The Basics:
Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The Many
Proven Advantages of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids
have received quite a bit of attention recently, especially since
the FDA has now allowed a heart healthy claim to be printed on
products containing omega-3’s. Omega-3 supplements are mostly
derived from coldwater species of fish like salmon, sardines,
herring and mackerel; as well as from a few vegetarian sources, such
as flaxseed oil.
The following is a consolidated rundown of solid scientific research
showing the benefits that have been associated with the consumption
of omega-3’s.
Cardiovascular Health:
There is so much
research supporting supplementation with omega-3’s that clearly
shows they reduce risk factors for atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries), as well as slowing the progression of the disease itself.
As a matter of fact, the Physicians Health Study (22, 071 doctors)
suggests the proper fish oils can reduce a man’s risk of dying from
a heart attack by 80%. Likewise, the Nurses Study (84,688 female
nurses), found omega-3’s can cut a woman’s risk of death by heart
attack by 33%.
How do these
omega-3’s work? Most research shows the mechanisms by which
omega-3’s work is by affecting cholesterol. Research has shown
supplementation with omega-3’s lowers total cholesterol, LDL (bad
cholesterol) and triglycerides, while increasing HDL (good
cholesterol).
Also in the realm
of cardiovascular health is the impact of omega-3’s on high blood
pressure. According to a review of 31 studies, the omega-3’s found
in fish oil effectively lower blood pressure. Very high doses were
needed to show results.
Finally,
omega-3’s have been studied in the treatment of angina. Some
research indicates that taking omega-3 supplements three times per
day has reduced chest pain as well as the need for nitroglycerin ( a
common prescription medicine used to treat angina).
Inflammation:
Omega-3’s have
anti-inflammatory benefits. This has been scientifically
demonstrated through a series of complex reactions that occur during
the process of inflammation. Generally, for inflammatory conditions,
one to two capsules daily appears to lessen the inflammatory
response.
Well-controlled clinical studies have clearly demonstrated
consumption of omega-3’s result in improvements in rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) sufferers. Studies have even shown that the
consumption of omega-3’s was associated with a decrease in long-term
requirements for the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Furthermore, review of these studies concluded these natural
substances helped alleviate the symptoms of RA.
Some of the same
inflammatory mechanisms previously described hold true for the
inflammatory process involved with asthma. Studies demonstrate
omega-3’s significantly decreased the bronchial hyper-reactivity in
patients suffering form seasonal asthma due to airborne allergens.
.
For many of
the same reasons, experts believe the treatment with omega-3’s is
effective for those suffering from inflammatory bowel conditions.
Patients with colitis showed significant improvements and were able
to reduce or eliminate their use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Research has also shown many patients with Crohn’s disease have
significantly lower levels of omega-3’s. Animal studies show that
supplementation with omega-3’s markedly reduces their bowel lesions
and improves their conditions.
Applying the same logic, researchers have shown some success with
alleviating the symptoms of those suffering from lupus. This
requires quite high doses of omega-3 capsules (15-18 per day).
People wishing to take this amount should consult with their
nutritionally educated and oriented physician.
Additional Conditions:
Omega-3’s have
benefits in other health conditions as well. Research shows
omega-3’s may reduce the symptoms of migraine headaches. Other
studies have shown that supplementing with omega-3’s improved the
skin lesions of psoriasis after two to three months. It has also
been noted that applying the fish oil directly to the psoriatic
lesions twice daily resulted in improvement after seven weeks.*
In Conclusion:
With the FDA’s
recent announcement concerning the heart healthy health claims now
o.k. to use on products containing certain amounts of omega-3’s; the
interest has skyrocketed. As a matter of fact, we were unable to get
our raw salmon oil for a time; it was sold out from our supplier,
resulting in a month-long back order on our Something Smells Fishy.
With this increased interest in omega-3 consumption, we found it
necessary to address our vegetarian clients; therefore the
introduction of our Super Flaxseed Plus Greens formula, which has
shown to be a huge success.
After reading
about all of the research, it is apparent that omega-3’s are an
important part of our diet and something we all need to make an
effort to consume enough of.
*This information was published in the HSR – Health Supplement
Retailer, November 2004.
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