Surprising Facts about Omega

In this era, almost everyone is supplementing their diet with fish oil due to its great health benefits. Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of oily fish. 

 

Fish oil is actually very rich in Omega and Omega can be divided into 3 types (Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9).  

• Omega 3 - there are 3 types of omega 3 which includes EPA, DHA dan ALA. Omega 3 (DHA & EPA) is the one which is RICHLY found in Shaklee Omegaguard. It is very crucial for our brain, heart and etc. 

• Omega 6 - when combined with Omega 3 has SUPERB health benefit. The only thing we need to take note is the balance between a ratio of 2:1 in between Omega 6 and Omega 3. The problem is that majority of us have more Omega 6 in our diet which is in fact, more than the required ratio. Omega 6 can be found richly in frozen food and processed food. Nowadays, people love to take fast food and research has shown that the ratio of Omega 6 and Omega 3 is between 20:1 to 50:1 and this unbalance ratio will lead to a lot of health problem. 

• Omega 9 - good for our heart and immune system function. But Omega 9 can be produced by our own body. Therefore, there's no need to waste any money to buy supplements for Omega 9.

So far, only Omega 3 and 6 cannot be produced by our own body and therefore, we can only obtain these through our daily diet and supplement.

Now, why is there no ALA in Shaklee Omegaguard? Why only DHA and EPA? 

The reason is very simple. Because our body only need DHA and EPA. 

You may be taking food which are rich in ALA or supplements rich in ALA, but ultimately, all these ALA will be converted to DHA and EPA. Nevertheless, I'm not sure how effective will all the ALA be converted to DHA and EPA.  

That's the reason why it's very difficult to find Omega supplements with ALA in the market. What our body need is actually the DHA and EPA.  

Generally, DHA is very important for brain and eye heath whereas EPA is good for joint and heart health. 

Now, let's see what are the benefits of Omega 3. 

(1) Brain - more focus, more connections among the brain cells, lower risk of Alzheimer, depression, anxiety and stroke. Research conducted at the Louisiana State University has shown that fatty acids are effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Since fish oil is one of the best sources of essential fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, it helps in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. More research conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) validates the usefulness of fish oil as a possible remedy for the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends fish containing a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids to patients since it acts as a defense against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

(2) Eye - It is well known that fish oil has the ability to improve vision. It also helps in avoiding age-related macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute at the National Institute of Health in the United States plans to conduct a nationwide study to evaluate the effect of fish oil in treating macular degeneration. This study will provide strong scientific evidence regarding the benefits of fish oil for eye care, thereby allowing government agencies and physicians to strongly recommend fish oil for macular degeneration.

(3) Heart health - According to the American Heart Association (AHA), clinical trials have shown that omega-3 is effective in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 and therefore, reduces the risk of heart diseases and heart arrhythmias. It also lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL). Fish oil prevents the accumulation of triglycerides and also reduces the level of excess triglycerides. Preliminary research has shown that fish oil can be used to prevent atherosclerosis in coronary patients. Thus, fish oil is effective in preventing strokes and regular usage of fish oil can help avoid sudden cardiac death. As per the American Heart Association, these preliminary findings still need to be confirmed by a further detailed research.

(4) Arthritis - Fish oil is useful in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, Raynaud’s symptoms and similar conditions. Using fish oil can help in reducing the need for large dosages of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The Royal Adelaide Hospital and theUniversity of Newcastle, located in Australia, have reported that fish oil has shown positive effects in the treatment of arthritis. In cases of osteoarthritis, fish oil can be helpful in reducing the impact of enzymes that destroy cartilage.

(5) Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Fish oil is effective in reducing inflammation in the blood and tissues. Regular consumption of fish oil supplements, tablets, pills, and capsules is helpful to those who suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases. Fish oil is effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, Celiac disease, short bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, which are both typical disorders of the intestine. Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease often find it difficult to absorb vitamins, fats, and essential supplements. Fish oil supplements are an effective diet for such patients.

(6) Skin Care: It is great for improving the condition of dry skin by making it look shiny and vibrant. It is useful in treating various skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, itching, skin redness, skin lesions, and rashes. In terms of psoriasis, the EPA present in fish oil restricts the growth of pro-inflammatory agents by producing arachidonic acid. Therefore, fish oil can also be applied topically to get relief from psoriasis.

(7) Improved Immunity: It is believed that regular consumption of fish oil aids in boosting your immune system, thereby enabling you to resist the occurrence of common diseases like colds, coughs and the flu. Omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil bolster the immune system by affecting the activity and amount of cytokines and eicosanoids present in our body. Researchers have alsostudied the effect of fish meal and fish oil on the immune system of pigs and found that fish oil aided in the growth of the animals. Similar research conducted on mice at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, also gave positive results.

(8) Weight Loss: Research conducted by Professor Peter Howe at the University of South Australia has shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in attempts to reduce weight. Volunteers who were given fish oil in their diet showed greater weight loss as compared to those who did not regularly consume it. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help to promote the weight loss, so a combination of physical workout and intake of this oil helps in reducing body fat significantly faster.

9) ADHD or ADD - Fish oil has the ability to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to its high concentration of fatty acids. For children suffering from hyperactivity, dyslexia, dyspraxia, inability to complete tasks, emotional instability, wavering attitude, poor coordination, short attention span, short-term memory weakness, low concentration, tendency to interrupt others, recklessness, hastiness, impetuosity, impulsiveness, low IQ, or learning disorders, fish oil is a proven remedy. Research conducted at the University of South Australia and CSIRO has shown that when children suffering from ADHD were given doses of fish oil and evening primrose capsules for 15 weeks, they showed significant improvements in their behavior. Since, human brain consists of about 60% fats, especially essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, it helps to improve the functions of the brain. Furthermore, it is believed that fish oil is useful in the normal development of the brain, along with helping your child concentrate on their studies. It has also been found that when pregnant women are given regular doses of fish oil, their toddlers display enhanced hand-eye coordination.

Not all fish oil are the same. I personally prefer Omegaguard from Shaklee due several reasons which I will discuss further in my next blog. 

I have just stocked up 5 bottles of Omegaguard few days ago because we have promotion going on this month. 

Buy 5 bottles FREE RM60 E-Voucher. This is definitely a great deal. 

You may contact me to know more. 

Dr. Mommy F 

Shaklee Independent Distributor (1243458)