Dans Papers - May 25, 2007 - Something Fishy?

Every day, new health discoveries are made, concerning the well-being of our bodies. New products promoting healthy results are constantly taken on and off the market. It's so difficult to trust or follow what is really going to help. In recent studies, a true discovery of natural essence has erupted in the health world. Fish oils, yes the actual oils drawn from a fish. They are also known as, Omega-3 fatty acids. They work with our bodies to support and promote healthy functions.

To get a better idea of how fish oils are connected to health in humans, let's take a step back and pinpoint where it all began. Drawn to the healthy arteries of the Eskimo population, scientists researched their anatomy and by analyzing their diets, they found that their bodies were rich in fatty foods, from a daily intake of whale, seal meat, and salmon. You'd think their arteries would be clogged, and they would have a heart attack at any moment with full-fledged fat diet. Yet they maintained a healthy heart. The connection between the Omega-3 components in marine oils was made to the healthy anatomies of the Eskimos. Both DocosaHexaenoic Acid (DHA), and EicosaPentaenoic Acid (EPA) are considered vital in the support healthy brain, nerves, vision, joints, skin, immune system and cardiovascular system.

The American Heart Association states that the recommended intake of fish oils is at least two times a day. The benefits from using fish oil are phenomenal - from helping modulate a stable heartbeat and maintaining blood vessels to supporting circulation throughout the body. We are now seeing that they may even support the elasticity in the artery walls, and can be recognized as a safe and effective method for normalizing triglyceride levels.

Our brains are considered the largest consumers of DHA. The cognitive functions are well supported by DHA and it is a vital component of the tissue in our brain, as well as the neurons. There has been a connection made with serotonin levels being low, when there is a lesser intake of these fatty acids. Having a high consumption of fish oils can help in preventing low serotonin levels, which are the cause of depression, violence and suicide. Research done at Harvard Medical School has shown that there is a beneficial connection between the intake of Omega-3 and the treatment of bipolar disorder, as well as the treatment of schizophrenia, as British researchers have suggested. Diseases affecting the brain, such as Alzheimer's, have recently been tested with the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and results have shown that patients who took a supplement of DHA had a better quality of life.

A sufficient intake of DHA and EPA is essential during pregnancy. Some studies have shown that an inadequate ingestion of Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy has resulted in premature birth and low birth weight. Also, a connection between low Omega-3 levels and hyperactivity in children has emerged in research studies as well. It is crucial for the mother to supply DHA and EPA during the growth of the fetus, due to the fact that the baby cannot synthesize these essential fatty acids on its own. Doctors have recommended that pregnant and lactating woman get at least 500-600 milligrams of DHA everyday. Lack of DHA during these times has been associated with postpartum depression and high blood pressure.

As we age, many of us develop problems with our joints. Adequate intake of DHA and EPA significantly reduce inflammation and is beneficial to those that suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. It has been shown arthritis patients who consume fish oils have greatly reduced complaints of morning stiffness and were able to reduce their use of NSAIDS and other arthritis drugs. Also, people with ulcerative colitis have greatly benefited with the consumption of fish oils. People with this condition have severely low blood levels, and a clinical study showed that the use of fish oils reduced patient severity by 50% and allowed them to reduce or halt taking anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids. A major discovery in the use of fish oils has been the correlation with cancer. Research has shown that consuming as little as 2.5 grams a day can be effective in preventing the growth of benign polyps in colon cancer. The combination of high intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and low intake of Omega-6 may prevent breast cancer from developing, as some studies have shown. A study done in Greece showed that terminally ill cancer patients, who consumed a supplementation of fish oils, showed improvement of survival and quality of life.

Fish oils are definitely easily available, and yet most of the world is deficient in Omega-3 acids, and highly concentrated in Omega-6. We should embrace the knowledge of the natural benefits obtained in the use of fish oils. Consuming fish oils is like infusing your body with a plethora of healthiness, and who wouldn't want that! So go out there and get your share of DHA's and EPA's, you have nothing to lose, yet so much to gain!