Showing posts with label fatty acids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fatty acids. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Nutrition and Omega-3 Fish Oils

By Jamie Grainer

Doctors of today will practically all agree that omega-3 fish oils should be part of a fit diet. Why? Fish Oil has aggressively been studied over the preceding forty years for its Essential Fatty Acids EPA & DHA, also frequently referred to as Omega-3's. The body of science that has developed is extremely robust and well documented from Nutritionist to MD's. This science includes positive findings for Omega-3's effectiveness on well being worries ranging from reducing joint inflexibility to reducing the danger of stroke but it is also highly beneficial for wholesome people to add Omegas to their daily routine and exceptionally important for pregnant women and children.

For the usually wholesome population Omega-3's play a essential role in supporting cardiovascular well being, blood sugar metabolism and wholesome brain function. For women who are thinking on the subject of having a baby, are pregnant or breastfeeding Omega-3's are strongly suggested for their support in the development of the child's brain, retinas and central nervous system. There are also new scientific studies suggesting a link between a decrease in certain types of food allergies and infant eczema. Now many researchers trust that mother's ought to be taking Omega-3's well prior to getting pregnant, as the fetus appears to be getting a good deal of the DHA in particular, from the mother's tissue stores. Omega-3's are also important for the bodies of moms-to-be because Omega-3's are thought to reduce the chance of preeclampsia, preterm labor and post partum depression.

Then, if you are already eating a high-quality and sensible diet, consider adding wild caught salmon as a staple, or a decent omega-3 dietary supplement. You will want to look for products that contain both EPA and DHA with a minimum daily dose of 1000mg combined. Also note that EPA and DHA can be found in flax seed and DHA can be found from algal sources for those interested in keeping a vegan diet.

Dosage form is the other thing that you should keep in mind when choosing an omega-3 dietary supplement. It is recommended in both cases to keep the product cool or refrigerated to minimize the danger of "fish burps" (yes, it's exactly what it sounds like), if you find this to be an issue even with refrigeration, consider taking them prior to bed.

If pills and potential fish burps aren't a great option for you, don't fret, today you can find Omega-3 products on the market that range from soft chews (think Starburst Candy) to single serve powder stick packs (think Crystal Light) and an ever developing array of fortified food products (but be careful with the food products, many don't deliver the full amount you require for the ingredient to be effective and are best used in addition to a supplement).


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Thursday, May 14, 2009

Can You Lose Weight Quicker by Eating More Fat?

Eating certain types of fat helps increase the rate at which you can lose fat and weight

To lose weight quick is one of the more pervasive desires in our "quick-fix" society. Problem is, just being able to lose weight "at all" is what most people struggle with, much less the ability to lose weight quick.

However, there are a group of fats that, if ingested in adequate quantities, will actually help anyone lose weight quick. They are called Essential Fatty Acid's (EFA's).

EFA's are a group of fats categorized as "essential" because the body cannot make them from other fats you ingest. Also, specific substances found in EFA's are required by every cell in your body in order to function normally.

The two main groups of EFA's are the Omega 3 (alpha linolenic acid) and Omega 6 (linoleic acid) fatty acids.

If you get both of them in the right ratios your body will make important hormones called eicosanoids, or prostaglandins. These regulate everything that goes on in all the tissues of your body on a moment to moment basis. And, they can only be produced from EFA's. Reduce or eliminate your EFA intake and your body's regulatory process becomes less than optimal or even non-functional.

This can lead to a host of symptoms that can literally lead to your body deteriorating. In fact, you absolutely cannot live without EFA's they are that important. And the only way you can get get EFA's into your body is by getting it through your food intake.

THE BIG PROBLEM

Most of the food we eat today has been largely leached of the EFA's so vital to our very existence. Because a large percentage of the food we eat has been processed, most of the EFA's have been removed from those foods (they are very sensitive to heat and light). Too much of either causes EFA's to become rancid or depleted.

Now that you understand how important EFA's are here are some of their positive benefits:

* Lowers blood pressure
* Makes blood platelets less sticky
* Reduces the fat directly underneath the skin (subcutaneous fat)
* Testosterone is increased the higher your fat intake (up to about 35% of daily calories or so)
* Reduces appetite
* Improves skin conditions
* Increases metabolic rate (you burn more calories)
* Reduces degenerative diseases
* Anti-diabetic
* Anti-cholesterol
* Antioxidant
* Anti-inflammatory

Here are the some of the best sources for the Omega 3's and Omega 6's:

Omega 3's:

* Flax
* Fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna, trout, sardines)
* Green Vegetables (though you would have to eat a lot of them)

Omega 6's:

* Sunflower oil
* Sesame oil
* Walnuts

Best Omega 3/Omega 6 combo:

Udo's Choice Perfected Oil Blend (available at almost every health food store in the nation)
Final Recommendations:

Your diet should consist primarily of healthy proteins, green food (green and leafy vegetables), and essential fats. You should try and stay away from the traditional processed carbohydrates most of America eats and becomes fat on (at least most of the time).

Finally, make sure you take in adequate amounts of EFA's every day from the sources I listed above.

If taking in the Udo's oil, a good rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon for every 50-75 lbs of bodyweight. Udo Erasmus (the originator of this oil and inventor of the processs for extracting these highly delicate oils without damaging them by heat) says you know you have taken in enough when your skin becomes velvety soft. A good place to check for this is your elbows and knees. If they are still dry then increase your EFA intake until they become soft. Then, for you, this is the amount you need to continue taking for good health.

Next, get my entire list of 20 "Blueprints" that allowed me to dramatically transform my body and win the 1998 Body For Life contest. Imagine finally getting the body you've always wanted! http://www.harryjohnsonjr.com/lose-weight-quick/lose-weight-quick-by-eating-more-fat/



Friday, April 17, 2009

Omega 3 Fish Oil vs. Top Three Drugs

By Michael Byrd

Are you aware omega 3 fish oil is just as effective, a lot safer and certainly a lot less expensive than antidepressants, high blood pressure drugs and anti-inflammatory arthritis and headache pain relievers?

Yet these three top selling classes of drugs outsell fish oil by more than 100 to one?

And, that's despite the fact that, like all pharmaceuticals, these three types of drugs have never cured a single person of depression, hypertension, arthritis or headaches. At best, they only suppress symptoms in a small percentage of people who take them.

Not only are they not really particularly effective, they may have serious side effects that may do more harm than good. Often patients are required to take another controversial drug to counteract the harmful effect of the first. Some of them, such as Vioxx, have even been taken off the market because they cause heart attacks and strokes.

And they have serious side effects that may do more harm than good. They often require patients to take yet another questionable drug to counteract the damaging effect of the first. Some of these drugs, such as Vioxx, were even taken off the market because they were found to cause heart attacks and strokes.

When you get right down to it, almost all bad health is caused by poor lifestyle choices. Lousy diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of exercise and excess weight gain. It has nothing to do with a deficiency of drugs.

Are you aware there are other safer, more natural ways to both prevent and relieve depression, high blood pressure and inflammatory pain without resorting to prescription drugs? And one of the best alternatives is to eat fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring or tuna at least two or three times a week and take a good quality daily fish oil supplement.

Let's take a look at the evidence.

People with depression have significantly lower total omega 3 levels (Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol. 26, No. 38, 35-46). Omega 3 supplements showed significant benefits in just three weeks of treatment (American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 159:477-479). Omega 3 fatty acids were also found to be effective treatments for both bipolar disorder (Archives of General Psychiatry, Vol. 56 No. 5) and borderline personality disorder patients (American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 160:167-169).

Fish oil has also been shown to be highly effective at lowering blood pressure. That's one major reason why the American Heart Association (AHA) and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend everyone eat cold water, fatty fish at least a couple of times a week.

The AHA and NIH also recommend people with heart disease symptoms (for example, high blood pressure) take daily fish oil supplements providing at least one gram of combined omega 3 DHA and EPA fatty acids.

And as far as arthritis and headache inflammatory pain relief is concerned, fish oil omega 3 has been shown to be nature's safest, most potent and effective alternative to over the counter NSAIDs such as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin and Aleve (Arthritis and Rheumatism, Vol. 38: 1107-14.) As a matter of fact, in many scientific studies, patients were able to significantly reduce and even completely eliminate prescribed pain medications after starting a fish oil omega 3 treatment program.

In fact, in many of the scientific studies reviewed, patients were able to greatly reduce and even totally eliminate prescribed pain medications after starting an omega 3 fish oil treatment program.

And, if you're concerned about toxins in fish oil, the Harvard University School of Public Health says you can sit back, relax and enjoy your broiled salmon dinner. After reviewing all the relative studies, they recently confirmed fish oil benefits far outweigh the threat of mercury or other toxins in fish by as much as 500 to one. (Journal of the American Medical Association 2006, Vol. 296: 1885-99)

You don't need to look to hard to find high quality fish oil supplements that are safe and fully guaranteed to be 100% pure and toxic free. (www.omega-3.us).

Therefore, prior to starting a drug program or even if you are already on one consider eating more dish and taking omega 3 fish oil supplements instead. Who knows? You just may get better or equal results without the dangerous side effects and save a bundle of money at the same time. Now that sounds like a winning combination to me, don't you think?

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Thursday, March 19, 2009

Why Omega 3 Is essential?

By Dave Kool

Omega 3 fatty acids are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that our body can't make. Omega 3 is necessary for brain functioning and also for development and progress of the body. As our body can't produce it so we require food to develop these fatty acids. Fish like salmon and halibut are famous to be the best sources for omega 3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) are known to be three main omega 3 fatty acids. Clinical studies suggest that omega 3 fatty acids are very helpful to treat many medical illnesses. It is useful for the prevention of heart disease and numerous other problems which add to heart diseases. It is also beneficial for people who are suffering from prostrate, breast and colon cancer. Some of the benefits and uses of omega 3 include;

High Cholesterol Control

ALA is available in walnuts and fatty fish which are good to reduce cholesterol level in the body. It is also helpful to decrease the trigycerides level in the body.

Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two very lethal ailments which can be restricted by using substances of DHA and EPA; fish oil is the greatest source of these substances. DHA and EPA are also supportive to treat atherosclerosis. These substances suppress the development of plague and blood clots thus avoid heart disease and stroke. Doctors suggest taking fish in your food two times in a week; it is necessary for every person and reduces risk factor of stroke by half.

High Blood Pressure Control

Research makes it obvious that omega 3 fatty acids are excellent to lower blood pressure to great level. It is also helpful for individuals with hypertension. There is one exemption not to use mercury rich food as it can raise blood pressure.

Avoiding Rheumatoid arthritis

Softness in the joints and morning stiffness are medical conditions which can be shunned by using omega 3 fatty acids. Research illustrates that omega 3 is also supportive for reducing soreness.

Help in Osteoporosis

EPA is omega 3 fatty acid that is rich in calcium. It adds calcium in the bones and improves calcium level in the body and gives our bones a great strength. Those people who take EPA in their routine diet do not come across bone density harms.

Avoiding Depression

Nerve cell membranes help for nerve communication. These are vital for any human being for his/her cerebral physical condition and to stay attentive. Luckily, omega 3 fatty acids contain imperative mechanism for these membranes. Still we require taking these fatty acids in good quantity. If we are failed there is a strong likelihood to encounter depression.

All these fatty acids play an essential role for suitable functioning of our body. It establishes and maintains our health by escalating energy, routine and stamina. The fatty acids are favorable for strengthening our resistant system. We are more likely to be saved from cardiovascular disease. Consistent use of these fatty acids can aid in weight reduction. Our brain can perform better and it improves functions like brainpower, behavior and vision. These fatty acids are good for wounded people as it speeds up recovery and healing process. It improves our digestive system. In short, these fatty acids are must for each person to stay fit and healthy.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The main benefits of using fish oil

By Daniel Fittman

The benefits of fish oil have largely been debated by scientists of traditional medicine and homeopathy, and while some of the myths about its extraordinary benefits have been dispersed over time, the fact remains that, as a dietary supplement, fish oil is still one of the main sources for Omega-3 essential fatty acids, and is still being prescribed for patients with Omega-3 deficits worldwide.

Many health problems are associated with our diet, our bad unbalanced diet that lacks certain substances that are vital to human health. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of those substances. The lack of them can lead to diseases like stroke, heart disease, cancer, Arthritis, psoriasis and depression. So people with low levels of Omega-3 acids or people that already suffer from the before mentioned conditions should take diet supplements that will give them additional Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is one of those supplements.

There have been quite a few researches made in the past decades and all have proven that fish oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Even though there are (or can be) some side effects to taking fish oil, the benefits definitely prevail.

The main reason that our western diet and cuisine is short on Omega-3 fatty acids is the fact that we do not eat a lot of sea food. Fish, shellfish, seaweed are all sources of these fatty acids. On the other hand our nutrition is rich with the other, not so good type of fatty acids - Omega-6. So until we improve our way of cooking and eating it is wise to take some sort of supplements that will introduce enough Omega-3 in our system.

Fish oil can bring your cholesterol and triglycerides levels back to normal. It will also keep them there if you keep taking it. It has quite a big positive influence on your heart and coronary system. Fish oil can also prevent illnesses like lupus, kidney malfunctions, Crohns disease, prostate and colon cancer and strokes.

Another disease where fish oil can be helpful is the prevention of the onset of schizophrenia. Especially if fish oil is included in the diet of young patients that have only shown the first signs of schizophrenia it seems that fish oil helps control this disease or even reverse the symptoms. Studies on this matter have not been fully confirmed yet.

Good results have also been achieved by using fish oil as a supplement in cases of depression. It has been noted that sometimes depression can be caused by chemical imbalances, and the Omega-3 deficit can manifest itself through an exacerbation of depressive states.

Fish oil is a very effective supplement to your diet but it is not some sort of a miracle cure for all your problems. So do not take any action without consulting your doctor about your condition and if taking fish oil can be beneficial to your health or not.

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Sunday, March 15, 2009

Why Omega 3 Is essential?

By Johnson Ball

Omega 3 fatty acids are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that our body can't produce. Omega 3 is essential for brain functioning and also for growth and development of the body. As our body can't produce it so we need food to develop these fatty acids. Fish like salmon and halibut are known to be the best sources for omega 3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) are known to be three main omega 3 fatty acids. Clinical studies suggest that omega 3 fatty acids are very useful to treat many medical illnesses. It is helpful for the heart disease and many other problems which contribute to heart diseases. It is also beneficial for people who are suffering from prostrate, breast and colon cancer. Some of the benefits and uses of omega 3 include;

High Cholesterol Control

ALA is found in walnuts and fatty fish which are good to reduce cholesterol level in the body. It is also helpful to reduce the trigycerides level in the body.

Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two incredibly deadly diseases which can be avoided by using substances of DHA and EPA; fish oil is the most excellent resource of these substances. DHA and EPA are also helpful to treat atherosclerosis. These substances hold back the increase of plague and blood clots thus prevents heart disease and stroke. Doctors suggest taking fish in your food two times in a week; it is essential for every person and lowers threat factor of stroke by half.

High Blood Pressure Control

Research makes it obvious that omega 3 fatty acids are excellent to lower blood pressure to great level. It is also helpful for individuals with hypertension. There is one exemption not to use mercury rich food as it can raise blood pressure.

Avoiding Rheumatoid arthritis

Tenderness in the joints and morning stiffness are medical conditions which can be avoided by using omega 3 fatty acids. Research shows that omega 3 is also helpful for reducing inflammation.

Help in Osteoporosis

EPA is omega 3 fatty acid which is rich in calcium. It deposits calcium in the bones, enhances calcium level in the body and gives our bones a great strength. Those people who take EPA in their regular diet do not encounter with bone density problems.

Avoiding Depression

Nerve cell membranes help for nerve communication. These are vital for any human being for his/her cerebral physical condition and to stay attentive. Luckily, omega 3 fatty acids contain imperative mechanism for these membranes. Still we require taking these fatty acids in good quantity. If we are failed there is a strong likelihood to encounter depression.

All these fatty acids play an essential role for suitable functioning of our body. It establishes and maintains our health by escalating energy, routine and stamina. The fatty acids are favorable for strengthening our resistant system. We are more likely to be saved from cardiovascular disease. Consistent use of these fatty acids can aid in weight reduction. Our brain can perform better and it improves functions like brainpower, behavior and vision. These fatty acids are good for wounded people as it speeds up recovery and healing process. It improves our digestive system. In short, these fatty acids are must for each person to stay fit and healthy.

About the Author: