The Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fats

You know omega-3 fats are good for you. That’s because they’ve been linked to a variety of health benefits. These amazing fats are so important for health, few nutrients have been studied as thoroughly as omega-3 fats have. So what exactly are omega-3 fatty acids, why should you make sure you’re getting enough of them and how do omega-3 enriched eggs fit in? Read on to learn more.

Omegas 101

The dietary fats linoleic acid or LA (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid or ALA (omega-3), are considered essential fats because the body cannot make them on its own, so we must get them from the foods we eat. Both omega-6 LA and omega-3 ALA are metabolized by the body into different derivatives (or metabolites) that support overall health. This includes the partial conversion of ALA into the more commonly known omega-3s EPA and DHA.

The problem is, this conversion process is inefficient in humans. Only a small percentage of ALA is converted (1-10%) into EPA – and even less converted into DHA (0.5-5%). This is critical because while all essential fats are needed for optimal health, EPA and DHA omega-3s offer unique benefits to health throughout all stages of the life cycle.

What is the science-based benefits of omega-3 fats?

Omega-3 EPA and DHA benefit everyone across the entire life cycle from newborns into adulthood and older age. They are crucial for infant brain development, support healthy moods and long-term brain health and are associated with better, lifetime cognition.

DHA is also the most abundant omega-3 fat in the human brain; a whopping 92% of the total amount of omega-3s found in the neurons is DHA. But that’s not all, EPA and DHA help to maintain healthy blood pressure, improve blood flow, and lower inflammation reducing risk of stroke and heart disease.

Naturegg Omega Plus Solar Free Range for the win

New production methods but same great taste and nutrition. Nutritionally speaking, the Solar Free Range Omega Plus eggs pack a lot of punch because the hens are fed a special diet that includes omega-3 oils, corn, marigold and vitamins. The result? A nutrient-dense egg that’s a standout.

Based on a two-egg serving size, you’ll get 13 g of high-quality protein, 250 mg of DHA & EPA (1.8 times the amount of DHA compared to regular omega-3 eggs), 1 mg of lutein to support eye health, 133% of the recommended intake of vitamin B12, 33% of folate, 13% vitamin D3, as well as vitamins A and E and the mineral zinc which supports the normal function of the immune system.

Good for you, good for the environment

These eggs are produced by hens on a farm powered by the sun using solar panels which, are equipped with high efficiency motors, lighting and ventilation systems, the first of its kind, and the largest solar egg farm in Canada. This innovation helps to meet growing consumer demand for environmentally-friendly and sustainable products.

In fact, Naturegg Solar Free-Range and Omega Plus Solar Free-Range eggs are one of the most energy efficient eggs in Canada with the farm having the capacity to produce free-range eggs with 100 percent green energy and reducing the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the hens like it too, free to roam inside with access to the outdoors.

Are you getting enough?

When it comes to omega-6 LA and omega-3 ALA, the short answer is yes, for the majority of us. Where we’re missing the mark is meeting the recommended intake EPA and DHA. To give you an idea, according to Statistics Canada, it’s estimated that the average daily intake of EPA and DHA combined is about 140 mg per day, a tad short of the recommended 250 – 500 mg per day.

It's for this reason that health experts stress the importance of regularly consuming foods rich in EPA and DHA such as fish and seafood, omega-3 enriched eggs, as well as supplements if needed.

The choice is clear

Nutritionally enhanced eggs are the perfect choice for those looking for natural foods with greater nutrient density to support your goals for a balanced diet and active lifestyle which ensuring you’re getting the nutrients you need for long-term health. Naturegg Omega Plus Solar Free-Range are the perfect choice for both your health and desire for environmentally-friendly and sustainable products.