Fat Is Your Friend: Why Your Brain & Body Crave the Right Fats
For years, fat was blamed for everything from weight gain to heart disease. But the truth? Your body needs healthy fats to thrive, specially omega-3 fatty acids. The real issue isn’t fat itself; it’s the imbalance between healthy omega-3s and the excess omega-6 fats found in today’s Standard American Diet (SAD).
About 90% of Americans are deficient in omega-3s, while consuming massive amounts of omega-6-rich seed oils. This imbalance has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia, depression, autoimmune disease, arthritis, skin issues, and poor brain health.
The Problem With Modern Fats
Omega-6 fatty acids are not “bad”. They’re actually essential in moderation. But modern diets have dramatically flipped the healthy omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. Most omega-6 fats now come from processed seed oils like soybean, corn, sunflower, and canola oil found in fast food, packaged snacks, restaurant oils, and processed foods.
Research has even linked high intake of linoleic acid-rich soybean oil with lower mental health scores and higher homicide rates in some populations, while higher seafood consumption and omega-3 intake are associated with lower rates of violence and improved mood. One study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found inmates taking omega-3 supplements had a 37% reduction in felony-level violent offenses compared to those eating their normal diet.
Why Omega-3s Matter
Omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in:
Brain health and learning
Pregnancy and visual development
Immune strength
Inflammation regulation
Heart health
Preventing Alzheimer’s disease
Supporting mood and mental health
Higher omega-3 levels in the blood are consistently linked to a lower risk of heart attack.
Meet the Two Powerhouses: EPA & DHA
EPA is best known for helping reduce inflammation and supporting:
Heart health
Autoimmune conditions
Cancer prevention
Cellular Energy
DHA is especially important for the brain and nervous system, helping support:
Depression and postpartum depression
Dementia prevention
Cognitive (brain) function
Visual and brain development
In general, higher EPA formulas are often preferred for overall wellness and inflammation support, while higher DHA formulas may be more beneficial for targeted brain and mood support.
Kids Need Omega-3s Too
Children with ADD, dyslexia, dyspraxia (difficulty writing), and learning disabilities are frequently found to be deficient in omega-3s. Healthy fats are foundational for developing brains, attention, memory, and emotional regulation.
Where to Get Healthy Fats
The best way to restore a healthier omega balance is through whole-food sources such as:
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
Pumpkin seeds
Chia seeds
Flax seeds
Hemp seeds
Sesame seeds
Avocados
Nuts
Extra virgin olive oil
Grass-fed meat
Extra virgin coconut butter
If you don’t eat fatty fish at least 2–3 times per week, long-term omega-3 supplementation may be beneficial.
Vegetarian or plant-based? Focus on omega-rich foods and consider algae oil supplements as a DHA source.
How Much Omega-3 Do You Need?
Many studies show benefits beginning around 1,000 mg or more twice daily, with doses closer to 2,000 mg twice daily often used for mood, inflammation, and brain health support. Omega-3 supplements are safe to take increased doses of. The best time to take it is with a meal containing fat to encourage absorption.
As always, supplementation should be individualized based on your health history, medications, and goals. If you have started taking an omega-3 supplement and aren’t seeing results yet, don’t get discouraged. This fatty acid works silently and takes up to 3 months (90 days) to start seeing benefits because this is how long it takes for a cell membrane to renew itself.
Fat isn’t the enemy. The right fats can fuel your brain, protect your heart, calm inflammation, and support long-term health from childhood through aging.
Our favorite product:
Ulta Pure® Fish Oil 700 Enteric TF by Vital Nutrients
This product has adequate doses on EPA and DHA, plus its enteric coated to withstand stomach acid degradation to reach the intestines where it can be properly absorbed. This eliminates fishy burps.
We strongly recommend supplements be purchased from a trusted seller like the direct manufacturer or from healthcare professionals via Fullscript.
For 20% off supplements vetted by us, register through this link: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/radiantrehydration
