The Role of Omegas in Weight Loss
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential fatty acid. This means your body needs Omega-3 fatty acids in order to carry out its normal functions and processes. Your body does not make omega-3 fatty acids on its own. You must get omega-3 fatty acids from your diet.
Most people do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids in the typical American diet. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish, walnuts, and avocado. While on Ideal Protein, many of the foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are restricted, due to the high caloric amount (we will be adding these foods back in during the stabilization phase). It is important that you supplement with an omega-3 fatty acid supplement during the weight loss phase to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of this important essential fatty acid for your overall health and wellness.
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in many ways. They can fight depression and anxiety, improve eye health, promote brain health, lower the risk of heart disease, reduce symptoms of ADHD, reduce symptoms of metabolic syndrome, fight autoimmune disease, improve meatal disorders, fight age related mental decline, help prevent cancer, reduce asthma, reduce fatty liver, improve bone and joint health, alleviate PMS, improve sleep, improve your skin, and fight inflammation.
Omega 3 fatty acids are a natural anti-inflammatory. They can help to reduce the harmful effects of inflammation. While inflammation is a normal body response that helps fight off infection and heal damaged tissue, chronic inflammation can actually be harmful. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health problems like chronic pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, eczema, and arthritis.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also play a role in a healthy weight loss program. Study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can help control hunger, metabolism, and aid in fat loss.
Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce your hunger and appetite. In a recent study, it was shown those participating is a weight loss program using fish oil reported feeling significantly fuller up to two hours after a meal.
Fish oil may increase your metabolism. Your metabolism is the engine that burns your calories. Therefore, if you have a quicker metabolism you will most likely be burning calories quicker as well. This can aid in weight loss.
Fish oil may also help you lose more inches (due to losing more fat). This may not be reflected on the scale, but may be reflected more in how your clothes fit and your body fat percentage.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also help act as a natural intestinal lubricant, aiding in healthy, daily bowel movements. Having a daily bowel movement is important in a weight loss program.
Fish oil, specifically, is known to increase the production of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP). IAP plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of your intestines and reducing inflammation.
Fish oils also have a natural anti microbial effect in the GI tract and promotes healthier gut flora. A healthy GI system is important for your overall health and wellness in general, but even more so when on a healthy weight loss protocol.
