OMEGA 3
AVOID MOST FATS
BUT NOT FISH OIL OMEGA-3
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Fish oil (Omega 3 fat) is a polyunsaturated fat. While for the most part we tend to believe we should avoid fats, that is not the case with Omega 3. And, like a number of essential nutrients, they are not produced by your body. It is important therefore that our diet include foods that can provide this essential nutrient.
There are a number of omega 3 fats, and three that are important to one’s health. One, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in flax seeds and walnuts. Fish oils are the only good source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). So, it is of little wonder that most people do not have an adequate intake of omega 3 in their bodies. Our diets do not normally consist of much fish to begin with. Further complicating the issue is that the best oil is from salmon, sardines, trout, herring, cod or tuna. When we think of including fish in our diet we don't often include those listed other than perhaps tuna. It is important to keep the circulatory system healthy. The possible effects of high cholesterol and the potential advent of heart disease may be tempered with these Omega 3 fats. Such attention to one’s health may well ward off a heart attack. FISH OIL IN OUR DIET Many years ago in the early years of the twentieth century it was not unusual for children to be given cod liver oil, especially in the winter months. Today, the reasons for including it in our diet goes well beyond that of those long past years. For many years the oil was thought to be helpful for mental and behavioral disorders, especially depression or hyperactivity. It also is known to be helpful in reducing inflammation as a result of arthritis. Today, we know it is important to have adequate amounts in our bodies to help maintain a healthy heart. The American Heart Association is a proponent of the health benefits of omega 3. They are advocates for the addition of it in ones diet. It is generally thought that supplementing is the best way to insure adequate supplies of omega 3 in our bodies. It may also be the safest way inasmuch as many have become concerned of the toxins that may exist in fish. The Association recommends that a daily dose of one to four grams be taken each day dependent upon the symptoms one may exhibit. To assist with lowering triglycerides they suggest between two and four grams per day. To help the body slow, or possibly resist coronary heart disease, one gram may be adequate. FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTATION It is important that one take supplements that are of a high quality. There are a host of suppliers of omega 3. Look for a provider that has a reputation of providing a high quality product. One might want to look for product that are lab-tested for uniformity and potency and that they meet certification standards. Two such standards are the International Fish Oils Standard (IFOS) or the United States Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) standard. One will most likely not hear their doctor recommend taking supplements to insure adequate amounts of omega 3 in their bodies. One might expect they would when it is recommended by the American Heart Association. Experience however seems to show that general practice doctors or internists’ do not give much attention to preventive medicine. And, it also is unlikely that even a cardiologist, who specializes in heart health, would advise a patient to take supplements. Sources of Omega 3 are primarily from fish, flax seeds and walnuts. |
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Information on this site should never be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice.
This site only provides information for those who are interested in a med (drug) free life style. By definition, their health must be in a state where prescription drugs are not required. Any substitution for prescription drugs should only be made after consultation with one's health care provider.
Should anyone have any doubts as to their need for health care advice, one should seek it out without delay.
For anyone with a medical condition, or using prescribed drugs, consult with your health care provider before making any changes in your treatment procedure.
Information on this site should never be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice.
This site only provides information for those who are interested in a med (drug) free life style. By definition, their health must be in a state where prescription drugs are not required. Any substitution for prescription drugs should only be made after consultation with one's health care provider.
Should anyone have any doubts as to their need for health care advice, one should seek it out without delay.