Omega-3 Oils - The Super Supplements Most modern diseases of the industrialized world are related to diets which include too many of the unhealthy fats (saturated fats, from meat and dairy products, and heavily processed fats, like margarine and hydrogenated oils) and not enough of the healthy fats (Omega-3 oils from seeds and fish). "Omega-3" is a chemical nickname for a group of fatty acids which include Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These nutritional fats are remarkable for the wide range of benefits they bestow to the body. To name just a few, they help to thin the blood, clean the arteries, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, prevent heart attack and stroke, improve circulation, regulate the immune system, improve eyesight and nourish the brain. DHA is a major building block of brain tissue. Studies show that DHA is particularly important in early brain development and learning ability. For this reason, it is especially important that pregnant mothers and children maintain adequate levels of DHA in their diet. In Great Britain and Europe, the use of Omega-3 supplementation is starting to replace conventional anti-depressant therapy for mild to moderate depression and ADHD. On another level, inflammation in the body is a subtle but insidious killer. Inflammation in the G.I. tract can impair digestion and nutritional absorption. Inflammation in the nervous system can lead to MS and in the brain, can lead to Alzheimer's disease. Inflammation in the arteries is a major factor leading to heart disease and stroke. Inflammation in the lungs or bronchial tubes can result in asthma. Inflammation in the skin shows up as eczema, psoriasis, hives or acne. Over the course of time, the damage from inflammation is perhaps the single greatest health risk that we face. By increasing our intake of ALA and EPA and reducing the unhealthy fats, we can dramatically reduce inflammation in the body. Researchers have also found that Omega-3 oils assist the body's immune system in a number of different ways. In cancer patients, these nutrients actually help to strengthen the healthy cells and destroy cancer cells. Omega-3's are also important in the area of auto-immune disorders. They seem to have a regulating effect on the immune system by boosting immune function where it is needed and reducing inflammation in the healthy tissues. One of the primary causes of heart disease and stroke is atherosclerosis; a degenerative disease in which the arteries become brittle, clogged with plaque and subject to inflammation. It has been demonstrated that a diet rich in Omega-3 oils (along with other dietary and lifestyle changes) can reverse this process and help restore normal arterial blood flow. The most concentrated sources of EPA and DHA are cold water fin fish. An ideal diet would include 7 or more servings of fresh fish every week. However, these days, due to pollution in the oceans and inland waters, it is not a good idea to eat that much fish. For this reason, a good quality fish oil supplement is the best approach. I recommend Nordic Naturals available at www.nordicnaturals.com or 1-800-662-2544. Their products are manufactured under the highest standards of purity and freshness. And the taste is mild and very pleasant. ALA is most abundant in flax seed and other seed oils. For ALA, I recommend a blend of seed oils from either Spectrum (Ultra EFA) or Udo's Choice, both of which are top quality products. The dietary regiment I recommend for most* people is as follows:
* Caution: If you are pregnant, currently taking blood thinning medication, have diabetes or a bleeding disorder, consult with your health care professional before taking fish or flax seed oil supplements. |
