The Role of Diet in Our Health

Diet plays a vital role in our health due to the essential nutrients found in certain foods.

And if you don’t eat a well-balanced diet, it’s easy to become deficient in certain vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.

The Importance of Omega-3s

According to one expert, omega-3s are an “essential” nutrient that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

With that in mind, Justin Butler, Head of Research at Viva, has identified some of the signs of an omega-3 deficiency, stating: “Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of our cell membranes, a key component of many hormones, and help regulate inflammation. Inflammation is our body’s defense mechanism against infection and injury, but too much of it can cause chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and some types of cancer.”

She added: “It can also reduce the buildup of fatty plaques in blood vessels, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and has a proven effect on heart rate.”

Signs of Omega-3 Deficiency

Butler warns of three skin symptoms that could indicate an omega-3 deficiency:

• Dry skin

• Skin roughness

• Dandruff

However, there are other signs of low omega-3 levels, including brittle nails, headaches, and stomach pains.

Butler explained that we don’t need a lot of omega-3 fats in our diet, but we do need some. Omega-3 fats are important for brain function, and a low intake of them can negatively impact behavior, learning, and mood.”

Low omega-3 levels are associated with behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, sleep problems, and learning difficulties in some children.

Sources of Omega 3

Foods rich in omega-3s include:

• Oily fish

• Linen

• Chia seeds

• Walnuts

• Soy

Source: Express