Winter is just around the corner, and what better way to safeguard your immune system with essential nutrients omega-3 and vitamin D to fight off the winter blues and keep colds and flues at bay.
Omega-3 and vitamin D are probably the most talked about nutrients in nutrition, and for good reason. Both omega-3 and vitamin D offer a wide array of benefits to the body and deficiency is widespread.
Eskimo-3 Advanced EPA, a high quality food supplement combining omega-3 fish oil with natural vitamin D3, combine these two nutrients in a one–a -day capsule.
Omega-3s: Vital for Good Health
The really important fatty acids are the “Essential fatty acids” termed “essential” as the body cannot make them and therefore they must be obtained through the diet. The best source of omega-3 is oily fish (sardines, salmon, anchovies, fresh tuna and mackerel). Oily fish provides the most beneficial and active fatty acids, commonly referred to as EPA and DHA. Surprisingly, a massive 89% of Irish people are not consuming sufficient oily fish in their diet, so often there is a need to take a good quality omega-3 fish oil.
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
Vitamin D3 is important for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, cell division and normal muscle function. Vitamin D is crucial when it comes to activating your immune system. It helps to keep the “guards” of your immune system alert, therefore allowing you to quickly and effectively fight off invaders before they can develop into a full-blown infection. Vitamin D also regulates the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin –your feel good hormone. Low levels are thought to be responsible for S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder), commonly referred to as “The Winter Blues”, and therefore supplementing with vitamin D during the winter months can help ease symptoms and improve mood.
Essential at Every Age
Vital for Mother & Baby
Omega-3 DHA is essential during pregnancy to ensure optimal foetal brain, eye, and immune and nervous system development. If a woman’s stores are low, this can increase the risk of postnatal depression.
Brain Food for Kids
Children need Omega 3 for every stage of their development. Omega-3 DHA is vital for brain function. Without these important fats, it can become difficult for children to concentrate, learn new information, and balance their moods properly. A 2012 study found Omega 3 DHA had a profound improvement in reading age, concentration and learning ability in children, lower levels of DHA were attributed to poorer reading and impaired performance.
Vitamin D is crucial for a child’s health and development – it helps the body absorb minerals like calcium, builds strong teeth and bones, and helps regulate the immune system, which helps the body to fight off infections such as throat infections and asthma.
Teens need Omega-3 too
Teenagers require omega-3 and healthy omega-6 GLA to help boost brain power and regulate hormones and balance mood. Students require at least 250mg omega-3 DHA daily while studying for exams. Just as calcium is essential in building strong bones, DHA is essential for good brain health. Increasing your level of omega-3 can lead to improved concentration, a sharper memory, less anxiety, overall making it easier to study.
Healthy Ageing
You will be happy to hear that omega-3 can reduce your risk of heart disease and help reduce cognitive decline. Omega-3s have been found to improve numerous heart disease risk factors. They help maintain heart function, help reduce blood pressure, lower triglycerides and improve blood circulation.
Omega-3 is also vital for brain function. People who don’t get enough omega-3s in their diet can become demotivated, disinterested, forgetful and may experience low mood, while serious deficiency can lead to an increased risk of developing conditions such as depression and Alzheimer’s.
Taking a daily fish oil supplement, naturally rich in omega-3, can support your heart, brain, joints and skin and is a simple way to safeguard your health. Eskimo-3 Advanced EPA with Vitamin D3 combines two of these beneficial nutrients in one capsule. Drop into your local health food store or pharmacy to find out which
Eskimo-3 product is right for you!
Available in health food stores, pharmacies and online; eskimo3.ie