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Omega-3 and Your Health

12 Apr 2007 01:01:11 AM

By Graeme Bradshaw


Essential Fatty Acids are oils that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.

Omega 3 is unstable and easily destroyed in food processing and high heat cooking.  Most omega 3 supplements are also rancid, so choose the right product carefully (we recommend Nordic and Natural Factors – both pharmaceutical grade).

Because of contamination of marine and river environments and high mercury level in fish, we do not recommend eating local or farmed fish more than 1 time a week. 

Omega 3 Sources:

Linolenic Acid (ALA) is plentiful in nature from a few vegetable oils, but is unstable in its isolated form, needing careful processing and packaging. Sources include: flax seed, pumpkin seed, canola (rapeseed), walnuts, dark green leaves of vegetables, alfalfa and green plankton. Flax seed oils are especially beneficial for dry skin conditions. The recommended amount is one t.sp per day. [See Budwig, Dr. J. (1992) Flax Seed as a True Aid Against Arthritis, Heart Infarction, Cancer and Other Diseases, Apple publ.]

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in fish, krill and marine animal oils. These are more powerful in promoting positive moods and optimal brain functions. These are the ideal supplements for breastfeeding and pregnant women as the DHA enhances a child’s brain development and mental functions. Flax seed oil does not provide this vital compound, DHA. Sources include: salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, herring and other cold-water marine animals notably krill.


Conditions associated with Omega-3 deficiency:

* joint pains, arthritis, stiffness
* dry skin, scaling or flaking skin (need moisturisers in winter), dandruff
* hard skin on ankles of feet, knees, elbows; psoriasis
* peeling of skin from behind the nail-bed
* high LDL cholesterol (the bad chlolesterol)
* low HDL or good cholesterol levels
* diabetes, obesity, high blood sugar level
* hypertension or high blood pressure; stroke
* frequent gloomy moods, depression, premenstrual depression
* poor ability to concentrate, mental confusion
* attention deficit disorder, hyper activity
* infertility
* auto immune diseases
* alcoholism
* reduced kidney function
* asthma
* irregular heart rhythm


Who might benefit from Omega 3?

• The fetus and infants for brain and eye development (DHA – fish oil)
• Those seeking better skin and complexion, and relief from dry skin (ALA-Flax oil)
• Those people improving their mood and emotional well-being (EPA & DHA - fish oil)
• Those looking to nourish their circulation and joints (EPA)
• Women with female-related health issues (GLA)*
• Those wanting healthy inflammation levels (EPA)
• Reduction of allergy reactions such as itching skin (GLA and EPA)

*Essential Fatty Acids include Omega 3 and 6 oils:
Omega 3 includes ALA from flax oil and EPA and DHA from fish oils
Omega 6 includes GLA from many vegetable oils, but especially from evening primrose oil, borage oil and spirulina


Conditions which may be improved by Essential Fatty Acid supplementation, especially of Omega 3:

Cardiovascular disease, stroke and arteriosclerosis
High cholesterol
Anti-platelet aggregation, thinning the blood
Mild effect on lowering high blood pressure

Central Nervous System
Multiple sclerosis
Tremors
Schizophrenia
Mood swings
Hyperactivity

Respiratory System
Cystic fibrosis
Asthma

Metabolic Disorders
Essential fatty acid deficiency
Diabetic complications
Obesity

Skin Disorders
Atopic eczema
Psoriasis
Dry skin, usually seen on the shins and lower legs

Arthritis and Immune System Disorders
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteo-arthritis
Bursitis and Myalgia (muscle and joint pains)

Female Disorders (Gynaecological)
Premenstrual Syndrome & Mastalgia (breast pain)

Miscellaneous
Alcoholic intoxication and alcoholic, Cirrhosis of liver, Hyperactive children, Cancer


Click here for the pure and non-rancid Omega 3 products we recommend.