Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid also known as PUFA. Consumption of omega-3 is necessary to maintain normal growth and development. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and arthritis. Omega-3 is found naturally in cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and halibut. In order to get the recommended allowance of omega-3 individuals should consume two servings of fatty fish per week or through the ingesting of fish oil supplements.

Requirements for Men and Women

The daily recommended allowance of omega-3 for men is 1600 milligrams. Women should have 1100 milligrams a day. Men require more because they have more muscle mass. Pregnant women should have 1400 milligrams. The increased dosage is because they are providing nutrients to their unborn child. The Mediterranean diet was used as an example in determining the proper intake of omega-3.

Omega-3 Fish Requirements

A variety of oily, cold-water fish have omega-3. Unlike other fatty protein sources, fish is a healthy unsaturated fat. Salmon contains the highest amount of omega-3. A 3 oz. serving of cooked salmon contains 1.1g to 1.9g. Flounder and pollock have approximately the same, between .45g to .48g. Shellfish such as crabs have up to .4g. These fish options do not contain any detectable mercury concentrations.

Fish Oil Supplements

Fish oil supplements can be bought at any pharmacy or prescribed by your health-care provider. Fish oil is extracted from the oily fish like salmon and tuna. One, over-the-counter fish oil supplement contains about .85g of omega-3. Lovaza is fish oil that needs a prescription. One Lovaza capsule contains .842g of omega-3. It is up to the provider to determine how much should be taken with either option. Any supplement taken over the counter should be discussed with your provider first.

Jeff Matson

Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is perhaps one of the most controversial issues regarding healthy living. The lack of vitamins in your diet can be unhealthy, but too many vitamins can also put your health in danger. So, how do you know if taking vitamin and mineral supplements is necessary for you? Ask yourself the following questions in order to determine if you may need vitamin supplementation for a healthier lifestyle:

Am I Stressed? If you are constantly stressed-out due to work, relationships, family or any other situation, your adrenal glands may be working overtime. This can potentially cause fatigue and headaches.

Treatment: Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin E and Vitamin C supplements can help with this problem.

Is My Immune System Up to Par? Do you constantly find yourself catching colds and the flu more frequently than others? You may need to boost your immune system with vitamins and minerals which provide the nutrients needed to fight these viruses.

Treatment: Vitamin C supplement, Zinc and Manganese will do the trick.

Do I smoke? I’m sure you’re aware that this habit is unhealthy but smoking uses up vitamin C and puts you at higher risk of osteoporosis.

Treatment: Vitamin C supplements and calcium supplements will help reduce your chances of osteoporosis and provide you with the adequate amount of vitamin C.

Am I Pregnant? Pregnant and hormonal women often lack in vitamin B-6. If you do not receive enough of this vitamin it can be harmful to you and your baby.

Treatment: Take a vitamin B-6 supplement, but make sure not to take doses of more than 500mg per day without a Doctor’s recommendation.

Am I on a Diet? If you are on a low-carb, low-fat or any form of diet you are probably not receiving the vitamins necessary for healthy living. Individuals on diets very rarely eat foods from all the major food groups and if they do, they usually do not eat the required amounts.

Treatment: Depending on the type of diet and the foods you eat, you may require a multi-vitamin supplement or specific supplements of Vitamin A, B, C, D, E or K.

Answering yes to any of the questions above does not necessarily mean that vitamin or mineral supplements are crucial to healthy living. The situations listed above are merely a guideline to help individuals who already feel as though they are lacking the vitamins and minerals in their diets. It is important to remember that vitamin supplements are meant to accompany food and are in no way meant as a replacement for a healthy diet.

Health-related information changes frequently, and while every attempt has been made to ensure the content in this article is up to date and accurate, you should always check with a doctor or nutritional expert before undertaking any substantial change in diet or lifestyle.

Vitamin smoothies are a great way to enjoy a cold beverage and relax on a hot summer day. Smoothies are not only delicious, but they are good for you as well, providing many nutritional benefits which will improve your dietary habits. These refreshments are perfect for long car rides, picnics or to make at home to enjoy in front of the television. Some of the most popular types of smoothies include protein smoothies, energy drinks and vitamin smoothies, but it is important to know the ingredients in these drinks in order to determine which type of drink suits your lifestyle.

• Protein Smoothies – Protein is known as the building block for muscles and insufficient amounts of protein will make it difficult to obtain muscle mass and grow larger muscles. Protein supplements are available in powder forms and can easily be added to smoothies in order to build your muscles faster. A large container of protein will cost about $30.00.

Who Drinks Them?
Protein smoothies are great for individuals looking to build larger muscles in a short amount of time. Protein is also used for individuals looking to lose weight while maintaining strong and healthy muscles. Body-builders and weight lifters often use protein supplements.

• Energy Drinks – Energy drinks include stimulants, vitamins and minerals such as caffeine, guarana, taurine, ginseng and creatine. The caffeine and stimulants are the ingredients which give you the energy boost you desire. The amount of caffeine in one energy drink is usually equal to the amount used to make one cup of coffee.

Who Drinks Them?
Individuals, with busy schedules who require and extra “kick” to help them get through the day, will often use energy drinks for the uplift they need.

• Vitamin Smoothies – Vitamin smoothies which use pure fruit with no added sugar can have great nutritional value. Beverages such as these provide the individual with a significant amount of Vitamin B and C as well as fibers and minerals. For the healthiest form of smoothie, do not use cream, ice cream whole milk or peanut butter. For best results, used crushed ice and pure fruit juice.

Who Drinks Them?
Anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet is most likely to drink these beverages. They are a great alternative to ice cream, pop or iced tea and provide vitamins and minerals which are great for healthy living.

Now that you have become familiar with the different types of smoothies, maybe you would like to try making your own at home. Making your own smoothie is as easy as 1-2-3, literally! Read the directions below to find out at to make great-tasting smoothies in the comfort of your own home:

1. Choose the kind of fruit you want to use (strawberries, blueberries, oranges, bananas etc)
2. Blend the fruits that you chose with crushed ice (or fruit juice or yogurt) in a blender.
3. Pour into a cup and serve.

Whether you purchase them from a store or make them yourself, smoothies are an easy, healthy way to beat the summer heat and cool off on a hot summer day.