Essential fatty acids must always be part of our daily diet - without them, we take one step closer to our deaths. Essential fatty acids are divided into two families: omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAS.
Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other, studies have revealed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news, however, is that the opposite is true for omega-3 EFAs. Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while omega-3 EFAs can be found in fish oils among other foods.
Omega-6 vs. Omega-3
Physicians and scientists are of the same opinion that the cause behind increasing cases of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain kinds of cancer is none other than an imbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs.
As mentioned earlier on, omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils. This includes but is not limited to corn oil and soy oil, both of which contains high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can be found also in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils. It should be significant to take note that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed to provide many benefits to the human body. In the early 1970's, a study on Greenland Eskimos have revealed that one of the major reasons why they rarely suffer from heart diseases is because of their high-fat diet (mainly composed of fish).
The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food have also proven to be useful in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Other Benefits of Fish Oil
There are a lot more illnesses and situations in which intake of fish oil has proven to be significantly beneficial.
Making the Heart Healthier
The heart is inarguably one of the most important parts of our body and having an unhealthy heart means having to suffer a rather limited lifespan. Naturally, it's in our best interests to keep our hearts happy and healthy and one way of doing that is eating food that contains fish oil.
In Athens, Greece, for instance, a study was made to show if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those who ate more fish than the others had a lower level of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used to measure likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.
Fish to Become Thin
In Perth, Australia, a study had revealed that fish consumption can be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss diet which includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be quite effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.
Fish Oil to Combat Asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil for asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that approximately 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason behind it.
Researchers of UW (University of Wyoming) conducted a study by subjecting a number of children to a high-fish diet while others continued with their regular diet. Results revealed that the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.
Consult Your Nutritionist Now
Nothing is good when consumed or used excessively but complete avoidance of a particular food type is equally harmful as well. Ask your nutritionist for the right amount of fish intake for your age and health status.
Benefits Of Fish Oil Pills
One possible way to prevent one from taking contaminated fish is to consume carefully selected fish oil supplements. Techniques such as molecular distillation that employing pressure and temperature, can purify possible environmental pollutants contained in fish.
There are plenty of fish oil supplements available in the market. Their quality and potency, however, can differ widely. One should take note that diarrhea and other minor discomfort can often occur by taking supplements that turn rancid or that contain ingredients that are not adequately purified.
Another important issue if dosage. Fish oil can help the heart by thinning the blood. High levels of fish oil might increase the risk of bleeding, and may cause harm instead if combined with blood thinning medication. If one is on medication pertaining to cardiovascular treatment, he or she should seek advice from the doctor about the appropriate dosage before taking any fish oil supplement.
When choosing fish oil, it is also necessary to note their levels of fatty acids that offer the kind of healthy benefits required. For example, 1000 mg of fish oil with 180 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 120 mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) provide 300 mg (not 1000 mg) of omega-3 fats.
Besides omega-3, consumers should look at other ingredients such as vitamin A and D in cod liver oil and added vitamin E in fish oil, as these may not be good for everybody. Fish oil supplements may be beneficial only for those with high triglyceride levels in reducing the levels.
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which fat exists in the body. High levels increase risk of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. This is because a single fish oil capsule contains about 30 times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids as a single fish portion. On average, a 113.5 g serving of oily fish contains about 1.5g of omega-3 fatty acids.
Most regulators stipulate a level of purity but standards vary considerably. The European Union standards are among the strictest, being more cautious than those imposed by the FDA in United States. Environmental Defense, a United States non-profit organization, has conducted an international study of fish and fish oil supplements. The group helps consumers decide how to obtain adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids without contaminants. Three brands that are on the list of ?Best Choice? supplements are Nordic Naturals, which is made in Norway, and Shaklee and Usana brands, which are made in the United States. These brands certify that their supplements are free from heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs.
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Can T Feel Pain Disease Never settle for second-rate care. Always seek compassion, fairness and knowledge. I love a doctor who says, I dont know, but I will find out or send you to someone who does know, dont you?
