Tag Archives: omega 3 fatty acids

What Are the Benefits of Eating Antioxidants?

Posted by on May 17, 2012 No comments

Antioxidants are food additives that protect your body from free radicals, the damaging by-products of normal metabolism. Antioxidants include many vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and phytochemicals, which are substances plants produce to protect themselves from viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Cancer
Phytochemicals in plant-based foods have been shown to reduce cancer risk. For example, anthocyanins, found in red and blue fruits and vegetables, and phenolics, found in citrus fruits, juices, cereals and legumes, help protect against tumors. Lutein, present in green leafy vegetables, helps reduce breast cancer risk, while vitamin C helps protect against oral, stomach, esophageal, rectal, pancreatic and cervical cancer.

Heart Health
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of heart arrhythmia, decrease triglyceride levels and slow the rate of plaque growth in your arteries. Omega-3s may even slightly reduce blood pressure. The best sources of omega-3s are fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, lake trout, mackerel, herring and albacore tuna. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings per week of fish high in omega-3s. A serving is approximately 3/4 cup of flaked fish.

Vision
Two phytochemicals classified as carotenoids — lutein and zeaxanthin — are in the lens and retina of your eyes. These two antioxidants help protect your eyes from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Fruits and vegetables that contain lutein and zeaxanthin include kiwi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale and cabbage. Beta-carotene, present in orange vegetables such as carrots, is another vision-supporting antioxidant.

Prostate and Urinary Tract
Lycopene, a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their color, may contribute to a healthy prostate. Cooking the tomatoes makes lycopene more available to the body. You may have heard cranberry juice is good for the urinary tract. This is due to phytochemicals classified as flavonoids. Flavonoids are found not only in cranberries, but also in apples, strawberries, grapes, wine, cinnamon, peanuts and cocoa.

Immune System
Vitamin A is necessary for a healthy immune system. The body converts three carotenoids — alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin — into vitamin A. Good sources of these carotenoids include any yellow, orange or red fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, cantaloupe and watermelon.

So far, studies using antioxidant vitamin supplements have found little effect on health risks. For instance, the 10-year national Women’s Health Study found no difference in heart attack risk between a group taking supplemental vitamin E (Foodchem) and a placebo group, although there was a 24 percent reduction in cardiovascular mortality. For now, the advice seems to be to eat your antioxidants rather than take supplements. It may be that the combination of antioxidants found naturally in food provides the most health benefit.

The Need To Change Lipid Nutriture by Dr. Randy Wysong

Posted by on February 5, 2012 No comments

THE ESKIMO EVIDENCE

There is a variety of persuading evidence that the fatty acid content of modern human and domesticated animal diets should be altered. The ability of fish oils to affect cardiovascular disease has recently become widely known. However, this is not new. It originally came to light more than 35 years ago.1,2 Epidemiological studies of Greenland Eskimos demonstrated a low incidence of cardiovascular disease compared to Western nations. A component of fish oil has subsequently been linked to this preventive action by some investigators. Since Eskimos, on their native diets, are known to be afflicted with only one tenth the amount of myocardial infarction as is present in Danes and Americans, incorporating the preventive factors of the Eskimo diet in the Western diet might therefore have dramatic health consequences.3

ANIMAL EVIDENCE

Experimental evidence from animal studies demonstrates a like effect of improper lipid nutriture. For example, in vessel ligating studies measuring vascular necrosis in rats, cats, dogs, swine, and primates, it has been determined that increasing omega-3 fatty acids produces a protective effect.4-8

A comparison of the tissues of domestic animals to that of wild animals demonstrates the dramatic nutritional shift which has occurred with domestication and modern farming practices. (Fig. 30) If humans eat factory farmed animals, their tissues will mirror the changes which have occurred in the food animal. Humans, like domestic animals, will also therefore have fatty acid profile discordancy with their preindustrialized ancestors

[ Comparison Of Domestic An Wild Animal Meat Image ]

PRE-MODERN POPULATION EVIDENCE

There are likely factors other than just the incorporation of high levels of fish oils in the diet which have protective effects against cardiovascular disease. Anthropological studies demonstrate that preindustrial civilizations and wild populations of animals do not fall victim to this disease as we do, yet they do not by and large consume fish. Consuming a natural, raw, whole food diet likely presents a wide range of health augmenting effects which help protect not only against cardiovascular disease but many other degenerative diseases as well. 9,10

A study of the nature of the modern processed diet as compared to natural diets demonstrates the wide gap that has occurred between the two. Not only have oils been stripped from their natural food context but, through various processing methods, they have been altered in ways that prevent their participation in essential fatty acid functions. These alterations may not only remove nutritional value but may turn them into metabolic toxins as previously discussed. Such changes have occurred within a very short time period, primarily within the last 50-75 years.

However, the genome was adapted over thousands of years to natural food sources containing natural ratios of natural fatty acids. Food changes, like environmental changes which are occurring at a rapid pace, can outstrip the ability of organisms to adapt. We are in a genetic time warp; our genes are adapted to a natural form of food and environment, yet we are now increasingly experiencing an entirely different context. By outlining this idea from the perspective of time our precarious position is dramatically demonstrated. Study and ponder Figure 31 well; it represents the most important concept in the book.

[ Time And Adaptation Image ]

It is now estimated that 75-80% of all deaths occurring in Western cultures are a result of exposing our genes to the wrong environment and food. Chronic degenerative diseases are the symptoms of this genetic discordancy. These include cardiovascular disease, cancers, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, adult onset diabetes, and a wide range of other degenerative conditions.11, 12

The logical solution is to restore the diet to its more archetypal, natural form. This can be accomplished through fresh raw, natural products in the diet and the selection of specific foods which contain high levels of certain beneficial nutrients.

If processed foods are to be consumed, foods should be selected as close to their original form as possible with minimization of manipulation.

THE DYNAMICS OF TISSUE FATTY ACIDS

“We are what we eat” is particularly true in relation to lipid nutrition. Since lipids make up a large percentage of the substance of the body, and lipids undergo a continual turnover, our lipid composition is therefore a direct reflection of what we have been eating.

The composition of serum triglycerides reflects the composition of the last few meals: that of cholesterol esters (in LDL’s for example) and erythrocyte membranes reflects the intake of the preceding weeks or months: whereas the composition of adipose tissue is an index of the habitual diet over the past 23 years.13 Changing the dietary composition of fatty acids will therefore first change serum lipids, then LDL’s and erythrocytes, then adipose tissue. In other words, if we are eating high saturated fat burgers and french fries boiled in denatured oil, our membranes will reflect this composition and predispose us to degenerative disease over time. On the other hand, if our diet consists of a large proportion of fresh, raw vegetables, fruits and seeds minimally prepared, our membranes will reflect the composition of these ingredients with omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids more nearly matching our distant preindustrial ancestors, our genetic expectation. (Fig. 32)

COMPLEMENTARY NUTRIENTS

A variety of nutrient cofactors contributes to proper lipid nutrition. As fatty acids are enzymatically converted into energy, eicosanoids, and structural components, enzyme systems are at work. These systems require the presence of micronutrients found in whole natural foods such as the minerals zinc, copper, potassium, iron, and manganese, and vitamins such as B3′ B6′ B12′ C and folic acid. About two thirds of the 50 or more known essential nutrients are believed to be involved. Focusing only on fatty acids would be as erroneous

[ Tissue Fatty Acid Dynamics Image ]

as omitting them. Nutrition is an unimaginably complex entanglement of elements that is best supported by balanced whole fresh foods and intelligent, balanced supplementation when necessary.

References available within book text, click the following link to view this article on wysong.net:

For further reading, or for more information about, Dr Wysong and the Wysong Corporation please visit www.wysong.net or write to wysong@wysong.net. For resources on healthier foods for people including snacks, and breakfast cereals please visit www.cerealwysong.com.

Related topics:

    Fooding Group Limited is a global provider of food ingredient specializing in serving the demand for raw materials needed for finished food products. Our clients trust us to provide quality ingredients every single time.

About Essential Fatty Acids and Fish Oil by Mitch Pellecchia

Posted by on February 5, 2012 No comments

By now, most of us have heard of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their potential health benefits. They’re said to sustain cognitive function and memory, benefit the heart and immune system, aid in cell reproduction and repair, and even help balance hormones. Fish oil, duly noted by the medical community as having similar benefits, contains high levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids, thus establishing the link between a daily regimen of fish oil and good health. Fish oil is sold in the U.S. as a dietary supplement and comes in both liquid and capsule form.

What are essential fatty acids?

Essential fatty acids are unsaturated fats typically found in the oils of vegetables, certain nuts and seeds and some fish. They’re said to benefit health more than the saturated fats found in meat and dairy products and may even have a positive impact on cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Essential fatty acids are referred to as “essential” because they must be obtained through diet and are essential to the normal growth and function of muscles, nerves, cells and organs in humans. There are two families of essential fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids – the fatty acids found in fish oil

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat present in many coldwater fish including trout, salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring, mackerel, tuna and cod. The two most potent forms of omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), both known as “good fats” – unlike saturated fats, which when consumed in excess can lead to cardiovascular problems, neural and brain disorders.

EPA helps to produce the prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) which help control blood-clotting and arterial functions. EPAs may also help to lower serum triglyceride levels.

DHA is a major component of human brain and retinal tissue and aids the transmission of nerve impulses.

The term “omega-3 essential fatty acid” has become synonymous with “fish oil” in modern American marketing literature.

Sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids other than fish oil include, but are not limited to:

• Avocadoes (whole or oil)

• Brazil nuts

• Flaxseed

• Flaxseed oil

• Fortified milk products

• Hempseeds

• Hempseed oil

• Omega-3 eggs

• Pumpkin seeds

• Sesame seed

• Soybean oil

• Walnuts

• Wheat germ oil

Omega-6 fatty acids – not found in fish oil

Omega-6 EFAs are found in animal products such as dairy and meat and are common in cooking oils such as safflower, olive, sunflower, hemp, soybean, pumpkin, sesame, walnut and flaxseed oils. Too many omega-6 EFAs, say nutritionists, can throw off the balance of prostaglandins and lead to health problems. Experts recommend a ratio of three parts omega-3 essential fatty acids to every one part omega-6 fatty acid in the diet. Research indicates that Americans consume far more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 as a result of overindulging in fried foods, red meat and cheese.

Omega-6 fatty acids are dependent on interactions with omega-3 essential fatty acids in order to benefit good health, which is why a balance of the two is crucial in the diet. The American Heart Association cautions against a high dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids as it can lead to the development of gallstones and promote tumors.

Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins encompass a number of hormone-like substances found in every cell in the body. They’re critical to the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, the contraction and relaxation of muscles, the regulation of blood pressure and the modulation of inflammation. Prostaglandins are needed for overall good health and maintenance and must be replenished constantly. It’s easy to understand why having a good balance of prostaglandins in the body is essential to well-being.

Where does fish oil come from?

Most fish oil is extracted from the fatty flesh of the fish, unless a product specifically states otherwise, as is the case with cod liver oil or shark liver oil – extracted from fish liver. Nutritious fish oil is usually derived from deep, coldwater fish and those swimming in the wild (wild fish eat other fish and marine animals and vegetation to survive, whereas farm-raised fish are typically fed some type of less nutritious, less expensive, commercial-grade pellet). Some experts say the best fish comes from the deep Atlantic of Norway and other Scandinavian countries: the deeper and colder the water, say experts, the less chance of toxins such as mercury, lead, dioxins, furans and PCBs occurring in the fish oil. Fish from eastern Pacific waters is known to contain elevated levels of mercury.

Fish oil supplements – good ones / bad ones

“Product disclosure” is the operable phrase when seeking out nutritious fish oil supplements. From what kind of fish is the oil extracted and from where is it extracted naturally through pressing or with a centrifuge; or are petrochemical solvents such as hexane used to extract the oil from the source? How is the fish oil refined? Is it molecularly distilled, which to date is the most reliable form of fish oil purification, or does the label read something like “extra-distilled” or “super-distilled?” Such terms have no bearing on quality or safety. Because the hundreds of thousands of fish oil supplements on the market remain unregulated by the FDA, the safety, consistency, efficacy and strength of these products varies immensely among brands.

When reading fish oil supplement labels:

• Make sure the type of fish from which the fish oil is extracted is listed.

• Look for terms “coldwater,” “deep water” and “wild” as opposed to “farm-raised.”

• In what ocean or hemisphere was the fish caught? North Atlantic, deep, coldwater is said to be the most nutritious.

• Make sure the fish oil is molecularly distilled, which better ensures the absence of PCBs, heavy metals and other contaminants.

• What parts of the fish were used? Fish oils extracted from fish liver may be higher in heavy metals and contaminants.

• What fish oil extraction method was used? Cold or modified expeller pressing means that the oil was produced without damaging temperatures or unnecessary pressure.

Marketing claims that have no defined meaning in relation to fish oil supplements, and which often mislead consumers, include:

• Ultra-pure

• Professional grade

• Pharmaceutical grade

• High-potency

• Super-distilled

• Natural

• Extra-distilled

• Best

• Finest

• Highest quality

• Pure

• Purest

• Purified

Essential fatty acid health benefits and risks

Few argue the benefits of fish oil and essential fatty acids in the diet. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the omega-3 fatty acids can benefit cardiovascular health and that “good unsaturated fats” derived from vegetables and fish are far more nutritious than “bad saturated fats” which come from red meat, animal products and dairy. The cardiovascular benefits to balancing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet include lowered serum cholesterol, decreased serum trigylcerides and reduced platelet aggregation. Although many fish oil supplement companies claim that fish oil supplementation may aid brain function and strengthen the immune system, a complete body of evidence has yet to be produced.

Along with the health benefits of fish oil come some risks, most associated with taking too high doses of fish oil or having dangerously high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in the blood. Some of these risks can include:

• Thinning of the blood and reduced ability of the blood to clot.

• Increased risk of bleeding.

• Too large doses can increase glucose levels in persons with already elevated blood sugar levels.

• In excess, fish oil may suppress the immune system.

• Increase the occurrence of nosebleeds and easy bruising.

• Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea and belching.

• Poisoning from heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins and pesticides.

Experts and nutritionists are convinced that the health benefits of fish oil far outweigh the risks. However, many warn that fish oil shouldn’t be taken with blood-thinning medication such as warfarin or aspirin and shouldn’t be taken by anyone with bleeding disorders or uncontrolled hypertension. It is highly advisable to consult a physician before supplementing a diet with fish oil.

EPAs, DHAs, efficacy and the FDA

In September of 2004, the FDA announced they would allow a qualified health claim for reduced risk of coronary heart disease for conventional foods that contain EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids as outlined in FDA’s “Interim Procedures for Qualified Health Claims in the Labeling of Conventional Human Food and Human Dietary Supplements.” Notwithstanding inconclusive research at the time of release, the FDA said it would exercise its enforcement discretion with respect to the following qualified health claim:

“Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One serving of [name of food] provides [x] grams of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. [See nutrition information for total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol content.]”

In 2000, the FDA announced a similar qualified health claim for dietary supplements containing EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids and the reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The FDA recommends that consumers not exceed more than a total of three grams per day of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, with no more than two grams per day from a dietary supplement.

Be sure to shop at www.vitacost.com for all your essential fatty acid and fish oil needs!

References

1. Supplement from the sea: the fat from fish oil can benefit your heart, eyes, joints, and brain. Tom Weede. Natural Health. Oct 2007 v37 i9 p105 (2).

2. Omega medicine. Is fish oil good for what ails you? Bonnie Liebman. Nutrition Action Healthletter. Oct 2007 v34 i8 p1 (5).

3. The government’s big fish story: Pick the perfect fish oil supplement. Men’s Health. July-August 2007 v22 i6 p158.

4. Fish oil and brain development. Alan R. Gaby. Townsend Letter: The Examiner of Alternative Medicine. Oct 2007 i291 p49 (2).

5. Effects of fish oil supplementation on myocardial fatty acids in humans. R.G. Metcalf, M.J. James, R.A. Gibson. Alternative Medicine Review. Sept 2007 v12 i3 p307 (1).

6. Essential fatty acids. Douglas Dupler and Teresa G. Odle. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Ed. Jacqueline L. Longe. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 4 vols. Updated July 1, 2006.

7. Mighty omegas (ways to score more essential fats). Nancy Duncan. Women’s Health. Dec 2006 v3 i10 p47.

8. Essential fatty acids and eicosanoids: their role in preventing inflammation, cardiovascular disease and cancer. James Meschino. Dynamic Chiropractic. Dec 3, 2007 v25 i25 p28(3).

9. Fish oil. Mai Tran and Teresa Odle. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Ed. Jacqueline L. Longe. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 4 vols. Updated July 1, 2006.

10. On call: Fish oil revisited. Staying Healthy from the Faculty of Harvard Medical School. August 21, 2006 pNA.

11. By the way, doctor: How much fish oil should I be taking? Staying Healthy from the Faculty of Harvard Medical School. August 21, 2006 pNA.

Related topics:

    Fooding Group Limited is a global provider of food ingredient specializing in serving the demand for raw materials needed for finished food products. Our clients trust us to provide quality ingredients every single time.

The Need To Change Lipid Nutriture by Dr. Randy Wysong

Posted by on January 30, 2012 No comments

THE ESKIMO EVIDENCE

There is a variety of persuading evidence that the fatty acid content of modern human and domesticated animal diets should be altered. The ability of fish oils to affect cardiovascular disease has recently become widely known. However, this is not new. It originally came to light more than 35 years ago.1,2 Epidemiological studies of Greenland Eskimos demonstrated a low incidence of cardiovascular disease compared to Western nations. A component of fish oil has subsequently been linked to this preventive action by some investigators. Since Eskimos, on their native diets, are known to be afflicted with only one tenth the amount of myocardial infarction as is present in Danes and Americans, incorporating the preventive factors of the Eskimo diet in the Western diet might therefore have dramatic health consequences.3

ANIMAL EVIDENCE

Experimental evidence from animal studies demonstrates a like effect of improper lipid nutriture. For example, in vessel ligating studies measuring vascular necrosis in rats, cats, dogs, swine, and primates, it has been determined that increasing omega-3 fatty acids produces a protective effect.4-8

A comparison of the tissues of domestic animals to that of wild animals demonstrates the dramatic nutritional shift which has occurred with domestication and modern farming practices. (Fig. 30) If humans eat factory farmed animals, their tissues will mirror the changes which have occurred in the food animal. Humans, like domestic animals, will also therefore have fatty acid profile discordancy with their preindustrialized ancestors

[ Comparison Of Domestic An Wild Animal Meat Image ]

PRE-MODERN POPULATION EVIDENCE

There are likely factors other than just the incorporation of high levels of fish oils in the diet which have protective effects against cardiovascular disease. Anthropological studies demonstrate that preindustrial civilizations and wild populations of animals do not fall victim to this disease as we do, yet they do not by and large consume fish. Consuming a natural, raw, whole food diet likely presents a wide range of health augmenting effects which help protect not only against cardiovascular disease but many other degenerative diseases as well. 9,10

A study of the nature of the modern processed diet as compared to natural diets demonstrates the wide gap that has occurred between the two. Not only have oils been stripped from their natural food context but, through various processing methods, they have been altered in ways that prevent their participation in essential fatty acid functions. These alterations may not only remove nutritional value but may turn them into metabolic toxins as previously discussed. Such changes have occurred within a very short time period, primarily within the last 50-75 years.

However, the genome was adapted over thousands of years to natural food sources containing natural ratios of natural fatty acids. Food changes, like environmental changes which are occurring at a rapid pace, can outstrip the ability of organisms to adapt. We are in a genetic time warp; our genes are adapted to a natural form of food and environment, yet we are now increasingly experiencing an entirely different context. By outlining this idea from the perspective of time our precarious position is dramatically demonstrated. Study and ponder Figure 31 well; it represents the most important concept in the book.

[ Time And Adaptation Image ]

It is now estimated that 75-80% of all deaths occurring in Western cultures are a result of exposing our genes to the wrong environment and food. Chronic degenerative diseases are the symptoms of this genetic discordancy. These include cardiovascular disease, cancers, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, adult onset diabetes, and a wide range of other degenerative conditions.11, 12

The logical solution is to restore the diet to its more archetypal, natural form. This can be accomplished through fresh raw, natural products in the diet and the selection of specific foods which contain high levels of certain beneficial nutrients.

If processed foods are to be consumed, foods should be selected as close to their original form as possible with minimization of manipulation.

THE DYNAMICS OF TISSUE FATTY ACIDS

“We are what we eat” is particularly true in relation to lipid nutrition. Since lipids make up a large percentage of the substance of the body, and lipids undergo a continual turnover, our lipid composition is therefore a direct reflection of what we have been eating.

The composition of serum triglycerides reflects the composition of the last few meals: that of cholesterol esters (in LDL’s for example) and erythrocyte membranes reflects the intake of the preceding weeks or months: whereas the composition of adipose tissue is an index of the habitual diet over the past 23 years.13 Changing the dietary composition of fatty acids will therefore first change serum lipids, then LDL’s and erythrocytes, then adipose tissue. In other words, if we are eating high saturated fat burgers and french fries boiled in denatured oil, our membranes will reflect this composition and predispose us to degenerative disease over time. On the other hand, if our diet consists of a large proportion of fresh, raw vegetables, fruits and seeds minimally prepared, our membranes will reflect the composition of these ingredients with omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids more nearly matching our distant preindustrial ancestors, our genetic expectation. (Fig. 32)

COMPLEMENTARY NUTRIENTS

A variety of nutrient cofactors contributes to proper lipid nutrition. As fatty acids are enzymatically converted into energy, eicosanoids, and structural components, enzyme systems are at work. These systems require the presence of micronutrients found in whole natural foods such as the minerals zinc, copper, potassium, iron, and manganese, and vitamins such as B3′ B6′ B12′ C and folic acid. About two thirds of the 50 or more known essential nutrients are believed to be involved. Focusing only on fatty acids would be as erroneous

[ Tissue Fatty Acid Dynamics Image ]

as omitting them. Nutrition is an unimaginably complex entanglement of elements that is best supported by balanced whole fresh foods and intelligent, balanced supplementation when necessary.

References available within book text, click the following link to view this article on wysong.net:

For further reading, or for more information about, Dr Wysong and the Wysong Corporation please visit www.wysong.net or write to wysong@wysong.net. For resources on healthier foods for people including snacks, and breakfast cereals please visit www.cerealwysong.com.

Fish Oil Blood Thinning Ability, One of the Many Cardiovascular Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids by L

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

One of the most amazing scientific discoveries from the last 30 years is fish oil blood thinning ability, which is but one of the many cardiovascular benefits you will receive from the daily consumption of omega 3 fatty acids. Many people are genetically more susceptible to the formation of blood clots due to either genetic deficiencies, or autoimmune disorders. They suffer from what is known as hyper coagulability.

The rest of us may not be at the same level of risk for forming potentially deadly blockages as these people are, but there is always a chance that something could develop. Surgery, infection, turbulent blood flow at vessel branches, or other trauma to the vessel walls can lead to coagulation. Blood clots are typically treated with what are commonly referred to as “blood thinners”, which have been known to cause problems.

Some of the compounds commonly used to prevent blood platelets from becoming cohesive and forming clots have been found to take patients to the opposite extreme, where they can’t stop bleeding. Others have had to be pulled from the market for causing problems such as heart attacks and liver damage. An omega 3 DHA fish oil blood thinning nutritional supplement poses no risk to the user, unless extremely high dosages are ingested.

There are also too many other benefits that supplementing the diet with omega 3 fatty acids offer, that these other anticoagulant compounds don’t. DHA and EPA n-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels, inhibit potentially fatal heartbeat irregularities, and are constructive in the prevention of circulatory issues such as varicose veins and Raynaud’s disease.

The fact is that the benefits DHA and EPA omega 3 fatty acid supplementations go far beyond the fish oil blood thinning phenomenon. These essential nutrients have also been proven to significantly reduce a person’s risk of developing many inflammatory diseases, which people commonly suffer. Everyone can profit from ingesting just 2,000mg to 4,000mg per day of these amazing nutrients.

These particular omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to prevent the development of allergies, asthma, arthritis, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, Type II diabetes, and even hormone driven cancer. Breast, colon, and prostate cancer can actually be prevented by the daily consumption of omega 3 fatty acid fish oil supplements. High doses of DHA and EPA omega fatty acids have been proven to also improve the performance of drugs used in cancer treatment.

There are also the cognitive benefits to consider besides the proven fish oil blood thinning ability. High levels of DHA and EPA in the blood has been proven to improve memory, learning, comprehension, and can be instrumental in the treatment of depression, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is even suspected that these nutrients may deter Alzheimer’s disease, by inhibiting the formation of amyloid plaque deposits.

There are so many positive things that omega 3 fatty acids can do for you, other than the fish oil blood thinning phenomenon that daily supplementation is an obvious must. You will benefit greatly from supplementing your diet with a daily omega 3 DHA formula.

Krill Oil or Fish Oil – That is The Question by Victoria Doval

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

You may not be old enough to remember the 1950s commercial jingle, “Brill Creme, a Little Dab Will Do Ya.” Doesn’t matter. You do need to know about the next big thing for staying healthy and it is… (drum roll please)… krill oil ( A Daily Dose Will Do Ya.

No matter how you look at it, or what your sex, or whether you’re 21 or 81, there’s one thing your body truly has to have: essential fatty acids (EFAs). And here’s the rest of the story. See, your body doesn’t make them for you. So you must get them from the food you eat and from supplementation.

Essential fatty acids ( are mostly omega-3 and -6 EFAs that come from the oils of plants, fish and tiny shrimp-like cold water crustaceans called krill. This article is about essential fatty acids and why it makes sense to choose krill oil as your most beneficial source of essential fatty acids.

The three major types of omega-3 fatty acids are ALA or alphalinolenic acid; EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid; and DHA or docosahexaenoic acid.

Omega-6 fatty acids help omega-3 fatty acids in the body. But you need to consume them in the right balance. The improper balance between omega-3 and omega-6 is known to lead to disease, but the right ratio can support good health.

The explanation is that omega-3 reduces inflammation ( and omega-6 turns it up. Many researchers believe that too much omega-6 in the typical American diet is a big factor in the growing number of inflammatory disorders. Too much inflammation leads to pain and many diseases.

But deciding how much of which foods to eat is sort of like rocket science for people that have nothing else to do. However, nutritional supplements solve that problem because you can see what’s in ‘em on the label.

So now you’re probably asking, which source of EFAs should I choose for nutritional supplementation? Plant oil, fish oil or krill oil? We’ll leave plant oil on the shelf for now and go ahead with what you need to know about the two marine sources.

You’ll be happy to know that krill oil is coming on like gangbusters in essential fatty acid and antioxidant supplements for waging a very effective war against inflammatory and other diseases.

What makes krill oil better than fish oil? krill oil has 48 times more antioxidant power and is much more absorbable.

Want to know why krill oil is easiest to absorb but were afraid to ask? The krill’s EFAs are bound with phospholipids instead of the triglycerides of fish oil. And guess what, it’s phospholipids that are foundational to cell membranes in the human body.

The unique bond between the krill’s omega-3 EFAs and its phospholipids gets antioxidants through the wall of the intestines and into your cells. And that’s major.

At the beginning of this article we listed 12 health concerns in addition to just plain staying healthy. Every one of them, and more we haven’t mentioned, can most likely be helped by taking krill oil supplements every day.

Of course, be sure not to use any marine form of EFAs if you have seafood allergies ( and ask your medical professional about any interactions with medicines, particularly blood thinners.

Nutrition Building Muscle Mass – Part 3 by Peter Harris

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

Parts 1 & 2 of this series covered ten significant and critical aspects of nutrition building muscle mass. In this part 3 article I will expand on a few of those tips and offer additional suggestions to help you achieve the physique that you desire.

Here are 5 more additional suggestions that you can utilize in your nutritional plan to augment your bodybuilding workouts. These include good fats, cycling protein, creatine, cortisol and overeating.

1. Good fats: As we discussed in a previous article fat is a critical component to your nutritional intake. Consuming fat won’t necessarily make you “fat”. Our bodies require a certain amount of good fats to function and grow properly. Healthy fats will help promote testosterone production. It is recommended that you eat 6 to 8 ounces of lean red meat each day. Also consuming salmon or fish oil capsules is recommended as well to ensure that you are getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids. These will help fight muscle inflammation and encourage glycogen storing.

2. Cycling protein: As suggested it is recommended that you consume 1 gram of protein per bodyweight. This is a general recommendation and of course may have to be adjusted depending on your body type, your metabolism and whether or not you are achieving the results you desire. To help enhance protein synthesis it is recommended or suggested that you cycle your protein once every two weeks or so. This can be done by dropping your protein intake to about 0.7 grams for 2 or 3 days and then increase protein intake up to 2 grams per pound of bodyweight for the next 2 or 3 days. After that you can resume the normal 1 gram per pound of bodyweight per day. This will lead to increased protein generation.

3. Creatine: This is one of the more well-known amino acids in the body and it acts as an energy source by helping to replenish our systems ATP supply. ATP is the basic energy component for muscular contraction. So creatine will help increase strength and improve the quality of muscle contraction in addition to supporting proteitn regeneration. Any serious bodybuilder should be supplementing their workouts with creatine on a daily basis. Their are several suggestions as to how take and how much you should consume but the general recommendation is 5 grams prior to and after training. This will help result in increased strength in addition to increased muscle mass.

4. Cortisol: The normal process in working out will cause muscles to become inflamed as cortisol levels increase in our systems. Their is some research to suggest that if you can control excess buildup of cortisol you may promote better recovery. In addition glycogen formation will improve and testosterone levels will become more stable. You can help control the corticol elevation in your system by taking supplements such as vitamin C, glutamine and phosphatidylserine.

5. Overeating: Most of us when we are implementing a sound nutritional plan to augment our bodybuilding workouts will attempt not to overeat for fear of gaining unnecessary fat or weight. But if you increase your calories every two weeks or so for 1 or 2 meals what will acutally happen this will force your body to increase production of certain growth hormones which can convert those added calories and increased protein into muscle. So if you are consuming meals that consist of 40 grams of protein, 50 to 70 grams of carbs with the remaining balance of fats try increasing your meals to 60 to 70 grams of protein, 100 to 125 grams of carbs and even more dietary fat.

Top Methods To Gain Weight by Jackson Smith

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

In today’s world people are in a battle with weight loss. However, there are some people that want to do the exact opposite. If you are one of those people that is looking to gain weight there are ways to achieve your goals.

First and foremost you want to change your diet. A nutritional diet is not composed of junk or greasy food. Bad fats are not good for your body or your success with gaining healthy weight. You want to be toned and healthy, not flabby. However, there are healthy fats like omega 3 fatty acids which are commonly found in flax, tuna, salmon and walnuts that can aid in weight gain and healthy living.

Besides adding good fats, you will also need to increase your protein intake from things like lean meat, nuts, poultry products, legumes and seeds. To top it off, you will also need carbohydrates that can be found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Each meal should consist of protein and 2 to three servings of vegetables preferably the green kind that has a lot of vitamins and phytonutrients. An important tip is eating five to six small meals per day instead of eating three large ones.

In addition to getting protein from food there are supplement drinks, available at various stores, which you can add to your diet throughout the day. Since they come in different flavors, you can choose your favorite, add some water and then serve. Some people even add a small amount of flax seed oil and psyllium powder so they also get some omega 3 fatty acids into their system.

Besides protein drinks don’t forget to drink lots of water to replenish what you lost during a workout. Milk and fruit juices are also good. You must avoid sodas since it only adds calories and has no nutritional value. Watch out for sugary drinks that do not add any nutritional value.

Now that you have control over eating good foods, now it is time to work on bodybuilding. Resistance training forces the muscles in your body to work harder and as a result increases your muscle size. Some examples are aerobics, cycling, running and weight lifting which can be done, of course, if you have the equipment at home or if you are a member of a gym.

Exercising is ideally done for 20 minutes but those who want to sweat it out and gain muscle mass in a shorter period of time should try to work out between 1 to 2 hours every other day.

Since it takes some time for your muscles to recover after a workout, you should make sure to give your body time to rest. It may take some time to gain the ideal weight you want if you are underweight so just be patient because the right nutrition diet and body building program will soon make you reach your goal weight.

Once you do reach your ideal weight, the challenge now is maintaining it. This is done by monitoring your calorie intake. There are books about this, as well as information online which you can download to help you calculate how much of a certain food you can eat per day.

The mistake some people make that gets them off track is adding some unhealthy foods to their diet such as chicken nuggets, french fries and fish sticks. You should eat smart and go for baked chicken, potatoes or steamed fish. If you want, make the portion a little bit bigger. It seems tempting to add unhealthy foods as a way to gain weight, but remember, you are looking for a healthy body as well.

One great tool if you are just starting out is to work with a trainer who can help you achieve your objective by making the program and then all you have to do is follow it. Most gym memberships offer a few free personal training sessions. Use this to your advantage to set a program. You can probably add more weight later on in the barbells or dumbbells when you don’t find it that challenging as before.

Overall, gaining weight is possible, and more importantly gaining weight in a healthy way will aid to a more fulfilling lifestyle. Eating well and bodybuilding are just two ways to start on your journey to success.

Types Of Culinary Oil

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

Preparing a delicious meal can be a task, especially when the aim is to make it as nutritious and healthy as possible. Nutritionists have warned us against using too much fat in our cooking, and it is best to avoid using animal and dairy fats. However there are some good fats in the form of fruit, seed, nut and vegetable oils which are not just nutritious but also delicious.

Olive Oil – Olive oil can also come in the Extra Virgin form which means that it is unrefined. Olive oil is perfect to use for frying and to make the base for sauces such as mayonnaise and tomato sauces for pasta dishes. Extra Virgin Olive oil is more delicate so should avoid being heated as it can burn easily and this destroys the taste. Instead use it to make salad dressings, and it is perfect to dip fresh crusty bread into, accompanied with balsamic vinegar. As a fat it is highly calorific, but it does contain unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats as well as essential omega 3 fatty acids.

Sesame Oil – Sesame Oil gives that perfect and authentic Asian flavour to stir fries. Traditional used for frying in South India and as a flavour enhancer in China and Korea. Dark sesame oil is not appropriate for frying as light sesame is, but instead can be used as a seasoning and for pickling.

Almond Oil – Almond Oil has a plethora of uses that are not just of the culinary type; similar to the more expensive walnut oil, it is a sweet addition to baking & dessert recipe’s, almond oil makes delicious almond paste for frangipani and tasty salad dressings. Its sweet aroma and kindness to the skin also makes it an ideal base for natural and organic cosmetics such as massage oil and face creams.

Vegetable/Sunflower Oil – This oil is best used for frying: eggs, chips, fish, Tempura, whatever; it can also be great to use when roasting potatoes or other root vegetables to make them super crispy. Use it sparingly and wisely, although it does still contains some good fats.

Avocado Oil – Bursting with omega 3 good fatty acids, like the fruit from which it derives Avocado oil can be a health giving alternative to other oils. It can be used on salads as a tasty dressing or as a base for sauces, adding bite to guacamole and mayonnaise.

Truffle Oil – This unusual oil can be added to pasta’s, risottos and other food to give it that earthy truffle taste, to add the flavour of Truffle’s without the expense. Truffle oil tends to be made synthetically recreating the taste and aroma of truffles without using actual truffles but instead using the exact same organic chemical compounds. This recreates the real taste of truffles at a far lower price. Sometimes good truffle oil can be harder to source than the rest of the oils listed, so online companies such as truffle enthusiasts Truffle Hunter are a good place to purchase if you want to add some real decadence to your cooking.

By: Rob Colbourne

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To recreate that fine dining experience at home, buy white truffles from the Trufflehunter store – now also selling the finest truffle oil made from fresh truffles.

Acai Berry Antioxidants – An Affordable Way to Healthy Living by Jonathon Greens

Posted by on January 27, 2012 No comments

Acai Berry is a great diet supplement which has high demand in global market because this fruit is primarily grown in the Amazon rain forests of Brazil. Acai berry is an organic diet supplement which offers numerous health benefits. This organic super food aids in weight loss, reduces effects of aging, prevents diseases such as diabetes, cancer etc. The acai berry fruit contains Anthocyanins, a compound which belong to a group of plant compounds called Flavonoids, helps to neutralize enzymes that destroy connective tissue. The antioxidant capability prevents damage of connective tissues and also repairs damaged proteins in the blood-vessel walls. Acai berry contains several vital minerals, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids which helps to prevent heart disease, maintains optimum blood pressure and cholesterol levels and gives relief from joint pain and depression.

Due to over eating, our body keeps on accumulating fat which in turn leads to the formation of toxic substances in our body. Acai berry supplement is a natural way to convert excess fat content into muscle and also cleanses the body of free radicals. Acai Berry Supplements contain antioxidant properties to prevent blood clots, improve blood circulation and can also prevent cancer. It also contains a healthy dose of plants sterols to reduce cholesterol and protect the immune system. Individuals suffering from insomnia or sleep disorder, immunity related disorders like allergies can benefit from acai berry supplements.

The Acai Berry Boutique is a renowned online supplier of the Acai Berry supplements across USA, Canada and all over the world. They imports 100% pure, natural and organic freeze-dried acai berry fruit directly from the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. They offer wide range of natural and pure acai berry supplements such as capsules, powders and juice packs etc at affordable prices. They also provide acai berry supplements, acai berry diet information, detox, acai berry benefits & side effects information.

To know more about Acai berry antioxidants please visit www.acaiberryboutique.com/blog/
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