Posts Tagged ‘omega 3’

Omega-3’s power isn’t a fish tail. It’s the best defense from the ocean, streams and waterways. It’s in a class by itself, a literate banquet of support for all functions of the human body. Saving lives with the most potent anti-inflammatory agent concentrated into one nutrient.

Fish Oil

An abundance of scientific research substantiates the range of fish oils health benefits, from promoting a healthy heart, to improving brain function, and keeping inflammation at bay. Depression and diabetes are conditions that can be helped by omega-3 fatty acids.

Research published in the journal Gut reports that a purified form from of an omega 3 cuts the number and size of precancerous bowel growths (polyps) in people whose genetic make-up predisposes them to bowel cancer. Gut is the leading journal in gastroenterology.

This particular omega 3 is eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. It proves to be as effective as the prescription medicine used to treat familial bowel polyps, without the cardiovascular side effects.

Recent epidemiological studies have shown that rates of cardiovascular disease are lower in populations such as the Greenland Eskimos. They have a diet that is high in fish oils that are rich is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid.

Omega 3 Benefits

Research shows that omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and lowers the risk of chronic disease such as heart diseases such as cancer, and arthritis. Omega 3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important in cognitive performance, and behavioral function.

Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.

Omega 3’s is known to not only improve your appearance, but slow the aging process to boot.

Cancer

The next treatment for cancer may come from fish, according to a new research report published in the March 2010 print edition of The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) journal. Scientist show that the omega 3 fatty acid, “docosahexaenoic acid” (DHA) is a cancer inhibitor.

It works both as a preventative, and as ammunition against it once it takes form.

“This is good news for those looking to stop cancer. We now know that DHA plays both offense and defense when it comes to protecting our health,” said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal. “It’s ability to help prevent numerous diseases is well documented, but now we see that DHA or one of its byproducts might serve as the starting point for a new class of cancer drugs.”

ADHD

Studies show that omega 3 fish oil could have long-term benefits on cognitive development. When researchers compared long term results that found that compared Ritalin and Concerta, both drugs for ADHD they found that the fish oils were more effective.

A 2005 study in Britain concluded that children who are given Omega 3 fatty acids show improvements in behavior, reading and spelling. Earl Mindell, PhD and author of Earl Mindell’s Supplement Bible, believes that DHA compound contained in Omega 3 fatty acids are integral to brain development.

The reason why fish is known as brain food is it’s a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fatty acid that is found in high concentration in the gray matter of the brain. DHA is needed in the function of brain cell membranes, which are important for the transmission of brain signals.

Weight Loss

A recent study published by the International Journal of Obesity found that subjects who took eight fish oil capsules, or 6 g of fish oil, per day had greater levels of weight loss and fat metabolism (burning of calories) than those who did not take them

Summary

There is nothing fishy about fish oil. This goes beyond being a good nutrient, it is a critical nutrient.

The paleo diet is also referred to as the caveman diet, Paleolithic diet, Stone Age diet, and hunter-gatherer diet. It is based on what we presume our very distant ancestors consumed.

Paleo Diet 101

A paleo diet is based on plants and animal protein. This diet consists mainly of meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, roots and nuts. It excludes grains, legumes, refined sugar, and processed oils. The paleo diet is a meat eaters paradise. A diet where you eat and get healthier.

The paleo diet 101 is the basic blueprint for a life free of chronic disease. All the press has been on the dangers eating too much meat. Now, lets bust that myth. We balance the bad press with the news that there is less to fear from animal protein, than from a diet of contrived food.

Low-Fat Diet

The current fad of low-fat diets has the American public suffering from more degenerative diseases than ever before. The dangers of low-fat foods is from the high sugar content and the lack of good fats.

The epidemic of degenerative diseases is on the increase, and so is the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acid. The ratio is anywhere from 20:1 to 30:1, when it should be 3:1 or less. Omega-6s that have dominated our foods for the last 50 years.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are not manufactured by the body and must be consumed in foods. Processed food and unnatural oils has changed the ratio and quality of the oils we consume. Manufactured food is high in Omega-6 fats. The modern diet is short on Omega-3 fatty acids. When the Omega-3 in the diet went down the heart disease and cancer rate went up. Omega 3’s best source are fatty fish and beef. Nuts, seeds, vegetables have some Omega-3, but are not the same as the long-chain Omega-3’s found in fatty fish and grass-fed-beef.

Grain-Fed Beef 

Grain-fed beef has an Omega 6:3 ratio of 20:1. This is the reason that meat is implicated in many of the diseases that are so prevalent today. The ideal ratio of Omega 3:1 equal to fish without mercury is found in grass-fed beef. People on the paleo diet consume grass-fed beef. Free roaming animals were the food of our distant ancestors.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid  

One of the big benefits of grass-fed beef and lamb is the presence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). This is an essential fatty acid. CLA fights cancer, combats clogged arteries, and may prevent or delay diabetes. It is responsible for lowering cholesterol, lowers LDL, lower triglycerides and improves the cholesterol/HDL ratio. We can’t produce CLA and must get it from our diets.

CLA is also known for its ability to reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass. There are many clinical studies that have been published on the effect of CLA on weight management. Conjugated linoleic acid reduces fat and increases lean muscle mass.

Modern Diet

Today’s diet is high in manufactured food. Our modern diet supplies a high amount of Omega 6s in the form of processed wheat, corn rice, and oils, such as safflower, corn, soybean, etc. Grain-fed cattle consume all of these.

A low-fat diet is high in all of these processed foods that contain high amounts of Omega-6s, also known as the inflammatory diet.

Diet Paleo

Studies on mice and rats show that CLA hinders the growth of tumors in mammary, skin, and colon tissues. It has been shown that CLA can up-regulate the tumor suppressor gene PTPRG.

Studies have shown that CLA usage has a positive effect on the improvement of lean muscles, and reduced fat.

To diet paleo style seems to be a wise choice. We seem to be programmed for this, remember the margarine fiasco. The low fat diet, has one great draw back it depends on pre-packaged faux foods. The paleo diet is a whole foods diet that makes sense.

Children’s health programs that presents the healthiest diet are a challenge. For this to work the whole family has to change their lifestyle. It is one that consists of the highest quality of food, the optimal activity level, and an optimistic outlook on life. Referring to the consequential damages of a poor lifestyle it is easy to show the link between diet and health. 

What to Eat

Diets rich in Omega-fats are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease. When we refine oils from plants, we are consuming a high omega-6 diet. Refined vegetable oils, high in Omega-6 fatty acids changed the way our bodies function. It causes our body to malfunction, and causes inflammation, poor skin quality, such as dry skin, increased oxidation.

Omega-3 fatty acids are an immune-enhancer. Whole foods are the source of Omega-3 fatty acids. It is found in small amounts in plant foods. The most abundant forms come from fish, but also from grass fed beef.

The colorful fruit and vegetables contain for vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. Low glycemic foods are better in controlling sugar levels.

Exclusions

What seems like limitations are what will provide lifelong health. By reducing these substances you avoid most chronic conditions. At the same time you slow down the aging process. This is a bold defense strategy that works. By eliminating most pre-packaged foods you are cutting down on most of the elements that shouldn’t be in our diet.

This includes the artificial colors and flavors, sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, high percentage of omega-6 fatty acids, and preservatives.

Program

There are very creative and helpful programs that understand that learning, behavior, energy, attitude, health and happiness are tied to food and physical activity.

Once your habits are ingrained it is harder to change. However, it is a responsibility to both yourself and your family.

The L.E.A.N program that Kathy Bee will be talking about is one of the best places to start. It is a program developed by Dr. William Sears America’s pediatrician. This program realizes that a children’s health program begins with the parent. 

“The best gift you can give a child is the gift of health” Dr. Sears

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3pGXBXJsJg