NewtonRx

March 2010

Changes in your Diet lead to Health Benefits: Why Omega 3

During the past 50 years the Western world has made great technological advances. Sometimes these advances come with a hidden cost. The post World War II American diet has contributed to increases in obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Immediately after World War II most livestock in the United States was raised by many small producers. Changes in market dynamics and consumer choice has lead to a rapid consolidation of animal husbandry to large corporate producers. These large corporations are very efficient at adding value to their production methods.

About 30 years ago it was discovered that corn was a much more efficient feed stock for cattle and hogs then grass or hay. They gained weight quicker for a lower overall cost. This allowed the consumer to benefit by making a good source of protein more widely available and affordable to a greater percentage of the population.

Unfortunately corn only contains a higher ratio of Omega 6 fatty acids and not as many Omega 3 fatty acids as grass. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential are for many biochemical processes of daily metabolism. Fat metabolism and storage is greatly impacted by the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in our diet.

Blood sugar regulation and blood lipid storage are also greatly impacted by the presence of Omega 3’s
While it is impossible for any individual to change the course of food production we can do things to improve our health. Over time, demand in the marketplace will lead to healthier choices.

Eating more fish, vegetables and lean meat will help. SO WILL SUPPLEMENTING YOUR DIET WITH Oils that are high in Omega 3. The two most efficient forms of Omega 3 are DHA and EPA both found in fish oil. Linoleic acid, found in Flax seed, is also a good Omega 3 but the fish oil types are much more efficient.

Any dark-fleshed cold water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna or herring is a good source of Omega 3 oil. Quantities of DHA and EPA in fish vary with species and population. In addition, natural fish populations can be conta- minated with mercury and other heavy metal toxins. The safest approach is a pharmaceutical grade supplement that is distilled and certified to be mercury and contaminant free.

High quality supplements not only deliver the full benefits of Omega 3, they can be dosed like a pharmaceutical agent and tailored to any indivual's given need. Fish Oil supplementation is one way of improving our health through a better diet.