Thursday, September 27, 2007

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in plants and plant oils such as canola, flaxseed and soy. However, certain marine fish like salmon, sardine, mackerel and herring tend to have richer marine omega 3 fatty acids compared to plant's. Apart from these, certain nuts like walnuts, almonds and pine nuts are also rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

The long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids like eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA)have health benefits as they help to lower the LDL (the bad cholesterol) and increase the HDL (the good cholesterol).

Studies have also shown that omega 3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. The fatty acids are anticoagulant which help to reduce blood clotting. Excessive clotting of the blood can block off blood flow to the arteries and the brain resulting in heart attack and death! When blood clots inside the blood vessels, thrombosis like deep vein thrombosis is often the result.

However, not all omega 3 fatty acids are created equal. The marine variety from deep water fish like salmon, mackerel, sardine and herring seem to be better than plant based type. The marine omega 3 fatty acids seem to have stronger beneficial impact on health than those derived from plant. There are unconfirmed reports that flax seed may be linked to male prostrate cancer. Until medical evidences are clear, it is advisable for men to avoid flax seed as a source of omega 3 for the time being.

Marine oomega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to lower triglyceride levels in the blood, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. High intake of marine omega 3 fatty acids can also help to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension).

Scientists have rated marine omega 3 fatty acids highly in helping to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Researches believe that the omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce the inflammations.

Generally, most people tend to consume more omega 6 fatty acids than omega 3 fatty acids. Ideally, the reverse should be the case. In fact, some nutritionists suggest that a person should consume up to four times as much omega 3 fatty acids vis-a-vis omega 6 fatty acids. But certainly, it is advisable to tip the scale in favor of omega 3.

Probably, the only reservation about omega 3 fatty acids is that they oxidize and turn rancid rather quickly. The risk of consuming oxidized fats is the hardening of the arteries. Hence, they should be stored in a cool place away from light and heat and consumed within a short period of time. To overcome this risk, one way is to consume omega 3 fatty acids together with an antioxidant like vitamin E.

It looks like evidences are fully stacked in favour of consuming more marine omega 3 fatty acids for the benefits of our health. So the next time you plan your meal, do not forget to go for a second helping of your favourite fish whether it is mackerel, salmon or sashimi!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Microforms and Mucus

All foods ingested into the body are digested and eventually burnt down to an ash residue. Depending on the mineral content of the foods consumed, these ash residue can be acidic, neutral or alkaline. While calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium are basically neutral, sulphur, phosphorus, iodine and chlorine leave behind acidic residue. Overacidification creates a conducive environment for the overgrowth of microforms. An excess of acids and an overgrowth of negative microforms are twin pillars of the root causes of most illnesses and diseases!

Generally, vegetables and fruits like salads and raw foods are more alkaline when eaten raw. Various kinds of meats, processed and refined stuffs are more acidifying and so are most cooked foods. The human body creates mucus as a natural defence against acids. The mucus will bind the acids and escort them out of the body. Hence, mucus serves an important role of detoxification!

Contrary to most beliefs, the typical 'food pyramid' of consuming more carbohydrates and meats has more acidic food components than most of us can handle. For those who just started out to detoxify their body, it is advisable to consume more vegetables and fruits as they contain more alkaline salts that will protect the body from microform overgrowth and the accumulation of mycotoxins.

Most dairy and animal protein foods when consumed tend to produce mucus. Such acidic foods trap fecal materials and toxic waste that promote the growth of negative microforms. Lack of digestive enzymes and probiotics, coupled with a lack if sleep and a sedentary lifestyle will lead to an accumulation of the slimy sticky mucus on the walls of the colon. Their presence also slows the passage of waste materials in the lower bowel, causing higher toxicity buildup in the body.

The result of this can vary from constipation, heartburn, bloating, ulcers and gastritis. All these are caused by the overgrown of microforms in the gastrointestinal tract. Very often, a coated tongue, foul ordor, diarrhea, cramps and intestinal pain are symptoms of the inflammation caused by the overgrown microforms.

Microforms, if left unchecked can bore through the colon wall and enter the bloodstream. Hence, the blood can get toxic due to the presence of microforms. Through the blood circulation system, it can invade the different parts of the body, including cells, tissues and organs. In the worst case, it can negatively impact the lymphatic system, skeletal structure, central nervous system and the bone marrow!

Such penetration of microforms into the body can also cause damage to the nerve reflexes of the lower intestines. Disruptive impulses like headaches can disturb and weaken our body reflex system.

Thus when too much acidic foods are consumed, there is a corresponding increase in microforms and hence, mucus secretion. A spike in mucus/acid mixture can lead to congestion, indigestion, nasal and lung congestion, frequent coughing and throat clearing.

To correct these dire consequences, one need to restore the intestines (guts) to its proper pH balance. A proper probiotic supplement with the consumption of friendly bacteria like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium will help to restore balance somewhat. However, a longer term solution is to make a dietary change that will stuff out the microforms and mycotoxins, and less mucus secretion, with a skewed alkaline diet.

Adrian Fah is also the owner of www.weightlosschemistry.com