Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that can play a major role in improving the menopausal transition. Its many health benefits make an impressive line-up; from our hearts to our minds and every cell in between, omega 3s contribute to every inch of our bodies, both externally and internally, in terms of health. Studies have shown that omega 3 fatty acids can have a positive impact on, or even prevent, serious degenerative illnesses like heart disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and more.
The anti-inflammatory properties of omega 3s are especially beneficial to menopausal women for preserving heart, breast and bone health, and even help keep our moods on an even keel. Hormonal changes in menopause, particularly a decline in oestrogen, contribute to problems such as osteoporosis, heart disease, vaginal dryness, thinning skin and hair, joint pain, or dry eyes. However, low-grade inflammation, which results from low levels of omega 3s, can make any of these problems worse. Ingesting more omega 3 fats can calm this inflammation.
We also need to remember that when we are going through the menopause, we are entering ‘The Midlife Metamorphosis’, when we begin to think about our own mortality and how to protect against the general effects of ageing. If you are not consuming oily fish (such a mackerel, a rich source of omega 3) at least three times a week, then omega 3 supplementation, without a doubt, needs to be considered to help support cognitive function and to reduce general inflammation in the body.
When I added an Omega 3 supplement to the Just For Tummies range, I knew that the fish oils needed to be sourced from deep-water fish inhabiting the least polluted waters on earth. Unfortunately, oily fish can contain high levels of toxic pesticides, dioxins, PCBs, or heavy metals such as lead and mercury, all of which should be removed in the preparation process for omega 3 supplements. Today, highly-advanced omega-3 extraction and distillation processes efficiently remove toxins and impurities, as well as maintain stability and freshness. Our Omega 3 capsules adhere to these high standards of purity and quality so can be taken with peace of mind.
I often hear from women who are concerned about fat, and wrongly believe that consuming fat will make them overweight. The truth is, however, that an extremely low-fat diet won’t regulate your weight – and it certainly won’t enhance your health. Fat can be hugely beneficial in the right form, and by consuming fatty acids such as omega 3, you are giving multiple areas of your health a huge boost.
A diet high in omega 3s may be one of the reasons why Japanese women, whose diets are rich in fish and seaweed, have fewer menopausal problems than women in the west do and are slimmer!
Bottom line: omega 3s – one of our essential fatty acids – do wonders for women. Essential means you must consume this ingredient in your diet, as your body cannot manufacture it.
And no matter how busy you are, there are easy ways to include them in your diet.
These are examples of good fish/seafood sources of omega 3:
- mackerel
- kippers
- trout
- anchovies
- mackerel
- oysters
- salmon
- herring
- sardines
- crab (fresh)
- whitebait
- swordfish
If you do not eat fish or you eat a vegan, vegetarian or plant-based diet, you can get omega 3 from:
- nuts and seeds (such as, walnuts, pumpkin and chia seeds)
- oils such as linseed, flaxseed, canola (or rapeseed)
- soya and soya products (beans, soya milk and tofu)
- avocados
I talk more about the many benefits of Omega 3s in this video:
If you have any questions about a digestive and gut health issue or would like to know more about a supplementation protocol, please get in touch.
