What are Omega-3’s?
Omega-3’s are essential fatty acids because our body does not make them.
What is the Omega 6:3 ratio?
Human beings evolved on a diet with a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids of approximately 1 whereas in Western diets the ratio is much higher. Western diets are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, and have excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids compared with the diet on which human beings evolved. Excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and a very high omega-6/omega-3 ratio, as is found in today’s Western diets, promote many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
How can I get my Omega-3’s?
Omega-3’s are found in some fatty fish because they eat micro algae that contain them. Vegans may be deficient in Omega-3’s because micro algae and other sea vegetables generally do not contain enough to satisfy requirements. Foods high in omega-3’s include flaxseed, green-leafy veggies, and chia seeds. Therefore, I have an green omega 3 smoothie every morning!
Recipe:
Ingredients (with omega 6:3 ratio):
1 papaya (1:4)
1 banana (1.7:1)
1 handful of :
kale (1:1)
chard (9:1)
spinach (1:5)
2-3 tablespoons of flaxseed (1:4)
*The banana and chard can be omitted if you would like to tip the scales more in favor of the omega 3’s! I just like the sweetness of the banana in my shake!
Directions; Place ingredients and fill with about 20 ounces of water (plus or minus depending on how thick you like your smoothie) and blend in a high power blender. I use a vitamix, but you can use any other high power blender. Enjoy!
