in article , Violet Frank at
wrote on 2/15/05 2:57 PM:

I suddenly feel like everywhere I turn people are encouraging me to eat
more Omega three. Not to be ignorant, but isn't that the thing they
needed to activate on the movie Galaxy Quest that jumps time back 13
seconds? But seriously, I know sardines are high in Omega three, but
yuck! Can't deal with it. Also olives. That sounds good. But what are
the supposed benefits of Omega three and what other ways can I add it to
my diet?
TIA


The Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely important in our diets. In recent
years they've been given more press--probably to counteract the low-low-fat
diet practices espoused by Pritikin, Ornish, and McDougall--and rightly so.

The primary sources are fatty fish, many more than simply sardines, so if
you eat salmon, mackerel, herring (among others) you can avoid the sardines
you dislike. Plant-based sources are flaxseed, walnuts, and purslane (an
herb in Italian cooking; a weed in America!); soybeans are a less reliable
source.

Olives are NOT a source of omega-3s. They are a major source of omega-9
fatty acids, usually referred to as monounsaturated fat. I recommend them
and their oil for that reason (and their taste!) but not for the omega-3s.

Good info on omega-3s may be found in *Low-Fat Lies* and *The Omega Diet.*
Check your library!

Best wishes,
thorn