By Lauren Moore, RD, LD, and Kristen Beery, RD, LD Indulging in a nice, cool snack is a great way to beat the heat this season. But if you look for foods with Omega-3s, these summer treats also can provide great benefits to your cardiovascular health.
What Are Omega-3s?
Omega-3s include plant-based, alpha-linolenic acids (ALA) and fish-based docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). Although the body can make DHA from ALA naturally, the process is not very efficient. It's important to add ALA Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet because they help support heart health and are essential to overall wellness. In addition, Omega-3s also are being studied in regard to cognitive and behavioral development. As you get into vigorous outdoor summer activities and your blood gets pumping, it's a great time to treat your heart right.
Where Do I Find Them?
Because ALA Omega-3 fatty acids are not produced naturally in the body, you should make adjustments to your daily diet to make sure you're getting enough Omega-3s. Plant oils and fish oils are the primary dietary sources of Omega-3s, but not everyone enjoys a nice tuna steak or grilled salmon. If you're looking for another heart-healthy dish, try adding these foods to your favorite cool summer recipes.
- Olive, flaxseed, and canola oil
- Walnuts and sesame seeds
Make a Smooth, Strong Start
You can make a deliciously cool drink with an Ensure® recipe, from Key Lime Frost to the Tropical Smoothie. Just one 8-fl-oz Ensure Shake provides an excellent source of plant-based Omega-3s (320 mg/serving is 20% of the 1.6 g DV), including ALA from soy and canola oil, to help support heart health. So whether you're entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet evening, look to our recipes to find the summer smoothie that fits you best.