Fish Oils

There are good fats and there are bad fats. Artificially produced trans-fatty acids are bad in any amount and saturated fats from animal products should be kept to a minimum. The best fats or oils rather, since they are liquid at room temperature, are those that contain the essential fatty acids so named because without them we die. Essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated and grouped into two families, the omega-6 EFAs and the omega-3 EFAs.

The main sources of omega-6 fatty acids are vegetable oils such as corn oil and soy oil that contain a high proportion of linoleic acid. Omega-3 acids are found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and marine plankton and fatty fish. Recognizing the unique benefits of EPA and DHA and the serious consequences of a deficiency the US National Institutes of Health recently published Recommended Daily Intakes of fatty acids. They recommend a total daily intake of 650 mg of EPA and DHA, 2.22 g/day of alpha-linolenic acid and 4.44 g/day of linolenic acid. Saturated fat intake should not exceed 8 per cent of total calorie intake or about 18 g/day.

Your brain having a deficiency to these acids have been linked to many brain problems when it comes to your mood or feelings. It has been connected to an increased tendency to depression, suicide, and violence. Studies have also found people who supplemented with Fish Oils also were at lower risk for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at the University of Sydney have found that children who regularly eat fresh, oily fish have a four times lower risk of developing asthma than do children who rarely eat such fish. They speculate that EPA present in the fish may prevent the development of asthma or reduce its severity by reducing airway inflammation and responsiveness. Researchers at the University of Wyoming have found that supplementation with 3.3 grams/day of fish oil markedly reduces breathing difficulties and other symptoms in asthma patients. Other research has found fish oil to be beneficial in the treatment of other lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and emphysema.

A HUGE amount of medical literature testifies to the fact that fish oils prevent and may help to ameliorate or reverse atherosclerosis, angina, heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Fish oils help maintain the elasticity of artery walls, prevent blood clotting, reduce blood pressure and stabilize heart beat. Fish Oils are also very good for the joints on the body. It helps keep them from getting into a dry state and cracking when you move. It also helps greatly with arthritis in the joints.

There is no reason to NOT supplement with Fish Oils. They are beneficial in so many areas and really do not cost very much money. To avoid nasty fish burps, try to supplement Fish Oils while eating meals.

*Some information from International Health News Issue 103, July 2000