Fwd: [SSRI-Research] Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fats in Fish Oil to Protect Against Disease

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GettingWell wrote:SSRI-Research

GettingWell

Sat, 06 Dec 2003 16:51:05 -0500

[sSRI-Research] Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fats in Fish Oil to Protect

Against

Disease

 

Increase Intake of Omega-3 Fats in Fish Oil to Protect Against Disease

http://www.mercola.com/article/omega3.htm

 

You want to increase your overall health and energy level. You want to

prevent heart disease, cancer, depression and Alzheimer's. Perhaps you also

want to treat rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, Raynaud's

disease and a host of other diseases. One of the best things you can do for

all of these is increase your intake of the omega-3 fats found in fish oil,

and reduce your intake of omega-6 fats.

 

These two types of fat, omega-3 and omega-6, are both essential for human

health. However, the typical American consumes far too many omega-6 fats in

their diet while consuming very low levels of omega-3. The ideal ratio of

omega-6 to omega-3 fats is 1:1. Our ancestors evolved over millions of years

on this ratio. Today, though, our ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 averages from

20:1 to 50:1! That spells danger for you.

 

The primary sources of omega-6 are corn, soy, canola, safflower and

sunflower oil; these oils are overabundant in the typical diet, which

explains our excess omega-6 levels. Avoid or limit these oils. Omega-3,

meanwhile, is typically found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and fish.

 

Over 150,000 people, including 25,000 health care professionals, receive the

newsletter twice a week, and 2 million pages are viewed every month to help

people find the answers to their health care questions.

 

By far, the best type of omega-3 fats are those found in that last category,

fish. That's because the omega-3 in fish is high in two fatty acids crucial

to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in

preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain

is also highly dependent on DHA - low DHA levels have been linked to

depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and a higher risk of developing

Alzheimer's. Researchers are now also linking inadequate intake of these

omega-3 fats in pregnant women to premature birth and low birth weight, and

to hyperactivity in children.

 

Sadly, though, eating most fresh fish, whether from the ocean, lakes and

streams, or farm-raised, is no longer recommended. Mercury levels in almost

all fish have now hit dangerously high levels across the world, and the risk

of this mercury to your health now outweighs the fish's omega-3 benefits.

However, because fish would otherwise be immensely healthy, I have been

searching for a safe source of fish -- and finally discovered one! The Vital

Choice Alaskan wild red salmon offered on this site is the one source of

salmon or any fish that, via independent lab-testing, I have discovered is

safe from mercury and other toxins. In addition to being mercury-free, the

Vital Choice Alaskan salmon is loaded with omega-3 with EPA and DHA , is

high in antioxidants to help you live longer, and tastes absolutely

delicious.

 

Routine consumption of fish oil is another highly recommended method of

increasing your omega-3 intake and improving your health. Fish oil contains

high levels of the best omega-3 fats - those with the EPA and DHA fatty

acids - and, as it is in pure form, does not pose the mercury risk of fresh

fish. The Carlson brand of fish oil and cod liver oil, regularly tested by

an independent FDA registered laboratory, is the most highly recommended for

its potency and purity. I now offer the Carlson brand of fish oil and cod

liver oil in my " Recommended Products " section, or you may be able to find

this exceptional quality brand in your local health food store.

 

Another outstanding option for increasing your omega-3 intake -- and

reducing your omega-6 intake -- is the omega-3-rich ostrich meat offered

exclusively on this site. Most store-bought meats, such as beef, are raised

on grain-rich diets that will only increase your omega-6 ratios, but this

ostrich is free-ranged and fed a diet primarily of alfalfa grass enriched

with flax seed for omega-3.

 

Whether you obtain it through mercury-free salmon, high-quality fish oil, or

other means, increasing your daily intake of omega-3 is one of the most

important steps you can take now to improve your health, optimize your

weight, and live longer.