Fwd: Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fats in Fish Oil to Protect Against Disease

[Guest guest]

" Elaine "

Wed, 17 Sep 2003 12:27:08 -0700

Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fats in Fish Oil to

Protect Against Disease

 

http://www.mercola.com/article/omega3.htm

 

Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fats in Fish Oil to Protect Against Disease

document.write ( " E-mail to a friend " );You want to increase your overall

health and energy level. You want to prevent heart disease, cancer, depression

and Alzheimer's. Perhaps you also want to treat rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes,

ulcerative colitis, Raynaud's disease and a host of other diseases. One of the

best things you can do for all of these is increase your intake of the omega-3

fats found in fish oil, and reduce your intake of omega-6 fats.

 

These two types of fat, omega-3 and omega-6, are both essential for human

health. However, the typical American consumes far too many omega-6 fats in

their diet while consuming very low levels of omega-3. 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, our ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 averages from 20:1 to

50:1! That spells danger for you.

 

The primary sources of omega-6 are corn, soy, canola, safflower and sunflower

oil; these oils are overabundant in the typical diet, which explains our excess

omega-6 levels. Avoid or limit these oils. Omega-3, meanwhile, is typically

found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and fish.

 

By far, the best type of omega-3 fats are those found in that last category,

fish. That's because the omega-3 in fish is high in two fatty acids crucial to

human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids 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. 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.

 

Sadly, though, eating fresh fish, whether from the ocean, lakes and streams, or

farm-raised, is no longer recommended. Mercury levels in all fish have now hit

dangerously high levels across the world, and the risk of this mercury to your

health now outweighs the fish's omega-3 benefits.

 

Routine consumption of fish oil, however, is highly encouraged as a key

ingredient in improving your health. Fish oil contains the highest levels of the

best omega-3 fats - those with the EPA and DHA fatty acids - and, as it is in

pure form, does not pose the mercury risk of fresh fish. The Carlson brand of

fish oil and cod liver oil, regularly tested by an independent FDA registered

laboratory, is the most highly recommended for its potency and purity.

 

Grass-fed beef (not the common corn-fed beef in most grocery stores) is another

outstanding option for increasing your omega-3 intake.

 

Read more about omega-3 and omega-6 fats, and other topics discussed here, by

using our powerful search tool, or exploring the links below.

 

Related Articles:

 

Omega-3 is Essential to the Human Body

 

Omega-3 Fats Prevent Breast Cancer

 

Omega-3 and Childhood Asthma

 

Mom's Low Fish Intake Associated with Premature Deliveries

 

Why Grassfed Animal Products Are Better For You

 

 

 

 

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