When the words oils and fats are mentioned in the same sentence, most health conscious individuals tend to run for cover. However, what they, like most people, fail to realize is that there are good fats and bad fats. Complete avoidance of the intake of oils and fats would actually be more detrimental than beneficial to their health.
The Truth about Fish Oil
Essential fatty acids supplements or EFAs must always be part of our daily diet as without them, we take one step closer to our demise. Essential fatty acids are divided into two groups which are Omega 3 EFAs and Omega 6 EFAs.
Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other, studies have shown that too much intake of Omega 6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth.
However, the good news is that the opposite is true for Omega 3 EFAs. Omega 6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while Omega 3 EFAs can be found in fish oils as well as other foods.
Omega 3 vs. Omega 6
Doctors and scientists are of the same opinion that the cause behind increasing cases of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain kinds of cancer is none other than an imbalanced intake of Omega 3 and Omega 6 EFAs.
Omega 6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils such corn oil and soy oil, both of which contains high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega 3 EFAs on the other hand can be found in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils.
It should be significant to take note that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed to provide many benefits to the human body.
In the early 1970s, a study of Greenland Eskimos revealed that one of the major reasons why they rarely suffer from heart disease is because of their high fat diet which is mainly composed of fish.
The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food has also proven to be useful in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oil
There are numerous other illnesses and conditions in which the intake of Omega 3 fish oil has proven to be significantly beneficial.
The heart is arguably one of the most important parts of our body and having an unhealthy heart means having to suffer a rather limited lifespan. Naturally, it is in our best interests to keep our heart happy and healthy and one way of doing that is eating food that contains fish oil.
In Athens, Greece, for instance, a study was made to show if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those who ate more fish had a lower level of C reactive protein and interleukin 6, factors that are commonly used to measure the likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.
In Perth, Australia, a study had revealed that fish consumption can be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the University of Western Australia discovered that a weight-loss diet which includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be quite effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.
People suffering from respiratory problems such as asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil for asthma sufferers.
Statistics show that approximately 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason behind it.
Researchers at the University of Wyoming conducted a study by subjecting a number of children to a high fish diet while others continued with their regular diet. Results revealed that the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.
Nothing is good when consumed or used excessively but complete avoidance of a particular food type is equally harmful as well. Ask your doctor or nutritionist for the right amount of fish oil intake for your age and health status.