Omega 3 and Weight Loss: Lose Body Fat by Eating the Right Kind of Fat
Many people who are trying to lose weight make the mistake of eliminating all forms of fat from their diet.
However, did you know that you need at least some kinds of fat in order to shed those pounds effectively? Take
essential fatty acids like omega 3's, for example. If you're serious about slimming down in a safe and healthy
manner, you should learn more about the connection between omega 3 and weight loss.
What Are Omega 3's?
They are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) or essential fatty acids -- or the good types of fat. Now,
essential fatty acids like omega 3's play a vital role in our health in many ways. They prevent or even improve
conditions arising from inflammation, such as arthritis and atherosclerosis. They help improve focus, memory, and
attention, as well as help resolve psychiatric problems like schizophrenia and depression. And according to
preliminary studies, they also show significant potential for reducing one's risk of developing certain types of
cancers.
The human body is incapable of producing essential fatty acids like omega 3's on its own; that's why it's vital to
include omega 3-rich foods in our diets. The best food sources are fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackarel, as
well as plant-based products like flaxseed and green leafy vegetables like purslane and spinach.
However, scientific research has shown that the best type of omega 3's for weight loss are those that come from
fish oil.
How Do Omega 3's Help You Lose Weight?
- They reduce hunger pangs.
- They improve blood sugar and insulin levels.
- They help burn fat more effectively.
A number of clinical studies, the results of which were published in scientific and medical journals, showed that
overweight people who took
omega 3 fish oil supplements and exercised lost the greatest amount of weight. In one study, people who took
fish oil capsules and exercised lost an average of 4.5 pounds in three months, without changing anything in
their diets. Just imagine how much more dramatic the results would have been if test subjects had also followed
sensible eating habits.
The results of another study, conducted in Australia, showed that daily supplementation with a fish oil capsule and
moderate aerobic exercise three times a week over a period of 12 weeks resulted in the loss of fat in the abdominal
region. For those struggling with tummy fat, this is good news indeed.
According to these and other studies, omega 3's promote weight loss by how they help regulate the body's insulin
and blood sugar levels. Too much insulin prevents the body from using fat as a source of energy, since insulin
activates enzymes that promote fat storage and convert carbohydrates into fat. Moreover, insulin prevents the
breakdown of stored fat and its conversion into fuel the body can use. By controlling blood insulin levels, omega
3's make it easier for your body to burn fat.
If you're trying to lose weight, you know that food cravings and untimely hunger pangs are major challenges to
overcome. This is partly caused by elevated blood sugar levels, and by controlling your blood sugar, omega 3 fatty
acids help you stop from feeling hungry all the time. Their role as a natural appetite suppressant is another bonus
for those on a weight loss journey.
Weight Loss and Disease Prevention with Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements
Obesity increases your risk of acquiring a number of health problems like diabetes and heart disease. The good news
is that omega 3's play a major role in preventing -- and even alleviating -- these and other ailments. In fact, a
study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that essential fatty acids like omega
3's were effective in improving glucose-insulin metabolism and dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol profile). The
study also found that the risk of cardiovascular disease was markedly reduced in overweight people suffering from
hypertension, whose weight loss programs included eating fish rich in essential fatty acids.
Some people don't like the taste of fish, some are concerned about the presence of contaminants like mercury and
lead in commercially farmed fish. These problems can be overcome with the intake of high quality fish oil
supplements. Just make sure that the supplements you buy are fresh. Many fish oil brands contain additives and
flavoring to disguise the ingredients' lack of freshness. Additionally, the way some companies process their fish
oil products is a cause for concern. You should opt for fish oil that has been molecularly distilled, since this
process ensures that the product is free from all contaminants.
Advisory: Always consult your physician before taking any dietary supplements. Fish oil supplements
are not advised for people who are taking anticoagulant medication, those who have suffered a hemorrhagic
stroke, and those who are about to undergo a surgical procedure.
The connection between good fats like omega 3 and weight loss is good news, and losing weight without compromising
your health is even better. To help you find pharmaceutical-grade, high-quality fish oil supplements, we recommend
you consider a company in New Zealand, called Xtend-Life Natural Products. Their omega 3 fish oil capsules surpass
international standards for freshness and purity; they source their oil from sustainable hoki fisheries in the
cold, pristine waters off the country's southern coast; and they observe strict processing and encapsulation
protocols to ensure that you, the customer, gets no less than the best and purest fish oils.
Visit the Xtend-Life omega 3 fish oil
supplements page and learn how these excellent nutritional supplements can improve your health -- without
making a big dent in your budget.
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