Omega 3 and its importance within the diet

Everybody knows that Omega 3 fats are important to keep healthy, due to its increasing media coverage in the recent months. But exactly how does it help? And what does it help in particular? We need to first understand what Omega 3 actually is. It is an oil found in cold water fish such as mackerel and salmon. This oil contains two essential fatty acids called EPA and DHA. These two acids are extremely important for the body to stay healthy, but it cannot be produced by the body it has to be obtained through diet.

Unfortunately modern day diets often don’t mean we obtain enough of Omega 3, and therefore many of us can become deficient in this oil. People such as the Eskimos of Greenland had a diet high in Omega 3 fats due to their diet of fish and seal. This effectively showed Omega 3’s effect as the Eskimos suffered far less from cardiovascular diseases compared to the rest of the world.

Unlike most fats which are bad for your health, scientists are now stating that Omega 3 which is a ‘good’ fat is actually needed for good health! Omega 3 is beneficial to almost every part of your body. Its two acids EPA and DHA are the two ingredients which help to keep the body healthy. They are both polyunsaturated fats which contain double bonds, which play an important role in the body’s functions.

So what parts of the body does Omega 3 actually help with, and how?

The Brain

Omega 3 fatty acids have been known to improve brain power, and more recently improve brain power in children. It is believed that the Omega 3 fatty acids make it easier for signals sent from the cells in the brain to pass over to one anther more easily. When these signals are passed over more easily then they are more likely to work efficiently and to their full potential, which then increases brainpower.

Not only can Omega 3 help to increase brain power, but it can also help with treating depression and bipolar disorder. As the brain has many different fatty acids in it, Omega 3 is thought to help maintain some of the acids it needs to stay alert.


The Heart

Omega 3 has long been promoted for its properties to help the cardiovascular system especially the heart. Omega 3 possesses the ability to lower the triglyceride levels in the blood which have been known to cause blockages and stickiness in the blood causing heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks.

The blood flow can be restored to normal which allows essential nutrients that the heart needs to flow freely in to the heart. Omega 3 can help both people with healthy heart to keep staying healthy, and people who are at risk from cardiovascular diseases.


The Lungs

Omega 3 has shown in some clinical trials to also be effective at helping some conditions of the lungs. Results from various trials have suggested that Omega 3 can help to ease Asthma and some allergy symptoms. It has shown to have some anti-inflammatory properties which are mainly the cause of symptoms in Asthma and other allergies.


The Skin

Omega 3 fatty acids can also be beneficial for the skin. These fatty acids don’t only act as a waterproofing layer for the skin working from the inside out, but they can also help to hydrate the skin and to help ease the skin symptoms which are caused by allergies.

Some studies have suggested that Omega 3 could make the skin look more hydrated and less dull and lifeless. There have also been some trials which have suggested that Omega 3 fatty acids can be useful in helping to treat acne in some people.


Fertility

Omega 3 fatty acids have also been linked to healthy pregnancies and babies. This is because in trials with pregnant women taking Omega 3 supplements showed that they carried their babies for longer and also had a reduced risk of problems such as any physical and neurological problems, which are linked to premature births. Fish oil is also very important for a child’s brain development, and when taken through pregnancy can give a baby the best start in life.

Fish oils also have the ability to reduce the risk of two pregnancy conditions called, pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes. The EPA and DHA found in Omega 3 can help to keep insulin levels, and ‘bad’ eicosanoids levels correct which cause these two conditions.


The Joints

Omega 3 is probably most noted for its cardiovascular effects and joint effects. Omega 3 has been researched in many clinical trials which have mostly concentrated on its effects in helping to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but it can help other joint problems such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. It helps to improve joint flexibility by lubricating the joints.

The fatty acids in Omega 3 have shown to possess anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help many common joint problems as most of them tend to cause the joints to inflame and become sore. They also help to reduce the enzymes that destroy healthy cartilage in the joints. Omega 3 has also shown to increase calcium levels in the body helping calcium to be absorbed more effectively. This increased absorption of calcium can help to keep the bones strong and healthy.


Circulation

Omega 3’s ability to help relieve the ‘stickiness’ that can be found in the blood, which not only causes cardiovascular problems but also stops the blood from flowing freely around the body, is one of its most researched properties. It can therefore help circulation problems, allowing the blood to flow to the extremities where it can be blocked from sometimes due to the ‘stickiness’.

Omega 3 not only helps circulation problems but also can help people with no circulation conditions to help keep their circulation healthy and flowing properly।

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Relieve those aches and pains during the colder months with a Rosehip extract

A natural herbal supplement of Rosehip has recently been found to significantly alleviate aches and pains, whether they are seasonal or a result of a strain, minor injury or even arthritis.

Aches and pains are a common ailment and often the reduction in mobility associated with such joint stiffness is topically treated with conventional pain killers. However, whilst over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief, they do not contain any properties which may help to reduce and prevent pain through the repair and maintenance of tendons, muscles and cartilage which are often the root of the problem.

Glucosamine is one of the most widely used natural supplements due to its impressively positive results in preventing and treating joint pain, swelling and immobility. As well as repairing worn cartilage, Glucosamine is renowned for its producing capabilities and for this reason provides outstanding support in rebuilding worn muscles, tendons and cartilage whilst promoting healthy joint function.

Nonetheless, whilst Rosehip has been traditionally known for its high content of Vitamin C and therefore its effectiveness in preventing and treating colds and asthma, recent research has revealed positive results for the anti-inflammatory properties within Rosehip extracts.

The Danish study has suggested that a natural rosehip supplement can noticeably alleviate the joint pains that are typical of Arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of rosehip found male and female arthritic hip, knee and hand patients experiencing an 82% reduction in pain after just 3 weeks of taking a rosehip supplement. The study also concluded that individuals who suffer from arthritis need less than half as many traditional painkillers, such as ibuprofen, when taking a natural rosehip supplement.

The results of this new study emphasise the effectiveness of natural dietary supplements and the key role that they can potentially play in the prevention and treatment of aches and pains, which are all too often exacerbated by the colder weather that we experience during the winter months.

So, if you suffer from the constant discomfort of aching joints and the pain caused by muscle tension then perhaps you should try a dietary supplement to naturally alleviate the pain and help to maintain healthy muscles and joints. Super strength Rosehip 2000mg (Buy One Get One Free, 120 tablets for the price of 60, £9.99) and Glucosamine Sulphate 1000mg (Buy One Get One Free, 120 tablets for the price of 60, £3.99) are both available from www.simplysupplements.co.uk to help repair damaged tissues and ease the pain.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where the glucose in the blood is too high because the body can not use it properly or break it down properly. Glucose is usually obtained through foods such as rice and bread, and sweet foods when they are digested, as well as from the liver which produces glucose.

Insulin is a vital hormone essential for life. It is produced by the pancreas, which helps the glucose to absorb into the cell walls to use it for energy. When someone is diabetic their pancreas is either unable to make any insulin itself, or is only able to make very little insulin itself.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

There are a few main symptoms which are caused from untreated diabetes; needing the loo more often especially throughout the night, an increase in thirst, weight loss, tiredness, blurred vision, regular episodes of thrush and genital itching.

Type 1 diabetes symptoms are usually quick to appear and very noticeable, where as type 2 diabetes symptoms are usually slow to appear and can go unnoticed for a long period of time, and are less severe.

What are the different types of diabetes?

There are two different types of diabetes, but the main aim for both types is to try and make the blood sugar, cholesterol, and pressure levels balanced. When these are balanced it means there is a reduced risk of developing certain diseases and conditions such as heart disease.

Type 1
Type 1 diabetes usually appears before the age of 40 (especially in childhood diabetes) and is when the body can not make any of its own insulin. It has to be treated by insulin injections, as well as diet and regular exercise.

Type 2
Type 2 is when the body can produce a small amount of insulin but not enough to help break the glucose down properly. This type of diabetes is usually common in people who are overweight, and people usually older then 40. In this type of diabetes tablets and insulin may be needed, but most of the time it can be controlled by diet and exercise, as well as weight loss in people who are overweight.

Who is likely to get diabetes?

Diabetes is quite a common condition and in the UK alone more then two million people suffer from it. There is also an estimated one million people who suffer from diabetes in the UK who are not aware of it. Out of the known sufferers of diabetes around three quarters of them have type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is usually more common in younger people, and is when the cells which produce insulin for an unknown reason are destroyed. This could be due to a viral infection triggering it off.

Type 2 diabetes is often common in elderly people and overweight, especially obese people, although it has been known to appear in children as young as seven. It is also more common in people who have a family history of diabetes, women who have given birth to large babies, and people of an Asian or African- Caribbean origin.

How do you treat diabetes?

There is no cure for diabetes but its symptoms can be relieved very quickly by treatment. Type 1 diabetes is treated with regular injections of insulin which replace the insulin which can’t be produced by the body. Keeping a healthy diet, and doing regular exercise can also help to control symptoms, but doing that alone will not treat type 1 diabetes, insulin is required always.

Type 2 diabetes can be treated by just changing the diet and lifestyle of the person. Eating healthier and taking regular exercise can control this type of diabetes alone, but sometimes insulin injections or tablets are needed to help control the glucose levels.

How can you prevent diabetes?

There is no way to completely prevent diabetes if, one it runs in your family, and two when you get older. It is impossible to change your genes and your age, but it is possible to do everything you can to reduce the risk of diabetes.

There are some things you can do to help prevent the onset of diabetes. Keeping your weight to its ideal, eating healthily and taking regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately type 1 diabetes can not be prevented by changing your lifestyle but can be easily treated.

Although not completely preventable diabetes can be helped by a healthy lifestyle, and by doing this you are reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Are there any foods I should avoid?

There are many myths surrounding what foods diabetics can eat. It is not true that diabetics have to cut out all foods containing sugar such as chocolate bars, and cakes. Diabetics can eat everything that everyone else can eat. As long as they keep the sweet foods as part of a healthy diet, they are more then able to consume the same amount as anyone else.

There are no particular foods that diabetics need to avoid, as long as they are all part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Can supplements such as vitamins and minerals help to control diabetes?

There are some minerals and vitamins that are involved in the process of blood sugar metabolism and play a role in the way insulin works. The most commonly known are chromium which is known to break down the sugars, helping the glucose tolerance level within the blood. This is sold as a supplement by most supplement companies, and could help to control diabetes, although anyone diabetic should consult their doctor first before taking this supplement.

Other vitamins and minerals known to help are vitamin C. This vitamin is known to help to decrease a sugar like substance called sorbitol which tends to accumulate in the cells of diabetics. Again with any supplement diabetics should consult their doctor first before taking vitamin C as a supplement.

What kind of research has been done on diabetes?

There have been many clinical studies conducted on diabetes for various different reasons, to look for cures and to look for risks too.

One particular Canadian recent study has looked at diabetes and how it increases the risk of diseases such as heart disease. This trial showed shocking results that in general people who have diabetes are at risk from heart disease, strokes, and death from similar conditions, as that of someone who is 15 years older then them, without diabetes.

This is a huge leap in risk factor for diabetics, and could essentially mean that their lifespan could be shorter. The study did show that age was an important factor in the level of risk in developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Just like people who don’t have diabetes, age is a major factor in the development of cardiovascular problems for people with diabetes. For example a 70 year old with diabetes is at higher risk then a person who is 40 with diabetes too. This would be the same for people who don’t suffer from diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association around 65% of people who have diabetes end up dying from heart disease, strokes and other cardiovascular problems. This has lead to the use of aggressive treatment in therapy for diabetes, to lower the risk of developing these diseases. There have been trials with people who have diabetes, trying up to 10 drugs a day. This aggressive treatment may bring out results that can help to reduce the high risk factors of developing cardiovascular conditions.

Many other trials have been and are being conducted on trying to find a cure for diabetes. Diabetes UK is currently funding groundbreaking research in this field in Canada by British researchers. They are implanting cells that are responsible for producing insulin into people with type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when a person’s body is unable to produce insulin itself as the cells that produce it are damaged. The trials which have been ongoing since 1977 will hopefully have a safe and positive result, which can help people with diabetes in the future.

The Diabetes Research Laboratories (DRL) in the UK has been conducting various trials on diabetes to find out various things. A main study on diabetes and genetics has discovered that even if two people with the exact same diabetes, i.e. same blood glucose level, age of diagnosis, gender, age, etc, can have different susceptibility to developing complications. This has suggested that it is a particular genetic cause which could be causing this risk of complications.
People who had the exact same levels, age, etc with diabetes were studied, where one had complications and others didn’t. Their genes were studied and they showed that genes could be the reason why one had complications with their diabetes and the others didn’t.

There have also been many more clinical trials and scientific research conducted on diabetes. Although much research has been done unfortunately there is still no cure for this disease, and it still remains a serious disease which can cause death and many health complications.

Could I have diabetes?

Diabetes could technically occur in anyone at any time, but it is mostly present in older people, overweight people, and then in younger people who aren’t capable of producing insulin their self, which usually appears at some point through childhood.

If you have diabetes in your immediate family members (mother, father, or siblings) then you are more at risk of developing it then someone who doesn’t have it in their family. This does not mean you will develop it though, if someone in your family does have it then it does not guarantee you will develop it.

If you have suffered from side effects such as tiredness, increased thirst, weight loss, needing the loo more often, blurred vision, and regular thrush infections, you should consult your doctor as you may have diabetes. Even with these symptoms it does not mean you do have diabetes they can be symptoms of other problems too.

The best way to find out if you have diabetes or not is to visit your doctor, or go and have a free diabetes test which is now available at most pharmacies.

Jahir Ahmed
http://www.simplysupplements.co.uk