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VEGETARIAN SOURCES OF OMEGA-3

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A Standard American Diet is usually loaded with protein, saturated fat, and processed foods—all of which tend to promote inflammation in our bodies. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruit and vegetables, whole grains, plant protein sources, and fewer processed foods is an excellent way to reduce chronic inflammation. Omega-3 lowers inflammation. So, if you’re a vegetarian or you just don’t eat fish there are plenty of non-fish alternatives, so you can fulfill your omega-3 fatty acid requirements. Note that we need to consume total of about 1100 – 1600 mg per day in plant-sourced omega-3s for adults.

Nuts: Walnuts and their lesser-known cousin, the Butternut, are excellent sources of the omega-3, Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA). Just one ounce (about 12 walnut halves) has about 1,000mg ALA. Cashews and pecans also contain lesser amounts.

Seeds: Flax seed, chia seed, and hemp seed are all great sources of Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA). Keep the ground flax meal in the refrigerator, and sprinkle a tablespoon or so on your morning yogurt. Half a tablespoon contains about 6,000mg of ALA!

Oils: Flax oil, walnut oil, and hemp seed oil are all excellent sources of ALA. Because omega-3 fatty acids oxidize so quickly when heated, use them cold pressed in salads.

Omega-3 fortified foods: Lots of foods on your grocery store’s shelves are now fortified with ALA, DHA, and EPA, including some peanut butters, dairy products, soy milks, and eggs.

Source: Spry Living

Author: TxNaturalPediatrics

By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives. In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.

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