How Can Fat Be Essential?
By Garry Gamber
Did you know that some fats are essential to the body? Yes, there are some fats that our body cannot produce which means that we must get them from our food. Perhaps you've heard of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. These are both considered essential and must be supplied by the foods we eat.
What do they do? Well, the omega-3 fatty acid, for example is used for the production of healthy cell membranes and for the production of a class of hormones called prostaglandins. You know how aspirin and acetominophen are anti-inflammatories? So are the prostaglandins that our bodies produce from omega-3 fatty acids.
Now, we need the omega-3's and the omega-6's to be in the proper combination to be most effective to us. Empirical evidence shows that the proper ratio is about 4:1 between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. What do you suppose our average diet gives us? About a 20:1 and up to a 40:1 ratio; not even close to the optimal ratio.
Why is the balance so out of whack? Well, our normal diets are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. We get them from meats, dairy products, and processed foods. We eat a lot of those foods on average. We get omega-3 fatty acids from certain vegetable oils such as flaxseed, canola, and soybean. And we get omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish such as mackerel, sardines, salmon, and tuna.
Eat more fish! You've heard that said before, and now you know why.
Especially the salmon. It is especially rich in the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon , or any of the other omega-3 rich fish (but what tastes better than good salmon?) should be consumed at least once a week.
In order to get the omega-6 vs. omega-3 ratio in order, decrease your consumption of the saturated fat from meats and dairy products and increase your consumption of fish such as salmon.
Do you know how else you will benefit from increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids? Your cholesterol level will improve. You see, the essential omega-3 fatty acids have the ability to help decrease your total cholesterol and your LDL cholesterol level. The LDL cholesterol is the so-called bad cholesterol. So you will improve your cholesterol levels by adding a better balance of omega-3 fatty acids to your diet.
Not surprisingly, the omega-3 fatty acids can be heart healthy. Several diseases show improvement when patients increase their intake of these essential fats. Check out Dr. Ray Strand's important book for citings of clinical studies of omega-3. The book is titled, "What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Nutritional Medicine May Be Killing You." It's a wonderful book and should be a standard reference volume in your nutrition library.
Eat well, take appropriate supplements, and stay healthy.
*****************************
Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of www.anchorage-homes.com and www.anchorage-homes.com.
professional maid services Park Ridge ..Manganese is a metallic mineral that was discovered by a... Read More
Cherries?A Supercharged FruitThe little red fruit that has been enjoyed... Read More
In order to eat fewer calories than you need, you... Read More
"The physician who knows only medicine, knows not even medicine."... Read More
For some people it is really hard to give up... Read More
For all I prefer to buy my fresh produce at... Read More
Are there any benefits to be obtained from drinking water... Read More
Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in milk. Cow's milk contains... Read More
Cholesterol finds its way into our bodies in two main... Read More
What if I told you tap water and homogenized milk... Read More
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed.... Read More
In a study review conducted by David A. Geier, B.A.... Read More
You can trust me that I make sure to take... Read More
Female and male athletes respond to training in a fairly... Read More
Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program.... Read More
You are a mineral bodyEvery part of you is made... Read More
Recently, trans fats have risen to the forefront of the... Read More
On average 30% of foods in our daily diet are... Read More
Imagine you're a cell.Inside your body runs the machinery that... Read More
During a recent discussion with my father about low carb... Read More
The body is a marvelous creation, a carbon, oxygen combustion... Read More
The adrenal or "stress glands" are small, triangular shaped glands... Read More
(ARA) - By now you probably think you've heard all... Read More
You really are what you eat. You are also very... Read More
The benefits from eating healthy are endless. And, according to... Read More
cleaning lady near Lincolnshire ..I know you've heard this many times - "Drink more... Read More
A beautiful smile and healthy mouth actually can come from... Read More
The factors that affect the nutritional requirements of an individual... Read More
According to the renowned research scientist and inventor of the... Read More
Glowing skin comes free of charge to you. Our simple... Read More
Tired of having stare-downs with those boxes of Krispy Kremes,... Read More
The makers of Bumble Bee Tuna generated some buzz today... Read More
While packages of the artificial sweetener Splenda claim, "made from... Read More
Your healthOrganically grown fruit and vegetables are not covered in... Read More
The confusion about eating healthy and dieting will now be... Read More
Proper hydration is extremely important during exercise. Adequate fluid intake... Read More
The Immune System is probably the most important system in... Read More
Some of the things you think you know that just... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Your face turns flush and your skin starts to itch.... Read More
Whether you're concerned about cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or simply... Read More
Most recipes end with instructions to "serve immediately." You could... Read More
During the Second World War, the Germans used fluoride as... Read More
Finally, a positive solution regarding America's difficult and costly campaign... Read More
The best weight training and cardio workouts will do very... Read More
Salt does Not Cause High Blood Pressure. Some things you... Read More
Nutrition facts have become a part of everyday life because... Read More
Eating grain products - breads, cakes, cereals - have long... Read More
Detoxifying the body has become an apparent key preventative measure... Read More
Mannatech's patent-pending glyconutrients complex, Ambrotose, is perhaps the greatest wellness... Read More
Nutrition |