Articles posted on April 2009 (2)
Omega 3 Fish Oils - How do you really select the best?
If you are interested in preserving your health naturally, then I am sure that I don’t have to tell you about the importance of ensuring that omega-3 fish oils are part of your supplement regime.
The benefits of essential fatty acids found in fish oil have been extensively promoted by not only companies in the industry but also the government and interested organizations such as the heart foundation, as well as many others.
Usually when the benefits of fish oils are discussed they are generally focused around two components in omega-3, namely DHA (Docosapentaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). Up until recently most the research was focused on EPA, probably because it was easier to concentrate in fish oils as well as being cheaper.
However, over recent years more research has revolved around DHA and it is now generally accepted that this is the most valuable component of omega-3. It is the essential fatty acid that is found in the brain and there is no disagreement that it is the most important nutrient that an unborn child can have in assisting with their brain development.
An additional benefit of DHA is that it is possible for the body to change it to EPA - IF the body needs it. It just simply has to drop-off part of its molecule; in this case, two double carbon bonds. DHA has 22 double carbon bonds whereas EPA only has 20 double carbon bonds.
Air Pollution causing Heart Disease??
According to a recent article in the Daily Mirror a research study has found that air pollution is a contributor to heart disease. The researchers considered 250 cities around the world and found that an increase in air pollution led to an increase in heart attacks.
I don’t know how they measured this or over what period of time the study took place, or indeed if the data is reliable…but, their assertion seems to be supported by an experience in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
When the local steel mill shut down there was a six percent drop in death rates, and then after the mill re-opened it dropped again.