Why Are Omega 3 Fatty Acids Good for Your Growing Child?

Omega 3 fatty acids have gained popularity in the last few years. These fats are not just good for an adult but are great for a child too. Omega 3 fatty acids have the power to prevent, relieve certain symptoms and is also capable of aiding in the treatment of various diseases. Some of the diseases are heart disease, skin problems, dyslexia, asthma, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and memory loss.

Omega 3 fatty acids are also known as good fats which the body is unable to produce. Our nutritionist Huda Shaikh throws some more light on the benefits of omega 3 for your growing child. Hence your child’s diet needs to be rich in foods containing omega 3 fatty acids.

Let us understand what omega 3 fatty acids are in depth.

What Are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?

Omega 3 fatty acids are also profoundly known as PUFA’S (Polyunsaturated fatty acids). These are of 3 types - EPA, DHA, and ALA.EPA AND DHA are required for normal growth and metabolism in growing children. These are mostly found in fishes like mackerel, tuna, krill, and various other seafood. The next omega 3 fatty ALA is capable of synthesizing a small amount of EPA and DHA in the body.ALA is usually found in walnuts, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, canola oil, and soy.

Why Are Omega 3 Fatty Acids Important For Your Child?

Omega 3 fatty acids are important for the cognitive and behavioral development of your little one. Hence it is important for your child to get the necessary amounts of essential fats, whose absence can lead to a poor immune system, skin issues and can make your child vulnerable to health issues.

Why You Should Give Foods Rich In Omega 3 Fatty Acids To Your Child?

Fatty acids are quite essential for the overall healthy growth of your child. And here is why you should give foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids to your growing child.

• Reduces the LDL: Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce the LDL and triglyceride levels in the blood, ultimately leading to a rise in the HDL Levels. Hence you definitely need to give a dose of omega 3 fatty acids to little one
• Supports cognitive development: Omega 3 fatty acids can support the cognitive development of your little one. Studies have shown that children who are given omega 3 fatty acids on a regular basis have better hand and eye coordination, increased attention span, improved social skills and what’s more they would come out with flying colors when an IQ test is done
• Aids in better grasping power: If you want to see your child learning and behaving better with everyone around then don’t forget to give him/her a regular dose of omega 3 fatty acids. Studies show that children who consume omega 3 fatty acids are able to grasp better and are able to read really well. In short fewer memory related problems with the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids
• Boosts concentration in children: It is believed that Omega 3 fatty acids help in boosting the concentration skills in children. And we all know better concentration is definitely important for a growing child. Hence omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for the same
• Helps in controlling an ADHD child: Children with ADHD are known to have low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their levels and hence he/she needs to be given omega 3 fatty acids, as studies show that children with ADHD who were put on omega 3 fatty acids show some improvement, where they are able to process emotions and socialize better

What Are The Common Sources Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids?

While there are numerous sources of Omega 3 Fatty acids, here I am listing a few common sources that are easily available. And while fish oil is considered to be the richest source of omega 3 fatty acids, here are some more foods, which will help in your child’s healthy growth.

• Fish (mackerel, tuna, salmon, halibut, and sardines): Fish are the richest source of omega 3 fatty acids. So do try to include it in your child’s diet regularly.
• Flaxseeds: While plant-based food groups like Flaxseeds are a good source especially if you are a vegetarian or are allergic to seafood. However, they only contain only part of the omega 3 fatty acid family
• Walnuts: Omega 3 fatty acids are good for your child’s brain development and walnuts are good for brain development. Walnuts are the richest source of omega 3 fatty acids after fish.
• Chia Seeds: Like flaxseeds, chia seeds are also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. You can either give the seeds as it is or crush them into powder and add it to your curries.
• Soybeans: Eating soybean is another way of ensuring that you are providing enough amounts of omega 3 fatty acids to your child.
• Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds are a great source of Omega fatty acids as it contains both Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
• Egg Yolks: Egg yolks are another rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Canola Oil: Canola oil just like flaxseed oil is quite high in omega 3 fatty acids.

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