There are basically two types of good polyunsaturated fats that we can obtain from food. These are the Omega-3 and the Omega-6 fats that are found in dietary fats and oils.
You are probably already familiar with the Omega 3 fatty acids. There has been a big deal made in the media about how these fats actually help protect the heart from cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels. Omega 3 fatty acids are now added to everything from eggs to orange juice to canned spaghetti so it is a bit easier to consume enough of it in our daily diet than it used to be.
Omega 3 fatty acids are generally found in fish and the cheapest most available source is simply canned fish. However there have been concerns of late that there is too much mercury in canned fish which is why some people nowadays prefer to take it supplements instead. Fish oil supplements are also readily available at most pharmacies and health food stores.
However the fish that has the highest levels of Omega 3’s are in your kitchen cupboard are in the form of canned salmon and tuna. Canned fish is widely available and the more you eat it, the healthier your arteries will be.
Consuming enough Omega 3 oils has other health benefits as well. Besides protecting your heart they have also been found to help you lose weight. Researchers have proved that a diet high in Omega 3 oils can positively affect the body’s metabolism so that it burn fat almost six times more efficiently.
Yet another excellent source of Omega 3 fat is flaxseed. It is also high in fiber and eating fiber is one the most efficient and simplest of ways to lower your cholesterol level. It also helps to flush cholesterol and other wastes out of the colon.
You can buy flaxseeds, flaxseed oil and flaxseed bread in most health food stores. You can also sprinkle ground flaxseeds into smoothies and on top of ice cream and add it to chilis, muffins and sauces. You can use it as a condiment or as an ingredient.
Omega 6 fatty acids, which are easier to find in food sources than the Omega 3 acids also help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.
Omega 6 fatty are founding vegetable oils, meat, eggs and dairy products.
Most of us get enough Omega 6 fatty acids through our daily diet because they are widely available in a variety of foods. We don’t really have to be concerned about getting enough Omega 6 oils in their diet.