If food is the energy that keeps our body's motor running, then Omega-3 is the oil that helps keep our engine running smoothly. Just like a car engine needs oil to function properly, our bodies need Omega-3 fatty acids (a type of fat) to keep our brains and hearts healthy, reduce inflammation, and support other important bodily functions. Without enough Omega-3, our bodies might start to feel sluggish and not work as well as they should.
In our Metabolic Balance programme, as part of Phase 3, we add a good quantity of Omega-3 in the form of 40g of flaxseeds (ground just before eating) or as a spoonful of flaxseed oil. The former is easy to store and requires little preparation, except for grinding the seeds just before use, which takes no time. Usually, a coffee grinder is good to have for grinding flaxseeds. If you don't want to grind seeds every day, flaxseed oil is a good option. There are some great products on the market, but it's important to know that once opened, you have to store it in a cool, dark place like the fridge to prevent oxidation. If it tastes bitter, you should buy a new one. It's good to keep in mind that flaxseed oil has a relatively short shelf life, so don't stock up if you see promotions. Only buy in small quantities.
The reason why it's important to add flaxseeds or flaxseed oil to your diet is because of their many benefits that complement the Metabolic Balance programme. Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are not only healthy due to their high Omega-3 content, but they are also a good source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This is an essential fatty acid that our bodies cannot produce on their own and must be obtained through our diet. Because of its health benefits, flaxseed oil and flaxseeds are often used as a supplement, added to smoothies, or used as a salad dressing in most balanced diets.
So, for your next supermarket shop, if you want to add one new thing to your basket grab a pack of flaxseeds or a bottle of flaxseed oil and life your healthy life with a new nutty-to-taste food ingredient.
Learn more about metabolic balance programme here.