Ideal Protein - Omega 3

THE MISSING NUTRIMENT

In times past, the great killers were infectious diseases: pneumonia, tuberculosis, diphtheria, typhoid fever and smallpox were among the worst. But with the evolution of medicine, sterilization and public health, most of these deadly infectious epidemics were eliminated.

Then a series of new illnesses expanded rapidly during the past decades. These, said to be “modern” illnesses have undergone unexpected growth at the same pace as modernization of food technology (such as refining). Diabetes, cancer and obesity are at the head of the list, but arthritis, allergies, intestinal disorders, anxiety, depression and hyperactivity are also among them. These pathologies are caused by the consumption of products said to be “fast food” and especially from food manufactured industrially and sold in supermarkets.

What is the direct cause of this rapid increase in these health problems?

Initially no one seemed to notice that some nutriments were missing in this new way of eating. These were essential to remain healthy. Then gradually dieticians and physicians realized that our nutrition had changed, but not for the better!

Now one increasingly extols the virtues of taking vitamins, minerals, good fats, and fibres and to opt for non-chemical and non transformed foods.

But despite the fact that the population is conscious of them, these modern illnesses persist. There seems to be “a missing link.”

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

These fats are said to be essential because our body is unable to synthesise them. Omega 3 and Omega 6 are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and they must therefore be provided by food or by supplements.

Main functions of the essential fatty acids

• Takes part in the composition of cell membrane, insuring them elasticity and flexibility
• Are the precursors of prostaglandins, these hormones accomplishing many tasks in our body:
• hormonal activity, various regulations such as inflammatory response, etc.
• Are growth factors
• Takes part in the transport of excess cholesterol
• Promotes proper immune system function
• Plays a role in the absorption of light through the skin
• Takes part in the transport of oxygen in the lungs to the cells
• Decreases the time of muscle recovery after a sustained effort or a physical activity

Essential fatty acid deficiency
Since they are present in many foods, there should be no deficiency. Since they are fats they are partly altered by refining, frying, heat and air. Here are the main signs of a deficiency:

• Cardiac and circulation disorders
• Skin problems (eczema), loss of hair
• Kidney and liver disorders
• Inflammation problems and arthritis
• Reduction of weight gain in children
• Failure of the immune system, etc.

Factors impeding the use of essential fatty acids

• Foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol
• Foods containing trans-fatty acids (margarine, etc.)
• Alcohol
• Diabetes or insulin deficiency
• Lack of enzymes because of aging
• Viral infections
• Zinc deficiency

However, far more Omega 6 is found in food than Omega 3. Recent studies have shown that a too high concentration of Omega 6 in relation to Omega 3 decreases immunity, predisposes people to depression and increases the propensity to inflammation. The "'ideal ratio" of Omega 6 fatty acids to Omega 3 fatty acids is a subject of ongoing debate. Today, the general consensus is the ratio of Omega 6 oils to omega 3 oils should be no greater than 4:1 (with some researchers saying it should be as low as 1:1). Many North Americans consume diets containing a ratio of 20:1, and even as high as 50:1, and diets such as these have been implicated in many chronic disease conditions. Basically, we need more Omega 3 oils in our diet!

OMEGA 3

After much research, scientists have identified the group of essential fatty acids that was lacking in North American nutrition: Omega 3. These are destroyed during “modern” food transformation.

Health problems directly linked to Omega 3 deficiencies are:

• Cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis
• Cerebral vascular accidents
• Crohn’s disease, constipation
• Diabetes
• Cancer, allergies, asthma
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression, hyperactivity, anxiety, multiple sclerosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Aging, acne, eczema, psoriasis
• Premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal wall,
• itchiness, benign prostate hypertrophy
• Dry skin

ROLE OF LIPIDS AND SOURCES OF OMEGA 3

In general lipids play an important role in our body; they make up 90% of the bone marrow, help in oil soluble vitamin (A,D,E and K) absorption, protect nerves and take part in the development of the brain as well as providing energy (9 cal/gram).

Of the different kinds of lipids in existence, polyunsaturated fatty acids of the Omega 3 series have functions that are irreplaceable by other nutriments. They are found, among others, in walnut, soy, flax, pumpkin oils and seeds. But if cofactors (vitamins A, B, C, E, calcium, selenium and fibres) are missing for their transformation, our body will be unable to metabolise them adequately.

Fish oils such as cold water salmon (and sardine, herring, trout, cod and mackerel) give us Omega 3 under an easily assimilable and useable form “EPA and DHA.”

Therefore, ingestion of fish oil (Omega 3) insures the bioavailability of these essential fatty acids, the functions of which were referred to earlier.

Therapeutic properties

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-senile activity
• Antispasmodic
• Blood clot inhibitor
• Cell protector and restorer
• Cholesterol reducing
• Ensures elasticity and flexibility to cell membranes
• Hypotensive
• Immune stimulant
• Nerve tonic
• Obstacle to the proliferation of abnormal cells
• Reduces muscles recuperation time following a sustained effort or physical exercise.
• Vasodilator

Therapeutic indications

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Arthritis, rheumatism
• Autoimmune and inflammatory illnesses
• Cardiopathy
• Chronic bronchitis, asthma
• Crohn’s disease, irritable colon, constipation
• Depression
• Dry skin, eczema, psoriasis
• Dyslexia, autism
• Hyperactivity in children
• Hypertension
• Immune weakness
• Insomnia
• Learning problems
• Memory and concentration problems
• Nervousness, anxiety
• Parkinson’s disease
• PMS, vaginal dryness
• Post-partum depression
• Thrombosis, stroke
• Weight problems

Notes

• During pregnancy and nursing, the mother imparts her own reserves of EPA and DHA to her offspring. To prevent deficiencies that could have negative consequences in the short and long term, fish oil is indicated for pregnant and nursing women.
• Senior citizens can take it regularly; it contributes to maintaining alertness and vitality.
• Fish oil is not toxic, but some individuals with slow hepatic functions may suffer from nausea, belching, heartburn.
• Fish oil is considered completely safe, however, even if it is a natural product avoids taking high doses (6 grams or more).
• It is advised to take an antioxidant formula (Anti-Oxy) with Omega 3, to avoid oxidation of the essential fatty acids, as these are polyunsaturated.

Warning

• People using anticoagulants should have regular blood composition follow-ups Medicinal ingredients

Each softgel contains:

• Fish oil (sardine, anchovy, salmon) ..........................1000 mg
  EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid).....................................400 mg
  DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)....................................200 mg
• Borage oil (Borago officinalis) (seed) ........................200 mg
  GLA (Gamma linolenic Acid) .....................................40 mg
• D-alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) ................................4 mg ATE
  Equivalent to 6 I.U. (ATE = alpha-tocopherol equivalent)

Non-medicinal ingredients: Gelatin, glycerin and purified water.

Ingredient Descriptions

Fish oil

Fish oil is recommended in complicated cases that touch the psychological, emotional and neurological spheres. Clinical tests done by Dr. Andrew Stoll, Director of the Research Laboratory at the McLean Hospital in Boston and Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Harvard have confirmed the usefulness of fish oils in cases of memory loss, mental decline, nervi motor difficulties, Alzheimer, Parkinson, hyperactivity in children, attention and learning deficits, post-partum depression, anguish, anxiety, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, neurotic, violent and manic behavior and schizophrenia.

Fish oil is particularly beneficial for the heart and arterial network. Good eicosanoids, from EPA and DHA, contribute to inhibiting the formation of thrombosis, atheromatous plaque, fights high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, angina, vascular insufficiency, hypercholesterolemia and surplus triglycerides. Good eicosanoids tone and improve cardiac capability by reducing risks of platelet aggregation (clots) by reducing pro-inflammatory molecules (thromboxanes, leukotrienes, cytokines,etc) and by uniformly oxygenating the cardiac muscle. Hence, fish oil could effectively treat arrhythmia, pain, breathlessness and heart spasms.

Fish oil prevents and corrects inflammatory states at the joint, muscular, respiratory and digestive level. Good prostaglandins or eicosanoids play a major role in inflammatory reactions. PGE3’s fight pathological inflammations since it inhibit the production of PGE2's that are pro-inflammatory. A fish oil supplement diminishes articular, rheumatic and fibromyalgic crises. Moreover, the EPA and DHA bring effective relief in cases of asthma, chronic bronchitis, bursitis, Crohn’s disease and spasmodic colitis. Fish oil is said to benefit weight loss because the EPA and DHA contribute to boosting the metabolism, which permits better use of fats.

In a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, fish oil was said to meaningfully improve: dermatitis, acne, eczema and psoriasis. The study reveals a clear reduction of itching, redness and desquamation of the skin. Moreover, fish oil prevents dry, chapped skin, scalp rashes and dry and splitting nails.

Taking fish oil prior and during pregnancy is recommended. Good eicosanoids prevent miscarriages, malformations and retardation and pre-term contractions. Women who nurse can also gain from an EPA and DHA supplement, since the infant really needs it to edify its whole organism and the fatty acids are indispensable for making abundant and nutritious breast milk.

Borage oil

Borage oil is a source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a substance which is part of the Omega 6 fatty acids family. These GLA present in Borage oil prevent troubles in lipid metabolism. In fact, it has been demonstrated that a deficiency in fatty acids promotes skin problems (dermatitis, eczema, erythema, itching, etc.). Borage also may prevent many vascular problems.

Furthermore, it renders the epidermis supple and resistant to exterior aggressions. It also ensures the skin’s youthful appearance as it has an anti-aging effect. Even more, Borage oil is quite efficient in the treatment of fragile and brittle nails and hair.

D-alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps prevent cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, cataract, flu, slows down progression of macular degeneration, soothes eczema symptoms, allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Comments

[aldo]

The information is very interesting. It made me understand something, and it is that I never knew before.