Posts Tagged ‘omega 3’

What Does Fish Oil Do and How to Harness Its Power Effectively

December 30th, 2009

Author: Rich Hawkinsbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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What does fish oil do is one of the most frequently asked questions I get! I think this shows that despite being the most popular supplement, many people are still confused about the health benefits. Essentially it is the omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA and EPA that are responsible for the health benefits. These play a key role in a range of body process from blood pressure to inflammation and immunity.

What does fish oil do for the heart? It basically protects the heart from disease, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Thousands of lives are saved each year because people simply take an omega-3 supplement every day! It also helps to reduce triglycerides, which are blood fats related to cholesterol, lowering bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure too.

It is also well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties and people suffering from arthritis can gain considerable relief when taking fish oil capsules. Treatment of skin disorders like acne and psoriasis are also proven to be successful and recent research from the University of California show us that it may help in the fight against breast cancer.

What does fish oil do for the brain?

Brain health is a major area of study just now and with the human brain being composed of around 60% fats, half of which is DHA omega-3, you can see why! It helps to keep the brain healthy and functioning correctly and may influence the symptoms of diseases like Alzheimers in a very positive manner. It is also thought to be good for treating schizophrenia and general mental health issues. The list seems to be endless and it is no wonder that these supplements are the most widely taken and effective of all.

To get all these benefits make sure you choose carefully. Purity is key: fish from Alaska and New Zealand come from the cleanest waters, and make sure it is pharmaceutical grade or molecularly distilled to remove the many toxins like mercury and other heavy metals that fish carry in their flesh.

Next check the relative DHA and EPA levels, ensuring that the DHA level is the highest as this is now proven to be the most effective. If you cant see the levels clearly, you should avoid the product altogether.

In closing I hope I have answered the question of what does fish oil do and that you can see the amazing benefits to be had by including it in your daily diet.

Visit my website today to learn more about the fish oil supplements I personally take.

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pDiscover the best a target=_new href=http://www.best-omega-3-supplement.com/ rel=nofollowomega-3 fish oil/a today./ppRich Hawkins is a dedicated researcher of nutrition, diet and amazing health benefits of a target=_new href=http://www.best-omega-3-supplement.com/ rel=nofollowomega-3 fish oil/a. Discover the very latest and effective omega-3 fish oil supplements Rich recommends after extensive research./pbr
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Essential Fatty Acids Sources and Benefits

December 29th, 2009

Author: Chester Ku-Leabr
Source: articleage.combr
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Why should I increase my Omega fatty acid intake?
Our intake of essential fatty acids has changed radically in the last century. Our ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 should be close to 1:1, but it is now over 10:1 and up to 20:1. This is due to the addition of corn, sunflower, safflower, sesame and other Omega-6 oils to our food supply. Such excesses are thought by many scientists to be a factor in a number of chronic medical conditions including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, asthma, acne, obesity and depression. It is clear that we need to increase our intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and decrease our intake of Omega-6 (linoleic acid) oils. By doing so we will be, look and feel healthier.
What are good fats and bad fats?
Fat is a concentrated source of energy. This source of energy is very useful during aerobic exercise. The longer the exercise, the higher the fat contribution for providing energy. Fat is particularly used in large quantities in the brain and nervous system. There are two types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Unsaturated fats are commonly referred to as good fats, and should make up the greatest percentage of your fat intake.
UNSATURATED
• Unsaturated fats, good fats are liquid at room temperature, and remain in liquid form even when refrigerated or frozen.
• Good fats are part of the essential fats: omega 3 and omega 6, both of which are unsaturated fats.
What are EPA and DHA?
These are two specific essential fatty acids found in fish oil. Both Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) have been well documented in regulating cellular functions and promoting good health. Diets deficient in EPA and DHA have been associated with a number of health problems, most notably cardiovascular disease.
What is GLA and how is it different from other Omega-6 sources?
GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) is an Omega-6 fatty acid found in high amounts in borage oil, and to a lesser degree in black currant and evening primrose oils. In contrast to the sunflower, safflower and other Omega-6 oils, the presence of GLA in borage oil results in very different physiological effects. Linoleic acid in its current dietary excess promotes inflammation due to the production of arachidonic acid (AA). GLA on the other hand, actually interferes with the production of AA and decreases inflammation. GLA has been used with success in treating various medical conditions, most notably rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. Emerging science also indicates that GLA has synergistic activities with the Omega-3 marine-derived DHA and EPA, particularly in cardiovascular health and fat metabolism.
We all want to be healthy, happy and fit with enough energy for work and for play. A well-balanced diet, exercise, and enough rest go a long way in helping us get the most out of life. And essential fatty acids (EFAs) have been proven to help us achieve healthier and happier lives. These good fats truly are essential and the majority of us are not consuming enough of the well-researched Omega fats. Now getting the right amount of Omegas to suit your specific health needs is easier than ever.
Where do essential fats come from?
Sources of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fats:
• Cold Water fish such as Salmon (coho, king and pink), sardines, cod, albacore tuna, trout, halibut , herring. (these fish are also a great source of Omega 6, but are predominantly richer in Omega 3)
• Flaxseeds and green leafy vegetables are great sources of Omega 3.
• Sesame and sunflower seeds and other seeds and nuts are great sources of Omega 6.
• Borage oil and evening primrose oil are rich sources of GLA which is part of the Omega 6 essential fats.
Where do saturated fats come from?
Saturated fats contain large amounts of saturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids are named so, because they are saturated with hydrogen, meaning they have only single bonds between carbon atoms, leaving no room in their chemical structure for additional hydrogen atoms. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature.
Varieties of Saturated fat include: Butter, coconut and palm oils and lard.
Benefits
• aid in balancing the autoimmune system
• treats skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
• cardiovascular healthbr
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Balance Your Hormones to Reduce Acne

November 22nd, 2009

Author: Robert Kokoska
Source: articlesbase.com

There are actually two big groups of bodily hormones that you will need to balance if you ever wish to treat your acne that is caused from hormonal reasons.

The first set of hormones that we will look at are called androgen’s, and they are responsible for regulating the oil in your skin, otherwise known as sebum. You can get acne if you have too much of this skin oil because it can block the pores and mix with dirt and bacteria that cause those dreaded inflamed spots called acne.

The trapped bacteria starts to spread and multiply within the pores which creates redness and swelling because the body attempts to fight this “infection” which creates that disgusting stuff called pus.

The other important type of hormones are called prostaglandins. These hormones are produced in the cells and act as chemical messengers. Prostaglandins are important because the control both inflammation and the anti-inflammatory response in the body which is why you need a balance of the 2 kinds. They are sometimes referred to as “bad” and “good” prostaglandins.

The big question on every ones mind then is, how do you begin to regulate these hormones in our body’s naturally?

To start with, many people lack essential nutrients that the body actually needs to produce these so called “good” prostaglandins. When this happens you get an over-abundance of the other kind which is responsible for causing inflammation and is not what an acne sufferer needs more of.

A chemical called ALA or ((alpha-linolenic acid) which is a fancy name for Omega 3, is an essential fatty acid that is actually the precursor for “good” prostaglandins which means it’s needed for it’s production. Most people in the US are chronically deficient in Omega 3.

Most oil products that you have in your household are high in the other types of Omega fatty acids being 6 and 9 but very little in the 3 type. Incidently, Omega 6 is the precursor for the “bad” type of prostaglandin.

Some of the best sources for getting Omega 3 are flax or fish oil. These oils are good because they often have a ratio of 2-1 in favor of Omega 3 which is good to balance the other oils that you eat throughout the day.

Taking a good quality enzyme supplement with these oils is also a good idea which will make sure that the oils get broken down properly and get utilized by the body. Funny enough, a lot of people in the US also have an enzyme deficiency.

Another good idea is to take your healthy oils with fruits that naturally contain high amounts of enzymes such as papaya, kiwi fruit, figs and pineapple.

Stress causes the body to use up most of it it’s precious supplies of the “good” type of prostaglandins. So do other practices such as smoking, that create nasty chemicals called free-radicals, that actually attack the necessary chemicals that are used for the synthesis of prostaglandins inside the body.

If you are going to purchase an acne product online, you should check out Acne Learning Center. They provide thousands of articles related to acne and popular products online. You can visit the website here: http://www.acnelearningcenter.com/

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Balancing Prostaglandins for Acne Control

October 19th, 2009

Author: Robert Kokoska
Source: articleage.com

There are two main groups of hormones that are necessary to balance if you want to effectively treat and cure your acne. The first type of hormones, androgens are responsible for the regulation of sebum (skin oil). Acne occurs when the body has too much sebum is mixed with other elements, such as toxins in the blood and dead skin cells that clog pores. Bacteria played in the blocked pores which create redness, inflammation and swelling that is your acne. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances produced in cells as chemical messengers. Prostaglandins are important hormones that are responsible for anti-inflammatory and inflammatory response in cells otherwise known as "good" and "bad" prostaglandins. So the question is, how can someone that prostaglandins regulate hormones in the body? Most people lack the nutrients the body needs to produce enough "good prostaglandins", while the other hand they produce many of the "bad guy" so you suffer from acne most often have inflamed, red patches pain on their faces that take longer than normal to reduce. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an Omega 3 essential fatty acids is the precursor of the "good" prostaglandins. Most Americans are simply deficient in Omega 3 EFA. Most oil products and domestic animals have very high amounts of omega 6 EFA, but little or no Omega 3. Omega 6 is the block 'bad' prostaglandins. Two of the best sources of Omega 3 are fish oil and flax seed oil. Flax seed oil is great because it has a 2-1 ratio Omega 3, which is good to offset the imbalance of these people EFA have most of their lives. It would be a good idea to take enzymes with these oils to make sure they are decomposed and used correctly. Considering the majority of Americans also have an enzyme deficiency that would be a wise decision. Alternatively, you may want to take flax / fish oil capsules with enzyme-rich fruits like banana, papaya, pineapple, figs and kiwi. One of the largest theifs of prostaglandins is stress. Smoking and other things that create free radicals, attack the chemicals that are used in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Are you sick and tired of having acne, clear your skin naturally in just a couple of weeks with Acne Acuzine Capsules. Read the press release online about Acne Free in 3 Days

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