Archive for the ‘omega-3's’ Category

Depression and Cholesterol Link Varies Between Gender

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Cholesterol is an important component of mammalian cell membranes, but high levels of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol have long been associated with increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Food sources of LDL cholesterol are eggs, steak, bacon, butter, and other animal foods. Plant foods do not contain LDL cholesterol.

Depression is another condition linked to cholesterol levels. Some experts contend low cholesterol may be associated with an elevated risk of depression.

And now a new study, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, found depression in women was linked to low levels of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol, which also raises people’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

Foods that increase HDL cholesterol include water soluble fibers found in fruits and vegetables, like beans, apples, grapes, and citrus fruits, and whole grains, such as oats, oat brain, and brown rice. Omega-3 fatty acids contained in avocados, flaxseed oil, and fish, like salmon and mackerel also raise HDL cholesterol.

The research, which involved elderly people, ages 65 and older, also discovered men were more likely to suffer depression if they had low levels of LDL cholesterol.

So the scientists recommend cholesterol levels be closely monitored among the elderly in order to prevent depression.

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Eating Fish May Lower Risk of Eye Disease

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Consuming fish has been linked to a myriad of health benefits, mostly due to omega-3 fatty acids, which have been associated with decreased risk of cancer and heart disease.

And according to a new study in the journal Ophthalmology, older adults eating fatty fish – such as salmon, mackerel, and albacore tuna – at least once a week may have a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) leading to vision loss.

For the study, experts analyzed data from over 2,500 adults, ages 65 to 84, who completed dietary questionnaires and underwent eye exams; 15% were found to have early or intermediate-stage AMD and less than 3% had advanced AMD.

Researchers found participants with higher intake of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, consuming one or more servings a week, were 60% less likely to develop advanced AMD, than those consuming less than one serving per week.

However, the scientists insist this does not prove eating fish is directly linked to reduced risk of AMD.

But a major concern among fish eaters and non-fish eaters is mercury. Many fish consume pollutants laden with mercury, making them unsafe food choices. Fish like red snapper, shark, and Chilean sea bass are among the most contaminated.

Safer varieties
of fish include: mussels, Alaskan salmon, rainbow trout, farmed clams, United States catfish, farmed oysters, stone crab, and Atlantic yellowfin tuna.

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Fish Oil Could Cut Breast Cancer Risk

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Given the diet woes of most people – too much fast food and not enough healthy food – over-the-counter supplements have grown in popularity; everything from red yeast and acai berry to great tea and ginseng pills.

Fish oil is another biggie, maybe the biggest of them all. Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), all nutrients many people don’t get enough of.

Omega-3s, EPA, and DHA – found in fouods like fish, nuts, and green vegetables – have been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

And a new study, published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, found fish oil may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Researchers asked more than 35,000 postmenopausal women who did not have a history of breast cancer to complete a questionnaire on their vitamin intake.

After six years, there were 880 reported cases of breast cancer and the regular use of fish oil supplements was linked to a 32% lower risk of breast cancer.

Other supplements typically given to ease menopause symptoms were not shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

But fish oil has been linked to mercury contamination, so alternatives, such as algae-based supplements, are seen as cleaner alternatives.

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Fish Oil May Help Cut Colon Cancer Risk

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Fish oil is all the rage – seems like everyone over the age of 50 is popping the pills.

It comes down to fat. Fish and fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have many benefits, such as improving brain health and preventing heart disease.

And now, writing in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers say omega-3s also reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Among white study participants, those eating the most omega-3s had half the risk of developing colon cancer.

And among whites and African Americans, colon cancer risk did decrease as consumption of omega-3s increased.

But beware! Fish oil capsules are notorious for going rancid. If you cut one open and it stinks like hot garbage, switch to another brand.

Green vegetables and walnuts are other sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Image credit: How Fish Oil Works

Nuts and Olive Oil Help Cut Alzheimer’s Risk

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

No one wants to go nuts in their old age – unless you think it’s funny to poop in a diaper.

So luckily it turns out actual nuts – and other foods like olive oil, fish, and fruits and vegetables – may help stave off Alzheimer’s.

Appearing in the Archives of Neurology, experts determined people eating these foods had a 40% lower risk of develop Alzheimer’s.

Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin B12 and folate – all related to better brain health – are responsible for the reduction of risk.

However, researchers suggest foods rich in saturated fat – i.e. red meat and butter – should be avoided.

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Omega-3s Improve Diabetic Kidneys

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Not only does omega-3 sound like an X-Men, but omega-3 fatty acids are constantly being linked to improved health.

And now, a new study in the journal Diabetes Care claims increased intake of omega-3s protect the kidneys of type-1 diabetics.

Researchers examined the urine of diabetics and found individuals who consumed more omega-3s – EPA and DHA – had higher levels of albumin in their pee.

Albumin is a protein leaked out of kidneys of people with kidney damaged.

Oily fish, like salmon and mackerel, are great sources of omega-3s, but if you don’t eat fish, omega-3s can also be found in walnuts and broccoli.

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Omega-3s Improve Diabetic Kidneys

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Not only does omega-3 sound like an X-Men, but omega-3 fatty acids are constantly being linked to improved health.

And now, a new study in the journal Diabetes Care claims increased intake of omega-3s protect the kidneys of type-1 diabetics.

Researchers examined the urine of diabetics and found individuals who consumed more omega-3s – EPA and DHA – had higher levels of albumin in their pee.

Albumin is a protein leaked out of kidneys of people with kidney damaged.

Oily fish, like salmon and mackerel, are great sources of omega-3s, but if you don’t eat fish, omega-3s can also be found in walnuts and broccoli.

Image credit: Sunset.com

Omega-3s Prevent Vision Loss

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

EYEEating omega-3s, found in oily fishes, like salmon and sardines, may stave off age-related vision loss, or macular degeneration (AMD).

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, experts found among the 1,837 people studied, those consuming the most omega-3 fatty acids were 30% less likely to develop AMD.

Researchers tracked participants for 12 years. In that time, 52% of the people developed one form of AMD, either “wet” or “dry.”

But people getting omega-3s, both DHA and EPA, had the lowest risk of AMD.

The findings lead researchers to recommend incorporating omega-3s into a diet as a way of preventing age-related vision problems.

For people who don’t eat animal products, i.e. vegans and vegetarians, omega-3 supplements derived from algae or plankton are available.

Via Reuters.

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Omega-3s Cut Risk of Colon Cancer in Whites

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

WNOmega-3 fatty acids, or “healthy” fats, may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, but only in whites.

Presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, experts found omega-3’s slow the growth of tumors.

Additionally, omega-3’s might slow down the spreading of colon cancer, or metastasis.

The findings are sketchy, but researchers suspect there is an inverse relationship between the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and colon cancer.

For the study, scientists analyzed the link between fatty acid intake and bowel cancer among nearly 2,000 people, using a questionnaire to assess each person’s diet. And data revealed people who consumed more omega-3’s had a lower risk of cancer.

But this association did not occur in black participants, prompting the researchers to say further studies must be conducted to determine why this relationship does not exist in blacks.

Most people assume omega-3 fatty acids are only found in fish, but walnuts are another source of healthy fats. Omega-3’s have been linked to brain health as well.

Via EurekAlert!

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High Cholesterol Adds to Heart Failure Risk

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

HRTIt sounds obvious. Eating fatty foods, raises cholesterol, clogs arteries, and then WHAM you have a heart attack.

Shouldn’t be a surprise when it happens, but for millions of people it’s a real shocker.

So, a new study aims to clarify the risk, in case you didn’t know.

Published in the journal Circulation, a new study found people with high non-HDL cholesterol, which includes LDL, or bad, cholesterol had 13% higher risk of heart attack.

But on the other hand, individuals with high HDL, or good, cholesterol had a 25% lower risk of heart attack.

So researchers suggest cholesterol altering therapies for both HDL and LDL cholesterol should be considered for heart patients.

Foods that lower bad cholesterol, because they don’t have any, are fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats, like omega 3’s, contained in things like walnuts, have been shown to be cardio-protective.

Via HealthDay News.

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