Essential fatty acids are vital to a healthy diet and lifestyle and most of these essential fats must be acquired from outside sources, as the human body is not capable of making them in suitable quantities. Omega-9 fatty acids can be manufactured by the human body; however, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids cannot. Therefore, they must be obtained through food sources. Essential fatty acids regulate blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and blood clotting, as well as the way a person’s body responds to infection and injury. Deficiencies in essential fatty acids create a burden on the body’s cardiovascular system, which increases the risk of hypertension–high blood pressure–cardiac arrest, and high cholesterol.
Heart Health
Omega-3 fatty acids are poly-unsaturated fats. Research indicates that adhering to a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids helps to increase HDL cholesterol–good cholesterol–and also lowers triglycerides. Omega-3s also contain anticoagulant properties which prevent blood clots, and this benefit is vital to the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. It is for this reason that essential fatty acids are closely associated with heart health.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Studies indicate that Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids may offer considerable protection from the excessive accumulation of the protein believed to be responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. One such study investigated the benefits of an Omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid–DHA–on Alzheimer’s patients and the results were optimistic.
Depression
Countries with the highest consumption of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids also have the lowest incidence of bipolar disorder, major depression, suicide and homicide. Additionally, when used in the treatment of depression, essential fatty acids have also resulted in a decrease in symptoms in those undergoing a comprehensive treatment plan. In 2002, a placebo-controlled, double-blind study found that taking just one gram per day of Omega-3 fish oils decreased depression in patients who had remained depressed even after being treated with prescription medication.
Hypertension
Uncontrolled hypertension increases an individual’s risk for heart disease, which is considered by some experts to be a major health problem in the western world. Research indicates that when the appropriate amount of Omega-3 fatty acids are added to a person’s diet, a reduction in blood pressure of approximately 2-5 mm/hg can be expected, and those with severely high blood pressure can expect an even greater drop. These benefits appear to be dose-related, as the greatest benefits were seen in the group taking the maximum recommended daily dose of 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day.
Weight Loss
In ancient times, humans hunted for some foods and grew others, but everything they ate came from a natural source. It is for this reason that diabetes and heart disease were essentially rare occurrences hundred of years ago. As time went on, processed foods and saturated fats replaced goods fats and caused the aforementioned conditions to become much more prevalent.
There is a strong association between Omega-3 fats and weight loss. A 12-week study done in 2009 confirmed the suspicion that a daily dose of Omega-3 fish oil combined with four sessions of aerobic exercise a week can help one to quickly reach his or her weight loss goals. The participants in the study who took the fish oil supplement lost weight faster than those who simply followed a healthy diet and exercised. The group taking the fish oil supplement also experienced greater weight loss around the middle. This is a considerable benefit, as most experts agree that those with excess belly fat are at a higher risk for heart disease and diabetes than overweight individuals whose weight is more evenly distributed.
Dietary Sources of Essential Fatty Acids
As with any supplement, it is best if one can obtain the recommended daily allowance of essential fatty acids from his or her diet. Foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include the following:
- Hemp seed oil
- Flax oil
- Pumpkin seeds
- Flax seeds
- Grapeseed oil
- Salmon
- Brussels sprouts
- Walnuts
- Soybeans
- Green leafy vegetables
Dietary sources of Omega-6 fatty acids include:
- Corn, sunflower, and canola oils
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Tuna
- Herring
- Halibut
- Trout
- Mackerel
Those to whom the aforementioned foods do not appeal will be pleased to know that there are many supplements available on today’s market that contain essential fatty acids. Such supplements are easily found in capsule form at most health food or grocery stores. Anyone choosing to take Omega-3 or Omega-6 fatty acid supplements is taking a positive step toward a healthier diet.
James McGrath is the owner and editor of Supplement-Deals.co.uk, which provides price comparisons of bodybuilding supplements including the popular CNP Pro Mass and other whey powders, creatine’s and fat loss products.
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The weight loss industry is rife with fads, and every other day, I see a new fad coming up. Even more surprising than the rapid innovation of fads is how easily the common people are accepting these fads without thinking twice abut possible repercussions. People hope to lose weight quickly with the help of these fad products, but if you ask me, I never believe in fads, and never will! In this article I will tell you about the latest weight loss fad called HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and how far it can help you lose weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight has always been a battle for me. I guess a lot of women can probably relate to that. In high school and college I was always really active, and I seemed to be able to stay pretty fit and healthy because of an active lifestyle. Yet, once I graduated and got into the working class, my lifestyle and my weight changed pretty drastically.
Dieting is a myth. Unless you change your behaviors and make firm personal commitments to be more mindful about what you’re eating, you will ultimately fail with your weight loss goals. Sure, you might loose a few pounds doing these fads but strictly relying on abstinence from foods you enjoy can be quite detrimental to yourself.
Losing weight is not an easy task. The basics are taking in less calories than you burn. So everyone always says diet and exercise are the keys to successful weight loss. But in today’s society with all the new technology, weight loss has the possibility of being fun.
If you find yourself in a situation where you feel you need to loose 10 pounds a week you may also find yourself failing. There are not many ways to accomplish this without making some serious changes, and even that depends on where you are starting out in terms of your current weight and lifestyle. 