Fish Oils
In the 1960’s two Danish scientists traveled to Greenland to study Eskimos. Interestingly enough they found that the Eskimos as a culture typically ate large quantities of fat but they did not suffer from heart problems and overall actually had very little incidence of disease. This was attributed to the high proportion of fish and the Omega-3’s in their diet. Omega 3, which specifically is comprised of DHA and EPA, is considered an essential fatty acid because the body cannot make it on its own. Therefore it must be consumed through the diet.
Both the omega-3 fats and omega-6 type fats are essential for human health. However, the typical American consumes far too many omega-6 fats while consuming very low amounts of omega-3 fat. This is due to a diet rich in corn, soy, canola, safflower, and sunflower oil but very low in fish, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is 1:1. Our ancestors evolved over millions of years on this ratio. Today though averages range from 20:1 and greater.
Research indicates inflammation in the body is related to cancer, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and too many others to count. The latest research now shows that Alzheimer’s disease is worsened by the inflammatory response. The good news is that omega 3’s act as an anti inflammatory. In fact many doctors argue they work better than their prescribed counterparts with none of the side effects. Indeed if you have a heart attack in many parts of Europe the doctor might you home with a bottle of fish oils. Consumption of omega 3 improves brain function, reduces the chance of heart disease, enhances the immune system, increases joint lubrication, reduces pain, and reduces inflammation. Furthermore there is also an inverse relationship between fish consumption and depression…..the consumption of EFA’s lower depression. Omega 3 fatty acids may also help ward off Diabetes. According to a Reuters Health report, omega-3 appears to improve insulin function in overweight individuals who are vulnerable to type 2 diabetes. 3 months of daily supplementation with DHA produced a “clinically significant” improvement in insulin sensitivity in overweight study participants, according to Dr. Yvonne Denkins, a nutrition researcher at the Pennington Biomedical Research Institute.
The two fatty acids DHA and EPA are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA – low DHA levels have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. By far, the best type of omega-3 fats are those found in fish. Specifically found in cold water fish such as cod, tuna, salmon and mackerel. Sadly, though, eating most fresh fish, whether from the ocean, lakes and streams, or farm-raised, has become very risky. Toxicity levels in almost all fish have now hit dangerously high levels across the world. The risk of mercury and PCB’s associated with the consumption of fish now outweighs the fish’s omega-3 benefits.
A good fish oil supplement is the best way to ensure you can reap the rewards and avoid the decline quality of life associated with inadequate levels of omega 3 in your diet. Look for a product that is of a Pharmaceutical grade, very low peroxide levels, completely free of mercury, lead or PCB’s, molecularly distilled, burp free and contain vitamin e. Overall with over 8000 studies on the positive benefits of omega 3 fatty acids it is clear that good quality fish oil will benefit each and every person taking it.
Although flax is beneficial the body can only convert a very small amount to DHA and EPA which are the active ingredient needed for the anti inflammatory response that the body needs. Therefore I always suggest taking a fish oil even with flax oil/seeds as part of a healthy nutrition plan.
A few other studies/facts you may find interesting on the topic:
1) The New England Journal of medicine 1986 did a study comparing a pig’s heart on a diet of Crispy Creams or Similar and a pig’s heart on a diet of Crispy Creams plus fish oils. The difference was total occlusion in the donut diet alone and healthy heart in the donut diet plus fish oils.
2) Fish consumption can increase lung capacity and in clinical studies with fish oil asthma scores were reduced.
3) When under heavy stress the body especially physical stress the body needs large amounts of omega 3’s to keep everything working well. Unfortunately when it comes to lifting or any serious type of physical work if the body does not have an adequate supply of omega 3 fats it will rob the joints of the fats and feed it to the major organs
4) Researchers are now also linking inadequate intake of these omega-3 fats in pregnant women to premature birth and low birth weight, and to hyperactivity in children.
5) One in 3 Americans are affected by low back pain and or neck pain. Commonly herniated disks or degeneration of the disks lead to collapse of the disk space and damage to the facets which hold up the spine causing large amounts of inflammation. Fish oils will decrease inflammation.