Believe it or not, most of us don’t eat enough of some kinds of dietary fat. “Almost everyone needs to be diligent about consuming more of the essential fatty acids that our bodies can’t manufacture – mainly the Omega 3s,” advises Pieczarka, who adds that most people easily meet Omega 6 needs from sources like vegetable oils.

The Omega fatty acids help build healthy, permeable cell membranes. Omega 3s in particular help regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and immune responses as well as supporting nervous system function. Additional sources of Omega 3s include salmon, canola oil, flaxseed, soy and walnuts.Most of us would require supplements like fish oil to reach desired intake levels, though people on blood thinning medications should check with physicians first. “I usually recommend four grams, or 4,000 milligrams, of fish oil daily to my patients,” Dr.Wiemann adds.