Monday, August 01, 2005
Buying Omega3 Supplements ? ... Here are the Benefits ...
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are very important to our everyday life and function. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are critical in the structure of our cell membranes and the development of the nervous system and form the foundation for the synthesis of cell mediators (prostaglandins and leukotrienies). These cell mediators play an important role in human physiology and can affect coagulation, inflammation and proliferation of certain cells.
More specifically, omega-3 fatty acids:
Comprise the phospholipid bilayer in the membrane of cells,
Affect cell signaling and gene expression,
Are primary components of brain (grey matter), retina and other nerve tissue,
Form the foundation for pro-inflammatory and inhibitory compounds such as Thomboxane A2,
Play a key role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases
The changing western diet has drastically changed the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio. In an effort to reduce cholesterol levels and lead healthier lifestyles, many Americans have substituted vegetable oils, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids, in place of saturated fat from animals. This change in diet has led to an enormous increase in omega-6 fatty acid consumption and has elevated the typical omega-3 fatty acid ratio of 2:1 to 25-50:1.
The dietary increase in omega-6 fatty acid ratio can have profound effects on an individual’s health. This reason is that omega-6 fatty acids do not provide the health benefits that omega-3 fatty acids do. Although omega-6 fatty acids are an important part of the cell membrane, replacement of the phospholipids EPA and DHA (derivatives of omega-3 fatty acids) with arachidonic acid (derivative of omega-6 fatty acids) leads to a more thrombogenic state. Omega-3 fatty acids and their derivates reduce thrombogenisis by altering certain pathways leading to the production of less inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes).
Here are some highlights the general differences in health benefits between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
1)Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammation.
2)Omega-3 fatty acids are antithrombotic, omega-6 fatty acids increase blood clotting.
3)Omega-3 fatty acids are non-immunoreactive, omega-6 fatty acids are immunoreactive.
These differences have profound implications for heart disease, cancer, arthritis, allergies and other chronic diseases. The scientific consensus is that the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids should be less than 5:1.
Many people desire to supplement their omega-3 fatty acid intake with dietary supplements. The preferred form of omega-3 fatty acids is triglycerides from fish oil. It is the most bioavailable form. Another positive about omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplements is that most of the contaminants, such as harmful PCBs and metals, have been removed during the purification process. Recently, Harvard Medical School researchers studied commercially available omega-3 fish oil supplements and found that they have only "negligible amounts of mercury". Further, they state: "The additional benefit of fatty acids from fish oil is that large doses of Omega-3 fatty acids can be ingested easily in a capsule without the risk of toxicity".
It is important to note that you should always buy omega-3 nutritional supplements with antioxidants. Antioxidants keep your omega-3 supplements fresh.
More specifically, omega-3 fatty acids:
Comprise the phospholipid bilayer in the membrane of cells,
Affect cell signaling and gene expression,
Are primary components of brain (grey matter), retina and other nerve tissue,
Form the foundation for pro-inflammatory and inhibitory compounds such as Thomboxane A2,
Play a key role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases
The changing western diet has drastically changed the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio. In an effort to reduce cholesterol levels and lead healthier lifestyles, many Americans have substituted vegetable oils, which are high in omega-6 fatty acids, in place of saturated fat from animals. This change in diet has led to an enormous increase in omega-6 fatty acid consumption and has elevated the typical omega-3 fatty acid ratio of 2:1 to 25-50:1.
The dietary increase in omega-6 fatty acid ratio can have profound effects on an individual’s health. This reason is that omega-6 fatty acids do not provide the health benefits that omega-3 fatty acids do. Although omega-6 fatty acids are an important part of the cell membrane, replacement of the phospholipids EPA and DHA (derivatives of omega-3 fatty acids) with arachidonic acid (derivative of omega-6 fatty acids) leads to a more thrombogenic state. Omega-3 fatty acids and their derivates reduce thrombogenisis by altering certain pathways leading to the production of less inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes).
Here are some highlights the general differences in health benefits between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
1)Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammation.
2)Omega-3 fatty acids are antithrombotic, omega-6 fatty acids increase blood clotting.
3)Omega-3 fatty acids are non-immunoreactive, omega-6 fatty acids are immunoreactive.
These differences have profound implications for heart disease, cancer, arthritis, allergies and other chronic diseases. The scientific consensus is that the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids should be less than 5:1.
Many people desire to supplement their omega-3 fatty acid intake with dietary supplements. The preferred form of omega-3 fatty acids is triglycerides from fish oil. It is the most bioavailable form. Another positive about omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplements is that most of the contaminants, such as harmful PCBs and metals, have been removed during the purification process. Recently, Harvard Medical School researchers studied commercially available omega-3 fish oil supplements and found that they have only "negligible amounts of mercury". Further, they state: "The additional benefit of fatty acids from fish oil is that large doses of Omega-3 fatty acids can be ingested easily in a capsule without the risk of toxicity".
It is important to note that you should always buy omega-3 nutritional supplements with antioxidants. Antioxidants keep your omega-3 supplements fresh.
# posted by RefinanceGuru @ 6:08 AM 
What are Omega3 Fatty Acids ?
Omega3 is the name given to a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The parent omega3 - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - is described as 'essential' as, like vitamins, it must be obtained from diet. It is polyunsaturated and has 18 carbon atoms and 3 double bonds (18:3).
However, from the point of view of human nutrition, the long-chain omega3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5)and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6) - EPA and DHA - are considered much more valuable as these are the forms the body requires. In theory, humans are able to synthesise EPA and DHA from dietary ALA, but in practice this process is inefficient. Scientists have therefore concluded that EPA and DHA should be obtained from diet. Oil-rich fish and supplements such as fish oil and cod liver oil, are the richest and most readily available sources.
Omega3 fatty acids play an important role as structural membrane lipids, particularly in nerve tissue and the retina and are precursors to eicosanoids - highly reactive substances such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes that act locally to influence a wide range of functions in cells and tissues.
However, from the point of view of human nutrition, the long-chain omega3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5)and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6) - EPA and DHA - are considered much more valuable as these are the forms the body requires. In theory, humans are able to synthesise EPA and DHA from dietary ALA, but in practice this process is inefficient. Scientists have therefore concluded that EPA and DHA should be obtained from diet. Oil-rich fish and supplements such as fish oil and cod liver oil, are the richest and most readily available sources.
Omega3 fatty acids play an important role as structural membrane lipids, particularly in nerve tissue and the retina and are precursors to eicosanoids - highly reactive substances such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes that act locally to influence a wide range of functions in cells and tissues.
# posted by RefinanceGuru @ 1:13 AM
Saturday, July 30, 2005
What role do Omega 3 &6 EFA's Play in the Body ?
Like all fats, Essential Fatty Acids(EFA) provide energy. Their calorific value is similar to other fats and oils but, unlike saturated fats, they have important health roles. In fact, as their name suggest, they are essential and must be consumed regularly as the body has limited storage for them.
Both of the important EFA families - omega-6 and omega-3 - are components of nerve cells and cellular membranes. They are converted by the body into eicosanoids, leukotrienes and prostaglandins - all of which are needed on a second-by-second basis by most tissue activities in the body.
Omega3 and 6 EFA are involved in normal physiology, including:
1)regulating pressure in the eye, joints, and blood vessels, and mediating immune response,
2)regulating bodily secretions and their viscosity,
3)dilating or constricting blood vessels,
4)regulating collateral circulation,
5)directing endocrine hormones to their target cells,
6)regulating smooth muscles and autonomic reflexes,
7)being primary constituents of cell membranes,
8)regulating the rate of cell division,
9)maintaining the fluidity and rigidity of cellular membranes
10)regulating the inflow and outflow of substances to and from cells
11)transporting oxygen from red blood cells to the tissues
12)maintaining proper kidney function and fluid balance
13)keeping saturated fats mobile in the blood stream
14)preventing blood cells from clumping together (blood clots that can be a cause of heart attack and stroke)
15)mediating the release of inflammatory substances from cells that may trigger allergic conditions
16)regulating nerve transmission and communication
If the diet is deficient in either omega-6 or omega-3 long-term degenerative illnesses will result.
However, because the end product (eg prostaglandin, leukotriene) of EFA metabolism differ slightly but significantly from omega-6 to omega-3, they must be present in balance for optimum health.
Both of the important EFA families - omega-6 and omega-3 - are components of nerve cells and cellular membranes. They are converted by the body into eicosanoids, leukotrienes and prostaglandins - all of which are needed on a second-by-second basis by most tissue activities in the body.
Omega3 and 6 EFA are involved in normal physiology, including:
1)regulating pressure in the eye, joints, and blood vessels, and mediating immune response,
2)regulating bodily secretions and their viscosity,
3)dilating or constricting blood vessels,
4)regulating collateral circulation,
5)directing endocrine hormones to their target cells,
6)regulating smooth muscles and autonomic reflexes,
7)being primary constituents of cell membranes,
8)regulating the rate of cell division,
9)maintaining the fluidity and rigidity of cellular membranes
10)regulating the inflow and outflow of substances to and from cells
11)transporting oxygen from red blood cells to the tissues
12)maintaining proper kidney function and fluid balance
13)keeping saturated fats mobile in the blood stream
14)preventing blood cells from clumping together (blood clots that can be a cause of heart attack and stroke)
15)mediating the release of inflammatory substances from cells that may trigger allergic conditions
16)regulating nerve transmission and communication
If the diet is deficient in either omega-6 or omega-3 long-term degenerative illnesses will result.
However, because the end product (eg prostaglandin, leukotriene) of EFA metabolism differ slightly but significantly from omega-6 to omega-3, they must be present in balance for optimum health.
# posted by RefinanceGuru @ 8:34 PM
