The special omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have been shown to keep blood triglycerides in check, to help maintain the integrity of the platelets and have anti-inflammatory activity helping arthritis, asthma, and skin conditions.
How are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) broken down in the body? Does
it require much work from the liver?
EFAs are broken down in the gut (hydrolyzed) and the individual fatty acids are absorbed by the enterocytes lining the GI tract. The enterocytes assemble the fatty acids and glycerol into triglycerides. The triglycerides and other fat soluble nutrients are collected and assembled into chylomicrons, which are absorbed by the lacteals (lymphatic vessels of the small intestines). The chylomicrons flow with the lymph into the blood and reaches every tissue in the body. In the tissues the triglycerides are absorbed in a similar way as triglycerides are absorbed by the enterocytes. In the tissues the fatty acids can be metabolized into for example local hormones.
The hydrolization process in the gut requires lipase secreted by the pancreas and bile synthesized in the liver and secreted from the gallbladder.
Arthritis & Anti-Inflammatory
Taking 2.6 grams of Omega 3 fish oils per day results in significant clinical benefit for arthritis sufferers, and reduces the need for antirheumatic medication as shown in numerous studies including a one year double blind controlled trial published in Arthritis & Rheumatism 1994 V.37(6).
EPA is a direct precursor to the omega-3 family of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes). Increase in cellular concentration of EPA stimulates the release of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, which counterbalance the effect of the pro-eicosanoids released when arachidonic acid is the precursor fatty acid. Consumption of EPA is therefore beneficial to sufferers of chronic inflammatory conditions.
Skin, hair, lungs, and GI health
Omega-3 fatty acids can help to improve the integrity of the skin Omega-3 fatty acids can help to improve the integrity of the epithelial tissue lining the lungs and intestinal tract Added vitamin E to enhance stability Mega EPA (fish oil concentrate) provides bioavailable, omega-3 essential fatty acids in concentrated oil form.
General Health
Omega-3 fatty acids are critical components of a healthy diet. The body cannot manufacture essential Omega-3s and must obtain them from either food such as flaxseeds, fish, and walnuts, or through supplementation. The most important types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils are Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). The body needs EPA to produce prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that help to protect the heart and the cell membranes. DHA is required for the normal development of the brain, the eyes, and the reproductive system.
Cancer
Both laboratory and animal tests have shown that Omega 3 fatty acids help prevent cancer, and build up the immune system so that it can better fight against certain types of cancer cells.
Heart disease & stroke
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils increase good cholesterol (high density lipoproteins, HDL) in the blood while decreasing bad cholesterol (triglycerides). Furthermore, these omega-3 oils protect the heart by preventing the formation of blood clots and fatty deposits (plaque) on the arterial walls. In people with coronary heart disease, fish oils may help to reduce the risk of blood clots in the brain or in the lungs; pain associated with angina; and the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Fish oils also help to maintain healthy circulation.
Investigation of the possible benefits of fish oils began when researchers discovered that Eskimos rarely suffer from heart attacks or rheumatoid arthritis even though their diet is high in fat from fish, seals, and whales. Because these sources of fat have a high omega-3 fatty acid content, it was discovered that the type of fatty acid that they contained helped to protect the Eskimos from the usual consequences of high-fat diets. The Eskimos high omega-3 fatty acid diet helped decrease their risk of heart attacks, strokes and abnormal heart rhythms.
A study of 20,551 doctors who ate at least one fish meal per week cut their risk of heart attacks in half compared to those who ate fish once a month or less. In the 5-year Lyon study, men who followed a Mediterranean diet with emphasis on omega-3-rich oils and fish, fruits and vegetables had their heart attack rates reduced by 70% compared to subjects in the control group.
ADHD
Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to be effective in developmental behavioral dysfunction in children. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1995 reported that 53% of children with ADHD had significantly lower concentrations of Omega 3 fatty acids than the control children. Numerous Autistic children have also been found to be deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids.
Low Oxidation Manufacturing Process
Pharmax Fish Oils are molecularly distilled. In addition, since the purification process does tend to damage and oxidize the oils, their oxidation levels are measured after the purification process, not before (which other companies have been caught doing) in order to reflect the true oxidation value of the oil.
Pharmax uses molecular distillation to purify their oil which is the "gold standard", but it has to be done without any oxygen present . In order to achieve this, Pharmax heats the oil a little bit at a low pressure in a nitrogen atmosphere with no oxygen. The low pressure is used so the boiling point is lower. Then, oxidation levels are tested afterwards.
Omega-3s and GLA Improve Hyperactivity and Well-Being in Kids with ADHD or Depression
(July 6, 2006)
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil combined with evening primrose oil (GLA) reduced hyperactivity and improved the attention span in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the results were better than those achieved on the ADHD medication Ritalin, a new study indicates. Furthermore, another study indicates that omega-3s from fish oil may improve well-being in children suffering from depression.
References:
1) http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1668130.htm
2) Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Jun |
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