Posts Tagged ‘omega-3’

Recently krill oil has been gaining popularity as a superior source of omega-3 fatty acids. But what exactly is krill oil and is it better than fish oil?

Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that live near Antarctica and are a staple food source for baleen whales and penguins. Oil extracted from these small sea creatures are being extracted and manufactured into capsules as a source of omega-3 fatty acids for human consumption. Omega-3 fatty acids are famous for their numerous health benefits: everything from boosting the immune system and increasing brain function to preventing cancer and heart disease. Krill oil also contains vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from UV-damage.

The components of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, are have a different structural arrangement in krill oil versus fish oil. This structural difference allows the krill oil to be more easily absorbed by the human body thus preventing “fish burps” commonly associated with fish oil capsules. Krill oil has been found to decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and lower blood sugar. It has also been shown to be an effective treatment for reducing aches, pain, inflammation, and PMS.

Krill oil capsules are slightly smaller than fish oil capsules in size but tend to be more expensive. The red pigment of the capsules comes from the red algae that krill consume as part of their diet. Most products recommend that you take 1 krill oil capsule/day and people with shellfish allergies should not take krill oil. While the research is still new on krill oil capsules, it appears that there are no adverse side effects to taking them. Overall, krill oil seems to have similar effects as fish oil with a few added perks. You can find krill oil capsules at your local health food store and give them a try!

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The newest addition to my kitchen pantry is Earth Balance natural buttery spread. Earth Balance natural buttery spread is a vegan butter replacement that is just as good, if not better, than the real thing! Earth Balance is a sister company to the well-known Smart Balance butter products. Earth Balance products contain no trans fat, hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, or GMOs. They are lactose-free, glucose-free, and dairy-free! You can use Earth Balance butter just like real butter; spread it on toast or use to to sauté, bake, or fry food.

So what is Earth Balance made of?

Ingredients: expeller pressed natural oil blend (soybean palm fruit, canola, and olive), filtered water, pure salt, natural flavor (derived from corn, no MSG, no alcohol, no gluten), soy protein, soy lecithin, lactic acid (non-dairy, derived from sugar beets), and beta-carotene color (from natural source)

The omega-3 fatty acids found in Earth Balance products help reduce the risk of heart disease. When consumed regularly, omega-3 fatty acids are found to help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower blood sugar in those with diabetes, and fight inflammation which may be present in disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Earth Balance butter comes in many varieties including original, original whipped, soy garden, with olive oil, and soy-free. The butter replacement comes in both tub and stick form to meet all your cooking needs.

I recently used Earth Balance original natural buttery spread to make garlic bread and it turned out wonderfully; I was really pleased with the texture, flavor, and performance of the product! I cannot wait to try more of Earth Balance products. They even make vegan natural shortening and peanut butter which is sweetened with agave nectar!

Check out Earth Balance products at www.earthbalancenatural.com for more information!

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Trying to get a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids but sick of dealing with fish oil capsules everyday? Flaxseed is the perfect alternative!

These tiny seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, phytoestrogen, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Sound too scientific for you? Don’t worry, you’ll be a flaxseed expert in no time!

Flaxseed is extremely rich in omega-3 fatty acids. When consumed regularly, omega-3 fatty acids are found to help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower blood sugar in those with diabetes, and fight inflammation which may be present in disorders such as Alzheimer’s.   

Flaxseed is also a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber! Fiber helps move foods efficiently through your digestive system to help keep you regular and prevent colon cancer.

Flaxseed contains phytoestrogen which is estrogen found in plants. Phytoestrogen help to naturally stabalize hormone levels during menstuation or menopause. Flaxseed also contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is an essential compound for brain function and has a natural mood boosting characteristic!

Flaxseed comes in both brown and gold varieties, both of which have beneficial and nutritious characteristics. Flaxseed can be found at just about any grocery store today. Look for ground flaxseed because it is more easily digested by the body. Be sure to refrigerate flaxseed after opening to prevent the natural oils from going rancid.

So how can you incorporate flaxseed into your diet? Aim for 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed a day. Simply add it to hot cereal, yogurt, smoothies, or even baking goods! You’ll be reaping the health benefits of flaxseed in no time!Enjoy this post? Share it with your Facebook friends!

How your skin looks on the outside is a reflection of what you put inside your body. The foods you eat can actually increase skin health and enhance the appearance of your skin. However, you have to choose the right foods. Therefore, Eat Chic has composed a list of foods for healthier and better looking skin! Try to incorporate any of these nutritious foods into your daily diet and see if you notice a difference in how your skin glows!

1. Avocado: avocados contain a unique blend of essential oils and B vitamins. One in particular, vitamin B3 (niacin) has anti-inflammatory characteristics which help soothe irritated skin and decrease skin redness. The oils in avocados are what make them a well-known ingredient in facial masks because they help rid of dry skin.
2. Flaxseed: foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseed hyrdate the skin and help to unclog pores. Try salmon, walnuts, or even chia seeds for other sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Mangoes: mangoes are a good source of vitamin A (July’s Vitamin of the Month!). Vitamin A helps to maintain skin cells and repair them should they be damaged from free radicals such as ultraviolet rays from the sun.
4. Berries: berries such as blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries all contain high amounts of antioxidants which protect skin against sun damage and skin cancer by fighting off free radials that may damage the skin.
5. Almonds: almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E which protects skin from premature aging. Almonds also contain natural oils that moisturize the skin.

What should you drink for healthy skin? Green tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Water is also important to maintaining natural glowing skin. Keeping yourself well hydrated will prevent dry skin and also flush out any harmful toxins in the body.

Add these foods to your diet and let your natural beauty shine through!Enjoy this post? Share it with your Facebook friends!

Chia is back! But not in the form of a sprouting green clay animal. Believe it or not, the seeds used to grow such plants  are a great dietary supplement! Chia seeds are extremely high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, antioxidants, calcium, and a number of vitamin and minerals!

The Chia plant is native to Mexico and is grown commerically for its seeds. Chia seeds are a nutty-tasting, gluten-free whole grain and can be eaten a number of ways. You can eat chia seeds raw by tossing them into anything from salad and soups to yougurt, oatmeal, and smoothies. They can also be ground up and used in baking recipes or soaked in water to give them a gelatinous texture.

By adding just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to your daily diet you can reap its numerous health benefits; 2 tablespoons provides you with 7g of fiber, 4g of protein, and 5g of omega-3 fatty acids.

Chia seeds are similar to flaxseed but they do not require grinding for digestion and they do not go rancid as quickly as flaxseed. These little seeds are full of healthy fat, protein, and fiber, and are considered a superfood! They have been found to lower blood pressure, help regulate blood sugar, and even give you energy!

Chia seeds can be purchased either online or at your local health food store so give them a try and let Eat Chic know what you think!Enjoy this post? Share it with your Facebook friends!