How Omega-3 Foods Can Help You Be a Better Athlete
Chances are, you’ve heard about omega-3 fatty acids and the fact that they are an important part of a healthy diet. Whether you’ve heard them talked about in the news or have seen them listed as an ingredient in your breakfast cereal, omega-3s continue to be of interest to people interested in healthy eating, thanks to a plethora of research that touts their nutritional benefits.
Athletes should know that a key benefit of omega-3 fatty acids is their ability to battle inflammation. Exercise is a form of good stress on our bodies. But exercise also results in the production of inflammatory substances called free radicals, which can damage your body’s cells.
Omega-3 fatty acids help by counteracting inflammation and reducing joint pain and tenderness associated with arthritis. They also help to keep the lining of your arteries smooth and clear, which allows the maximal amount of oxygen-rich blood to reach your working muscles.
If you still question if it is worthwhile to incorporate omega-3 fats into your diet, the answer is yes. Omega-3 fatty acids are part of the polyunsaturated fat family. They are essential fats, which means our bodies cannot manufacture them, so we must obtain them through our diet.
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