Forget Oatmeal, Fry Yourself an Omelet

by Sara Ost on July 18th, 2007

Want more Omega-3’s in your diet? (Of course you do.)

Here’s an easy tip:

Purchase eggs that contain DHA and fry yourself up an omelet. DHA - that’s docosahexaenoic acid - is the most readily utilized form of Omega-3 fatty acids, and your body loves it. Don’t worry about finding these enhanced DHA eggs - the egg cartons will practically jump in your cart if you so much as think “DHA”. Omega-3’s are the new glamour child of food manufacturing, and enhanced foods are everywhere. Tropicana even adds fish oil to their orange juice now. (Not recommended: tastes funky, contains puny amount not worth writing home about.)

There are three types of Omega 3 fatty acids, and DHA is the “best” for health purposes, although they are all essential. The only significant difference is that ALA (alpha linoleic acid), which is commonly found in vegetarian sources like avocados, olive oil and nuts, must be converted into DHA by your body. That’s why the eggs are cool (unless you are a vegan in which case none of this is cool - sorry, Jason). Farmers feed the chickens flax, which is better for them anyway than the usual factory farm fare, and the chickens do all the converting for you. Because honestly, I think you and I both know they wanted more to do.

Your body does not make essential fatty acids, and since they are essential, you better eat them. The American diet, unfortunately, is sorely lacking in Omega-3’s, which help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol, raise “good” HDL cholesterol, fight inflammation, and promote mental health. Adequate intake is linked to reduced rates of cardiovascular disease, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, arthritis, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

I don’t recommend eating fish every day because of the contaminants, but don’t go and start living on eggs (it’s possible to develop an allergy). Switch it up: have wild fish a few times a week, and Omega-3-enhanced eggs a few times a week. Fry those omelets in olive oil and top with some guacamole for a major dose of feel-good fat. You’ll want to lick your own brain, you’ll feel so good.