Posts Tagged omega 3 fatty acid
How Important is Omega-3 For Optimum Brain Health?
Posted by admin in Brain Health on June 18, 2011
Aside from benefiting the heart, Omega-3 is beneficial for a person’s optimum brain health. Long-term diet and food choices not only affect the way we look and feel but also the way we think.
Studies have linked emotional, mental, and psychiatric disorders to dietary deficiencies more than genetics.
In fact, people with Alzheimer’s disease, who struggle with memory loss, or who have difficulty in learning new tasks are shown to lack Omega-3 fatty acids. Deficiencies of Omega-3 in adults have been also linked to various disorders affecting mental and emotional state.
Low levels of DHA are linked to bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, autism, schizophrenia, general learning difficulties, and even bad mood.
Known as the docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, Omega-3 fatty acid is an important component for optimum brain health. DHA is found in high concentration in the brain. It plays an important function in the transmission of brain signals and how our cell membranes communicate. Maintaining cell membranes is an important job of the Omega-3 fatty acids for if a cell membrane breaks down, normal flow of communication between cells is interrupted.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are not produced in the body and should therefore be sourced from our diet. Valuable sources of these acids include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood like algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. Read the rest of this entry »
Easy Nutrition Tips for a Healthy Heart
Posted by admin in Heart Health on June 14, 2011
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Not all fats are bad. Omega 3 are essential fatty acids, which are often lacking in the Western diet. These are polyunsaturated fatty acids found predominantly in oily fish. Vegetarian sources of omega 3 include walnuts, flaxseeds and a variety of other seeds. Scientific research suggests an important role for Omega 3 in the prevention of heart disease and protecting the cardiovascular system, and therefore they should be a key ingredient in a heart health supplement(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Heart-Disease.html).
Omega 3 fatty acids can help slow down the production of thromboxane A2 and inflammatory cytokines which means that there is a reduced tendency of the blood to clot. Blockage of the heart valve with a blood clot can cause heart attacks. Research has shown that those who eat greater amounts of Omega 3-rich foods have a lower risk of heart attack (http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Heart-Attack.html) compared to those consuming less. Amongst the inhabitants of Okinawa in Japan, the high consumption of Omega 3 fatty acid due to a love of oily fish is considered a major reason why they extremely good heart health and one of the longest life expectancies in the world.
Antioxidants
The body also needs antioxidants to prevent heart disease and improve circulation. Antioxidants reduce the damage effects of free radicals on the cells. Free radicals are formed naturally during metabolism and other physiological processes. Antioxidants are very useful in fighting and preventing cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Some of the most common antioxidants are Lycopene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Such nutrients are also important components to include in a heart health supplement. Read the rest of this entry »