OK, I know we all know about the importance of Omega-3, you know the 'good' fat, but did you know…..

“The American Heart Association (AHA) says research is showing that omega-3s have the following effects:

• Decrease the risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden death.
• Decrease triglyceride (blood fat) levels.
• Decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic (arterial) plaque.
• Lower blood pressure (slightly).

• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Eating Disorders
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Macular Degeneration

Actually the list is quite extensive; it appears that Omega 3 is vital to our bodies and is an essential component in reaching optimal health.

And did you know that the health benefits of dietary omega-3s are blunted when diets are high in the omega-6 fatty acids that dominate most packaged and restaurant foods and vegetable oils (corn, safflower, soy, canola, cottonseed). OK, so maybe you may take an Omega 3 supplement, but if you are still eating foods that are high in unsaturated fat then you are not doing as well as you thought! So, how balanced is your fat intake? Are you eating the right balance of Omega 6 and Omega 3? Studies show that it is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet, as these two substances work together to promote health.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center “Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. An inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the development of disease while a proper balance helps maintain and even improve health. A healthy diet should consist of roughly 2 - 4 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The typical American diet tends to contain 14 - 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, and many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the United States.”

Are you looking for a way to add healthy fats to your diet?

Consider The Mediterranean Diet. It consists of a healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and many studies have shown that people who follow this diet are less likely to develop heart disease. It also contains another fatty acid, omega-9 fatty acids, which have been reported to help lower risks associated with cancer and heart disease.

This diet does not include much meat (which is high in omega-6 fatty acids) and emphasizes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, garlic, as well as moderate wine consumption.

Looks like just taking Omega 3 supplements may not be enough…..Maybe it’s time to give up the French fries!

************************************************************************ I just want to say ‘THANK YOU’ to all those readers out there who took the time to help me out. In last month’s newsletter I asked for a little bit of help and what I got was a ‘ton’

So, Thank You for all of the recipes, stories about challenging doctors and general article submissions! And keep them coming!

Do you want to help? Check out how you can Contribute to Healthy-Holistic-Living.com

************************************************************************

*In the past, happy, healthy humans were said to spend 20 minutes a day or more in laughter. Today, the adult daily laugh time is down to probably five minutes or less in many countries. How much time do you spend laughing? Read Get Your Ha-Ha On! and learn how it can improve your health and your spirit!

* Have you ever heard of Interactive Metronome Treatment for ADD? Neither had I but if you are dealing with a child that is suffering from ADD or ADHD then you know how difficult it can be to find non-pharmaceutical methods to helping your child. One reader shared her experience with Interactive Metronome Treatment

*Cleansing or detoxing is a vital part of any wellness process and this includes healthy skin. And one way to achieve this is through the use of crystals. Yup I said crystals, check out Traci Pena's article Selenite: A Crystal Prescription for Skin Issues

* Did you know you could have an iodine deficiency? I didn’t, but lots of people are deficient in iodine and don’t know it. If you are dealing with a thyroid issue you may want to read Iodine Supplementation

*Are you looking for a yummy vegetarian recipe? Well I have one. Luckily enough for us a reader sent in this fantastic Vegetarian Chili recipe. Angie’s Famous Organic Vegetarian Chili

* Do you know someone who is dealing with the loss of a loved one? It's hard to know what to say to someone who is grieving. Some of us freeze up and others avoid it all together. To learn more about the Do's and Don'ts of what you should say read Are there any words to comfort someone grieving? You also may be interested in a new book, recently digitally published by a friend of mine, Grief Manual: A Practical Guide to Helping Others Deal with Grief This is an excellent book and is a wonderful gift to use to support your friends or family dealing with grief.

~ Thomas Merton

And my version is:

Part of Healthy Living is being committed to supporting causes you are passionate about. If you are so moved, please support Hospice Care

Hospice Care’s mission is to collaborate and work to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced life-threatening conditions and their families, by advancing hospice and palliative care programs, education, research, and favorable policies around the world.

Going ‘GREEN’…….

Are you looking for ways to go ‘Green’ and still save money? Why not try Amazon Prime Shipping

I pay less buy purchasing my ‘Green’ items through amazon.com using both their Amazon Prime shipping and their Subscribe and Save Program (I save an extra 15% with this program). Their Amazon Prime shipping program has an annual fee but the subscribe and save program is free!

Amazon Prime members enjoy the following benefits:

1. Unlimited FREE Two-Day Shipping on millions of Amazon.com Items

2. Overnight Shipping upgrades for only $3.99 per item

3. Shopping with no minimum order size

4. Ability to share benefits with up to 4 household members…which means 4 other people can get FREE shipping on there orders!

5. 1 Month Free Trial

• automatically receive a new shipment of the item in intervals you select--every one, two, three, or six months
• get a discount on our everyday price
• get free shipping on every Subscribe & Save shipment
• pay for each order only when the item is shipped
• have the option to cancel at any time

*Small changes can make a big difference! To learn more about healthy homes go to My Healthy Home

*Don’t forget to sign up for your Daily Bite! Free, fun eco-living tips! Delivered daily via email!

Listed below are some of my favorite products. One thing I have found with buying organic or all-natural products is that sometimes you have to try two or three before you find one that works for you. So, hopefully, I can help by making a few recommendations!

Healthy Household Gift Set The Healthy Household Gift Set includes a canvas shopping bag, a roll of natural brown paper towels, one bottle of lavender fabric softener (40 oz.), one bottle of liquid laundry detergent (50 oz.), a box of tall kitchen bags and a bottle of original dishwashing liquid (28 oz.) The 100% natural cotton shopping bag measures 19""H x 19""W x 4.5""D. Eco Gift Set

* Want to improve your mental health, physical well-being, and even your EYE SIGHT? Then consider supplementing your diet with foods rich in 'Omega-3' as well as a supplement. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Lower Macular Degeneration Risk

* Feeling a little aggressive lately? Research with British and US offenders suggests nutritional deficiencies may play a key role in aggressive behavior Omega-3, junk food and the link between violence and what we eat

*Parkinson's Disease and Omega-3, what's the connection? Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protect Against Parkinson's, Study Says

Stay Well and Healthy,

Michelle