Essential Fatty Acids

By definition, an essential fatty acid is one that is necessary to have in our diet. If we do not consume them, our health is adversely affected. These essential fatty acids are: linoleicaicd (LA), and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA). Linoleicacid, or LA is an omega 6 fatty acid. Omega 6 means that the double bond of […]

By definition, an essential fatty acid is one that is necessary to have in our diet. If we do not consume them, our health is adversely affected. These essential fatty acids are: linoleicaicd (LA), and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA). Linoleicacid, or LA is an omega 6 fatty acid. Omega 6 means that the double bond of

According to research appearing in the European Journal of Medical Research, (2003; 8(8):355-7), consuming trans fatty acids increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Consumption of them can cause a decrease of HDL cholesterol (commonly called by lay people, the “good” cholesterol). Increasing consumption of trans fats to 10% of caloric energy decreased HDL by 21%.

Trans fats are found in a lot of snack foods like chips, fries, cookies, crackers and breads. They are found in hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. The foods with hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils also tend to be made with refined white flour. There is evidence, according to research published in the November, 2004 issue

Professor Caterson and other Scientists at CardiffUniversity(Wales, UK) have found that the Omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil work by inhibiting enzymes that break down joint cartilage. Inhibiting these enzymes slow the progress of cartilage destruction that occurs in arthritis. It also reduces inflammation and thus lessens pain. This finding upholds findings of two

Twenty children took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in theAmerican Journal of Psychiatry (2006; 163(6): 1098-100). The subjects were divided into two groups; one group was given omega-3 supplementation (a combination of EPA and DHA) and the second group was given a placebo. The children were evaluated using the Children’s Depression Scale, Children’s

According to a new study, omega-3 fatty acids, the type found in fish oil, may help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease. A team of researchers at UCLA studied mice that were genetically predisposed to get an Alzheimer-like disease. The mice had a tendency to form plaques in the brain, similar to those seen in

Eating fish that have high oil content (like salmon and mackerel) and taking omega-3 supplements from fish oil has an anti-inflammatory effect. Research appearing in the March 7, 2005 issue of the Journal of Experimental Medicine may explain why this anti-inflammatory effect takes place. Consuming fish oil provides the raw material for the body to

Fish Oils Fight Inflammation If you suffer from an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the type of fat in the diet can alter the immune system’s inflammatory response. According to research done by Dr Richard Sperling of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, fish oil may reduce inflammatory substances produced by white blood cells. Neutrophils