The Fat Burning Potential of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

It may seem odd that some of the best fat burning foods are high in fat themselves. It has long been known that a diet supplying an adequate amount of Omega 3 fatty acids, offers numerous health benefits including weight loss and maintenance. Omega 3 fatty acids aid in regulating blood sugar levels which helps stave off hunger and they may also help to increase our metabolic rate, allowing us to burn more calories.

Omega 3 fats come in 3 varieties, all of which are polyunsaturated. Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid found in vegetables and nuts. Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic acids are the types found in fish oils and certain marine mammals.

New health benefits of fish oil are being discovered continually, adding to the importance of including them in our diet. Research has shown that fish oils may reduce dangerously high triglyceride levels and hinder the formation of blood clots which can cause heart attack and stroke. They also may help prevent heart rhythm abnormalities. Along with keeping our tickers ticking properly, Omega 3’s keep our immune system running smoothly which has been linked to a decreased risk of certain types of cancers. They are a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to relieve some symptoms of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. These heart healthy fats also appear to have a positive influence on asthma, lupus, kidney disease and depression.

So how much is enough? The American Dietetic Association suggest 2 to 3 seafood meals per week in combination with an otherwise low fat diet. The best sources of Omega 3’s come from cold water and deep sea fin and shellfish such as salmon, tuna, clams, oysters, mackerel, mussels and crab.

If you are a seafood lover like me there are many delicious, healthy fish recipes out there to experiment with. If you simply don’t fancy fish, don’t worry, you can enjoy the same health and weight loss benefits by supplementing your diet with fish oil capsules.

Try this yummy summer salad for a heart healthy lunch or dinner, or bring it along to your next potluck BBQ! Serve this salad as is, on a bed of tossed greens or tucked in a whole wheat pita.

Dilly Cucumber Tuna Salad

Ingredients

1 – 6 ounce can water packed White Tuna, drained

1/2 Cucumber, peeled, seeded, diced

2 small Green Onions

2 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh Dill

2 Tbsp nonfat Yogurt

2 Tbsp low fat Mayo

2 1/2 Tsp Dijon mustard

Pinch of Salt

Ground Pepper to taste

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Chill for at least 4 hours.

About Shauna
	Shauna is a personal trainer, nutrition consultant and health and fitness writer for Workoutbox.com. She is also the creator of the "Soccer Mom weight loss program". Read more

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