Omega 3 fatty acids and the heart

There are a number of different omega  supplement available on the market that help reduce cholesterol and promote overall health.

The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, through a 2014 paper on dietary fats, says that adults should receive 20 to 25% energy from dietary fats, avoiding saturated fats & maintaining a balance between Essential Fatty Acids{EFA} & Non Essential Fatty Acids{NEFA} either through diet or by supplementation.

The two EFA’s that body cannot produce are OMEGA-3 & OMEGA-6 Fatty Acids.

OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids

These consist mainly of Docosa Hexanoic Acid {DHA} & Alpha Linolenic acid (ALA), which finally transform into Arachidonic Acid for action. Both are Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids(PUFA). Flaxseed oil is a rich source of OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids.

ACTIONS:

1. They are integral part of CNS & Visual System.
2. They reduce levels of blood Triglycerrhides to reduce risk of heart attack.
3. They have Anti-Oxidant & Membrane Stabilizing Properties.
4. They improve Neuro-Genesis & Synapto-Genesis.
5. They increase Brain Serotonin Levels to rectify Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) & Alzheimer’s disease.

OMEGA-6 Fatty Acids

These are poly unsaturated Fatty Acids, of which Linoleic Acid is the main constituent, Wheat Germ Oil, Grape Seeds, Sunflower Oil, are all rich source of OMEGA-6 Fatty Acids.

ACTIONS:

1. Bolster Immune System
2. Improve Brain & Behavioral functions.
3. Stimulate Skin & Hair Growth.
4. Maintain Reproductive Health.
5. Regulate Metabolism.

OMEGA-9 Fatty Acids

 
These are Mono-Unsaturated Fatty Acids, mainly Oleic Acid & Stearic Acid. Our body can produce these, when there is enough of OMEGA-3 & OMEGA-6 Fatty Acids in the body, particularly in ratio of 4.5:1. Sunflower Oil/Flaxseed Oil & wheat germ oil are rich sources.

ACTIONS:

1. Increase HDL, while Lowering LDL.
2. Eliminate Plaque Formation, prevent Atherosclerosis & prevent Strokes.
3. Increase Metabolism.
4. Improve Mood & Immune functions.

WHEAT GERM OIL {VITAMIN E}

1. Antioxidant properties
2. Strengthens capillary walls
3. Speeds up cell regeneration
4. Creates an Anti- Ageing effect

OVERALL BENEFITS OF OMEGA3, 6, 9 FATTY ACIDS + VITAMIN E

• Prevent Coronary Disease
• Prevent Strokes
• Prevent Diabetes
• Promote Healthy Nerve Activity
• Improve Vitamin Absorption
• Maintain Healthy Immune System
• Promote cell Development, Prevent cell death{Apoptosis}

If you are looking for a good source of omega 3, 6 and 9 without having to resort to fish oil supplements, then check out Biovit Omega 369. It is completely vegetarian and ayurvedic, and available online at HeartSense Health.


 

What is diabetes? Simple steps to manage your diabetes.

 

A simple way to manage your blood sugar levels is to use your smart phone. These days, smartphone devices such as the Aina mobile glucose monitor has changed the way diabetes patients manage their glucose levels.

Is sugar destroying your health? The truth about sugary foods

When it comes to our health, we all want to live long and fruitful lives. While we may start out on a healthy diet, many a time we veer off track and indulge in our sweet tooth (sometimes more often than we should).

In an article published in the Telegraph (UK), obesity is a rising epidemic and is primarily due to the ingestion of sugary foods and drinks. It is a well known fact that eating out on a regular basis and consuming sugary drinks can make you put on weight and place you at a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

But who is to blame? Are we the Indian public not too bothered, and would rather live by the principle 'one life, live it'? Or are we just ignorant of this fact that sugar is bad for health?

A large proportion of the Indian population is obese, which is one reason why we suffer more from coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, along with arthritis and high cholesterol levels. In an article published on HeartSense, a literature review has demonstrated individuals with a normal BMI had a lesser chance of developing high blood pressure as opposed to those with a high BMI.

But not all sugars are created equal. Simple sugars such as the ones present in rice and in sweets raise the blood sugar quickly, and do not provide the body with sustained energy. Many a time, these sugars get converted to body fat, and can increase body weight.

On the other hand, complex sugars that have a low GI index are better. They release sugars slowly into the blood stream, providing the body with sustained energy to perform day to day activities efficiently. 

Keep an eye on your sugars with the Aina blood glucose monitoring device, available online.