“There is evidence from multiple studies supporting intake of recommended amounts of DHA and EPA in the form of dietary fish or fish oil supplements lowers triglycerides, reduces the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known cardiovascular disease, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques ("hardening of the arteries"), and lowers blood pressure slightly.”
Mayo Clinic
So begins the entry on omega 3 fatty acids on the Mayo Clinic website. A little deeper digging reveals the following report from the journal Current Atherosclerotic Reports:
“Clinically important anti-inflammatory effects in man are further suggested by trials demonstrating benefits of n-3 fatty acids in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disorders. Given the evidence relating progression of atherosclerosis to chronic inflammation, the n-3 fatty acids may play an important role via modulation of the inflammatory processes.”
Now granted I am not as bright as some government community organizers, but I can pick up on something valuable when it slams me in the face. The only logical conclusions from these and literally hundreds of additional studies is that ingesting the proper amount of these little fatty acids is good for you on a number of levels. In this world of “pharmaceuticals:bad - naturals:good” we should all be embracing tools available to us to extend lives and reduce morbidity.
I have said on numerous occasions that exercise is the fountain of youth. I still believe it is the single most advantageous activity a person can undertake to promote health. Exercise will do more for you physically and mentally than anything else out there, yet it takes you actually doing it for there to be any benefit. Likewise, proper nutrition is another big piece of the health puzzle. I am not telling you something you don’t already know. In fact I preached this for the length of an entire book in Fat Proof Your Family. So if we all know the importance of exercise and nutrition, why don’t we practice it? Psychologists, doctors, multi level marketers, and the biggest losers have all pondered this question and come up lacking. I wont tease you into thinking I have the answer either. My libertarian instincts lead me to simply say, the data is there and it is up to each individual to do with it what they may.
So why did I start this rant off with the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids and then swerve into a rave on lack of discipline and initiative? Simply to show that, thanks to modern research, there are things you can do that don’t involve treadmills or tofu that can enhance your health. I am a critical consumer when it comes to supplements and “natural” remedies. However, I do embrace those approaches when the science supports them and there are few of these over the counter products that have as much scientific and clinical validation as the omega 3s. Most of you know that these substances are abundant in cold water fish (tuna, salmon etc.) and many soybean products, flaxseed, and walnuts. As with most nutrient benefits, they are most realized when consumed in their natural state, i.e. fresh from the ocean or the ground; yet, in many cases this is not practical or cost efficient. This is one of the few areas where supplements in pill or capsule form are still as effective (and in some cases more effective) than the natural occurring nutrient. As I have mentioned before, I am a fan of the supplement OmegaXL, as my research of the literature confirms this product contains one of the greatest concentrations of the types of omega 3 fatty acids that are beneficial to humans. In addition, there are numerous studies using this actual product (which is very important) that show the anti inflammatory benefits are product specific.
The conclusion to all this for each of us; exercise daily, consume fewer calories, and take supplements that have been proven to have a benefit.
For more information go to: www.omegaxl.com
Mayo Clinic
So begins the entry on omega 3 fatty acids on the Mayo Clinic website. A little deeper digging reveals the following report from the journal Current Atherosclerotic Reports:
“Clinically important anti-inflammatory effects in man are further suggested by trials demonstrating benefits of n-3 fatty acids in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disorders. Given the evidence relating progression of atherosclerosis to chronic inflammation, the n-3 fatty acids may play an important role via modulation of the inflammatory processes.”
Now granted I am not as bright as some government community organizers, but I can pick up on something valuable when it slams me in the face. The only logical conclusions from these and literally hundreds of additional studies is that ingesting the proper amount of these little fatty acids is good for you on a number of levels. In this world of “pharmaceuticals:bad - naturals:good” we should all be embracing tools available to us to extend lives and reduce morbidity.
I have said on numerous occasions that exercise is the fountain of youth. I still believe it is the single most advantageous activity a person can undertake to promote health. Exercise will do more for you physically and mentally than anything else out there, yet it takes you actually doing it for there to be any benefit. Likewise, proper nutrition is another big piece of the health puzzle. I am not telling you something you don’t already know. In fact I preached this for the length of an entire book in Fat Proof Your Family. So if we all know the importance of exercise and nutrition, why don’t we practice it? Psychologists, doctors, multi level marketers, and the biggest losers have all pondered this question and come up lacking. I wont tease you into thinking I have the answer either. My libertarian instincts lead me to simply say, the data is there and it is up to each individual to do with it what they may.
So why did I start this rant off with the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids and then swerve into a rave on lack of discipline and initiative? Simply to show that, thanks to modern research, there are things you can do that don’t involve treadmills or tofu that can enhance your health. I am a critical consumer when it comes to supplements and “natural” remedies. However, I do embrace those approaches when the science supports them and there are few of these over the counter products that have as much scientific and clinical validation as the omega 3s. Most of you know that these substances are abundant in cold water fish (tuna, salmon etc.) and many soybean products, flaxseed, and walnuts. As with most nutrient benefits, they are most realized when consumed in their natural state, i.e. fresh from the ocean or the ground; yet, in many cases this is not practical or cost efficient. This is one of the few areas where supplements in pill or capsule form are still as effective (and in some cases more effective) than the natural occurring nutrient. As I have mentioned before, I am a fan of the supplement OmegaXL, as my research of the literature confirms this product contains one of the greatest concentrations of the types of omega 3 fatty acids that are beneficial to humans. In addition, there are numerous studies using this actual product (which is very important) that show the anti inflammatory benefits are product specific.
The conclusion to all this for each of us; exercise daily, consume fewer calories, and take supplements that have been proven to have a benefit.
For more information go to: www.omegaxl.com
