by Jack wolfson, m.d., F.A.c.c.
based on a fish source.
I
t seems to be everywhere you look these days:
“Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” We see it on food labels,
In addition to omega-3 fats, there are also omega-6
jars of supplements, even packages of cookies that
fats. These fats or oils are found in high concentrations
seek to boost their image as a nutritional snack.
in soy, corn and peanuts. Many scientists believe that a
But the truth is that these essential fatty acids have
high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is responsible for a vari-
played a significant role in the development and ad-
ety of health problems, including asthma and cardiovas-
vancement of the human brain since the dawn of time.
cular disease. In fact, ailments that have become com-
Researchers have long recognized that societies with a
mon in the last hundred years can be directly correlated
diet centered on seafood are healthier in general than
to increased omega-6 consumption. The goal should be
those who go without. History tells of island trade routes
a 1:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 consumption.
between coastal and mountain dwellers to provide the
mountain dwellers with the benefits of the sea. Inuit health benefits of omega-3
Eskimos have always existed almost completely on sea- Numerous clinical trials have
food and show minimal incidence of any disease. And, shown that increased fish
paleontologists believe that the human brain grew larger consumption is associated
and more intelligent once our ancestors started consum- with decreased chances of
ing animal-based fats with high levels of omega-3. In a heart attack. The GISSI-
our own culture’s history, many people have unpleasant Prevenzione study is the
childhood memories of old-fashioned cod liver oil. In largest of the controlled trials
most communities it was not possible to get fresh fish, investigating omega-3 fatty
and people relied on cod liver oil for the health benefits acid supplements and cardiac
they could not otherwise obtain. Although the intent was risk. In this trial, the chance
good, the cod liver oil of our youth was not purified and, of death was reduced by 20
in some cases, led to toxicity of certain nutrients. For- percent, and the risk of sud-
tunately, modern science has made it safer—and more den death was reduced by
palatable—to get the benefits of fish oil. 45 percent in the group that
received fish oil. The Hono-
what is omega-3?
lulu Heart Study also found
The term omega-3 re-
the risk of cardiac death was
fers to the molecular
cut in half amongst those who consumed the most fish.
structure of a certain
The American Heart Association recommends that pa-
type of fat—a good
tients with documented cardiovascular disease consume
fat. Omega-3 oils
about one gram of omega-3 fish oil daily, either from
usually come from
fatty fish or from supplements. Other authorities suggest
fish but are also found in
at least two grams if you have any form of cardiovascular
flax seed and other plant-based
disease.
sources; however the human
Omega-3 fish oil appears to have numerous posi-
body does a poor job converting
tive effects on the cardiovascular system. The American
the omega-3 found in plant sources to the EPA and DHA
Heart Association also recommends fish oil supplements
types of omega-3 found only in fish. In addition, most
to reduce triglycerides. An elevated level of triglycerides
studies that show benefits of omega-3 consumption are
is associated with an increased risk of a heart attack. In
34 Phoenix
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