omega

Whoop whoop for walnuts!

Care of Laura Wright My first exposure to walnuts was, sadly, as a seemingly stubborn addition to brownies. I’ve grown out of that childhood distaste and thank goodness. The taste is rich and wonderful, whether you’re eating them raw or toasted, and the health benefits are kind of insane too. They are the edible seed of their respective tree and the most common major species of walnuts are grown for their seeds exclusively–the Persian or English walnut and the black Walnut. The black walnut is grown throughout North America, as well as in Ontario, and has a wonderfully strong eucalyptus kind of flavour. For Your Mind: Walnuts have an impressive Omega-3 fatty acid content and what’s more? A solid handful will provide you with most of your daily needed intake. Our brains rely on healthy fats for their make-up, but also in terms of mood stabilization and overall activity. Solid, saturated fats rather predictably make for solid and sticky barriers to nutrient and waste flow. Omega-3 fats tend to be more fluid which makes for more optimal nutrient absorption and overall brain function. Sprinkle a few on salads, grind them into a nut butter or simply snack on… Read More

Filed under: Eat Veg elifelines Food of the Month Nutrition

Fabulous Fats: Omega 3s

Care of Nimisha Raja and Karen Soper This month, we’ve got a basic reminder on the importance of Omega Fatty Acids. These are referred to as the Omega 3 and 6 fats that are healthy and good for you. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) are not manufactured by the body – hence they must be acquired from the diet. Some of the functions of healthy fats in our bodies include: •    Transporting essential fat-soluable vitamins D,E,A, and K, •    Enhancing and maintaining normal brain development and functioning, •    Contributing to cell membrane flexibility and selective permeability (keeping healthy products in and cellular debris and toxins out), •    Improving the body’s health by increasing metabolic rate, energy production and oxygen intake. •    Contributing to the production of hormone like substances called prostaglandins (which regulate hormonal levels). A common misconception is that people need to consume fish oil to get their omega 3.  However instead of consuming the fish itself, the direct source of EPA is actually the algae that fish eat, so we can actually supplement with spirulina and microalgae products (even wakame seaweed is very high in EPA). Omega 3 is also found in flax, walnut… Read More

Filed under: elifelines Healthy Living Nutrition