We all know that getting your omega-3s each day is important. But what makes it essential? What role does omega-6 play? Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are healthy fats we cannot make ourselves and must get from our food. Every cell, tissue, gland and organ is dependent upon them.

Omega-3 is known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-6 as linoleic acid (LA). These are the “parent” fatty acids. Their “children”—the long chain fatty acids made by metabolizing ALA and LA in the body—include EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid).

Essential fatty acids:
• Play important roles in brain, immune, skin and cardiovascular health
• Are pre-cursors to make signaling molecules like eicosanoids and endocannabinoids (these play important roles in mood, balancing inflammation and cellular functioning)
• Are needed for proper cell membrane function (membrane fluidity)
• Bind to receptors in cells and regulate genetic functioning
• Support healthy functioning of blood vessels and the heart
• Can also be used for energy by the body

Since our bodies do not make these omegas, the only way to get them is through our diet, and it is also important to get them in the right ratios. Omega-3 is hard to find and while omega-6 is fairly common in our diet, it is often coming from fried, baked and processed foods.

One oil blend that is getting a lot of recognition is Udo’s Oil™. It is a balanced blend of omega-3, -6, and -9, healthy fats with twice as much omega-3 as omega-6. Carefully cold-pressed in small batches, Udo’s Oil is made by Flora Manufacturing and Distributing, a local company in Burnaby B.C. The oil blend is made from carefully sourced organic ingredients, such as certified organic Canadian-grown flaxseed, sunflower seed, sesame seed, coconut oil and evening primrose seed oil. It is also non-GMO and vegan. It’s bottled in amber glass bottles to protect it from light and nitrogen flushed to remove all oxygen, as light and oxygen and heat can damage omega-3 fatty acids in particular.

Udo’s Oil provides all the omegas your body needs in one convenient blend in a balanced ratio, so you no longer have to take your omega-3, -6 and -9 separately. Getting all of your healthy omegas just got easier! It requires refrigeration to protect the health properties of delicate ingredients like flax. Find it in the refrigerated section of most health food stores and select grocery stores. Simply add Udo’s Oil to your salads, protein shakes, hummus, pasta, or veggies. Not only are you enjoying a buttery delight, you’re also taking care of some essential business.

Udo’s Oil is also available on the shelf in vegan soft gel capsule form. They are an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 and omega-6 to support your overall health.

Kale Slaw with Fresh Turmeric 

Ingredients:
• 1 bunch Tuscan kale (about 15 stalks), washed and dried
• 4 oz enoki mushrooms, root ends cut off and stalks separated
• 2 stalks celery, halved lengthwise and cut diagonally into strips
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 red pepper, cut into thin strips
• ½ red onion, cut into slivers
• ½ cup basil leaves, packed
• ¼ cup unseasoned brown
• rice vinegar
• ¼ cup Udo’s Oil™
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tsp sriracha sauce
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 4 turmeric roots, peeled

Directions: Grasping the leaf portion of the kale, pull away and discard the stems. Stack the leaves and slice crosswise into very thin strips. Place in a large bowl along with the mushrooms, celery, carrot, red pepper and onion. Place the basil, vinegar, Udo’s Oil, garlic, sriracha and salt in a blender and process until smooth. Pour over the vegetables in the bowl and mix thoroughly. Divide among 4 plates. Grate 1 turmeric root over each salad and serve at once.

About the Author: The Udo’s Choice Team

Udo’s Choice believes that true healthcare is about taking care of yourself and your family with a preventative mindset, which is different from disease management. Their mission is to provide you with the best and most effective health support in the world. Learn more about Udo’s Choice at udoschoice.com