By Chris Martinez
Aug.23, 2010- A diet rich in omega-3 fish oil or healthy monounsaturated fats found in oils such as olive and canola may be beneficial for people with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is an abundance of risk factors known to increase the chances of heart attacks and diabetes. Features of metabolic syndrome include high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high cholesterol levels, and abdominal fat. Fish oil has been shown to reduce triglycerides (main source of ingested fat and if they are too high they will lead to metabolic syndrome) and improve other cardiovascular risk factors. If you are not a person that likes that fish oil taste after you supplement it, try eating at least 1-2 meals a day that contains omega-3’s. Foods that are rich in Omega-3’s are salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, sardines, flax seed, and walnuts. Keep in mind that if you decide to get your omega 3’s through a solid diet, try to go for wild cuts of meat in fish because the farm raised cuts are not as high in omega 3’s. But, wild cuts are much more expensive and a simple solution is to just supplement fish oil right after your fish meal (If its farm raised). Another important point I want to make here is that foods containing Omega 3’s, although good for you, can potentially lead to excessive fat gains if you don’t eat in moderation. One gram of fat equals nine calories, so usually a 4 oz. piece of salmon will have close to 20 grams of fat, which is 180 calories just for 4 ounces. This is why macro nutrient counting is important so that your body is getting the correct nutrients that it needs and not storing excess fat. Some other benefits to why you should have fish oil in your diet: enhancement of smooth muscle function, decreased inflammation, alleviation of dyslipidema, treatment of mood disorders and reduced cortisol levels. There are even some studies suggesting it is good for bone health, skin, nails and hair. So, make sure to have fish oil in your diet from now on because your body can not produce this on its own. It must be through supplementation or diet.