat ratio can get out of control. Vegetarians consume foods that contain the omega-3 and omega-6 (EFA and DHA) molecules ALA and LA, but some vegans and vegetarians bodies may have an issue converting those molecules to omega-3 or omega-6 fats. Vitamins B6 and B7 as well as copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium help improve the conversion activity from ALA or LA to EFA and DHA.

Vegan and vegetarian diets should be built on fresh whole plant food, like soy, nuts, seeds, olives and avocados, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements for conversion purposes. Concentrated oils and fats like olive canola and nut oil should be used for cooking and all processed and fried foods that are rich in omega-6 fatty acids and trans fat should be eliminated.

Guest post provided by V Pure – specialists in vegetarian omega 3 supplements and vegan diet supplements.

This article should be regarded as a reference source only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Seek the advice of your doctor before beginning any protocol. The author disclaims any liability arising from the use of information on these pages.