A Renewed Health

Natural Fish Oil

Research shows omega-3 oils help lower LDL cholesterol, raise good HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides by preventing blood cells from sticking together on arterial walls. Problems with brain damage, elevated cholesterol, fatty liver and kidneys, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, irregular heartbeat and kidney malfunction, have all been linked to an insufficient amount of omega-3 oils in the diet.

Omega-3 oils are found in cold-water fish such as halibut, salmon, mackerel or albacore tuna. If fish high in omega-3 oils is not eaten regularly, then one or two tablespoonfuls of an oil rich in omega-3 would be a healthy addition to one's diet.

These fish oils, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have a unique composition, largely composed of numerous long chain unpolyunsaturates. Omega-3 oils assist in balancing body chemistry and preventing disease. Omega-3 oils have been shown to improve: allergies, arthritis, bronchial asthma, depression, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, hives, infertility, kidney disease, lupus, menstrual cramping, migraine headaches, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and possibly cancer.

Many studies have been conducted on the positive effects of fish oils on the cardiovascular system. Omega^-3 oil contains linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid which, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal, may help prevent myocardial infarction (heart attack). Research indicates blood cells containing relatively low levels of linoleic acid have a higher possibility to clot (causing thrombosis) than blood cells having sufficient levels of this fatty acid. Omega-3 oils have shown to lower blood pressure and lipid levels, reduce blood viscosity and clotting and help prevent deficiency of blood supply to body tissues caused by interruption of blood flow typical during a heart attack or stroke. Omega-3 oils promote blood flow to damaged tissues, as well as minimize the risk of circulatory disorders.

Research is now coming forth indicating these same oils are beneficial for arthritis. Omega-3 oils have been found to not only reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, but to inhibit it. A double-blind study in Lancet reported individuals with rheumatoid arthritis given fish oil supplements exhibited no worsening of the disease, while those who only received placebos continued to experience degeneration. A follow-up study published in the Annual of Internal Medicine confirmed these results.

Though not completely understood researchers have observed that fish oils seem to prevent or even terminate the growth of some of the most common cancers such as breast, pancreatic and prostate. During the 1950's, research discovered omega-3 oils enhance immunity on a cellular level, strengthening membranes of healthy cells while at the same time destroying tumorous cells. The immune stimulating power of omega-3 oils has lead to their use in treating AIDS, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis and other degenerative conditions associated with weakened immunity.

Omega-3 oils have shown to enhance the body's response to insulin. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported omega-3 oils proved to be the most effective method of treatment for surmounting acute whole body resistance to insulin.

Omega-3 oils have even been shown to increase metabolism and fat burning.

Two fatty acids present in omega-3 oils are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) that work together to encourage vascular renewal. DHA is a primary structural component of the brain and is present in the retina of the eye and in sperm. Studies suggest DHA is crucial to brain development and growth, affecting learning ability. Fifty percent (50%) of the brain's DHA is formed during the fetal stage, with the remaining being built up during the first year or of infancy. Pregnant women should make sure their diets include either fresh fish (salmon, mackerel and sardine the best sources, with rainbow trout and tuna being good sources), fish oil supplements or for vegetarians, foods and supplements rich in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) such as flax seed oil (53% of its oil is composed of ALA), chia seeds (30%), pumpkin seeds (15%), soybean and soybean products (8%) and walnuts (5%). Other good sources of ALA include dark green vegetables such as cereal grasses (barley or wheat grass), chard, collards, kale and parsley, as all green chlorophyll rich foods contain alpha-linolenic acid in their chloroplasts. Most common polyunsaturated vegetable oils are highly refined and rancid and contain primarily linoleic acid, which can actually prevent the formation of DHA.

Initial research has shown coronary heart disease is extremely low among Eskimos in Greenland and Japanese people living in fishing villages along the coastline. Both groups consume a diet high in fatty fish, fish oil, whale blubber and other fish eating sea creatures, and yet, have low triglycerides, high HDL levels and less tendency for blood to clots. Research has found both groups also have high blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, especially BPA and DHA. According to research published in Lancet, a diet rich in BPA may lessen the risk of coronary artery disease, as well as ischemic heart disease. The July 31, 1982 issue of Lancet reported that, "An increased dietary intake of marine oils, particularly those rich in EPA, may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.” Corroborating this article, a study done in England showed EPA supplementation reduced the clotting ability of the blood and significantly lowered serum triglycerides within 1 month's time, with these changes still apparent after 1 year. Fish highest in EPA include mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout and tuna with the oil content being highest when the fish is fresh. Canned fish is only rich in EPA when it is packed in its own oil.

If there is one supplement all women should omega-3 fatty acids. Women in particular gain from an increased intake of these fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids might help to prevent preeclampsia, postpartum depression, menopausal problems, postmenopausal osteoporosis and breast cancer, among other benefits.

High triglyceride levels (which are associated with cardiovascular disease, especially in women) may be kept under control with omega-3s.

The five million women in this country who are still on hormone replacement therapy should know that HRT increases triglyceride levels, so it is especially important for these women to use omega-3 supplementation. [Some women who were on HRT in the past may still have high triglyceride levels.]

Omega-3 fatty acids are constituents of the membranes of all cells in your body and are precursors of hormones.

Omega-3's can facilitate pregnancy in women with infertility problems by increasing uterine blood flow. Supplementation during pregnancy lowers the risk of premature birth and can increase the length of pregnancy and birth weight by altering the balance of certain nutrients involved in labor and promote fetal growth by improving placental blood flow. Intake during pregnancy and breast feeding may even facilitate the child's brain development.

Be sure your supply comes from a reliable source. It's easy for oils to become rancid quickly.

Source: Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey 2994;59(10):722-730.

Note: Super Omega-3 EPA  from NSP has about twice the EPA and DHA levels of regular Omega-3 products. It contains pure lemon oil which helps keep it fresher and blocks the “fishy” taste. NSP Omega-3 is mercury free. Omega-3 oils are important for cardiovascular health as well as for treating joint and inflammation problems related to arthritis in men and women. Omega-3 fats are found in large concentration in the brain. This makes it very important in issues dealing with depression, learning and concentration/behavior for adults and children.

Fish Oil Raises IQ

Eating oily fish or taking fish oil supplements not only helps to protect your heart, but can increase your IQ by 13 points.

Dementia affects millions around the world and the threat is increasing with the growing numbers of older people. Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia, afflicts an estimated 4.5 million people in the US alone.

Fish oils slow the aging of the brain by reducing inflammation. The brains of fish oil users appear to be faster and there is a strong relationship between mental test scores and the omega-3 content in the blood. The aging of the brain is actually slowed down.

[In addition to taking supplements that help to reduce inflammation, consider reducing intake of foods that cause inflammation. (Junk foods, foods made with processed wheat flour, etc., etc.)]

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2004;80(6):1650-1657.



 

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Karen Olerich

Herb Specialist & Natural Health Consultant

 herblady@a-renewedhealth.com

Phone: 719-495-4930