Omega-3s are fatty acids essential to human health and needed throughout all life stages, from pregnancy, infancy, childhood and extending through to adulthood.
There are 2 main types of omega-3 fatty acids and for optimum health we need to consume both:
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ShortChain: Omega-3 ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid) - is found in canola and linseed (or flaxseed) oils, soybeans and green vegetables.
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Long Chain: Omega-3 EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) & Omega-3 DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) –found in oily fish such as salmon, swordfish and tuna. They are the most effective type of Omega 3 for development and function.
Omega-3 is beneficial to the brain, eyes and heart
Omega-3 Benefits
Heart
Long chain Omega-3s play a beneficial role in helping to maintain heart health.
Eye
Long chain Omega-3s helps to develop and maintain our eye sight.
Brain
Long chain Omega-3s are essential for infant brain development and ongoing mental function.
Mood
Long chain Omega 3s is a major component of the brain. The brain is made up of 60% fat of which predominantly is DHA. The brain needs more of these omega-3 fatty acids than any other organ in the body. Omega-3 DHA helps to control the transfer of messages throughout the brain and small studies have found people with a high intake of Omega-3 DHA often report stable moods, more research is required.
Joints
There is a growing body of evidence, which suggests omega-3 may help maintain healthy functioning of joints as we get older.
Experts recommend for optimum health women should consume 430mg per day and men 610mg per day of long chain omega 3.
How to increase your Omega-3 intake
Tip Top bakeries have developed a bread enriched with long chain Omega 3. Tip Top Sunblest UP® bread with Omega 3 DHA is available in both white and wholemeal bread. 2 servings (4 slices) of Tip Top Sunblest UP® bread can increase the average daily intake of omega-3 DHA by 50%*
Helpful hints to increase your daily intake of Omega-3:
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Increase your intake of oily fish to at least 2 times a week (try salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna).
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For sandwiches and toast use Tip Top Up® Omega 3 DHA white and wholemeal bread.
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Use omega-3 enriched eggs, lean meat and fish for sandwich fillings or scrambled eggs on Tip Top Up® Omega 3 DHA toast for breakfast.
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Increase your intake of Omega-3 ALA rich foods, such as canola oil, mustard seed oil, linseeds, walnuts and wheat germ.
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include soy beans, baked beans, red kidney beans and green leafy vegetables in your meals.
For more information about the health benefits of Omega-3 see the Omega-3 Centre Website at www.omega-3centre.com
*Based on an average daily intake of 106mg Omega-3 DHA. Meyer et al, ISSFAL 2002.
