October
2007
Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
(Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Eicosapentanoic Acid, Decosahxanoic Acid)
Prior to the 1970’s when the discovery and importance of the Omega-3 fatty acids became recognized, individuals or societies whose diet consisted mainly, or high in fish appeared to have a lower incidents to many chronic maladies that cropped up in other “inland” or “fish free” societies. The inclusion of fish, and benefits of fish oil, in our diets have been known to man, at least unscientifically and unproven, for hundreds of years. How often have we been urged to include fish at least weekly in our diets?
Unless a diet consists of fatty acid fish three to four times a week then chances are the average body is not getting the essential Omega-3 fatty acid that would be considered essential by modern standards. Nearly every aspect of our mental and physical health can be related to the intake of the Omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and fish oil. Though try as we may to ingest a balanced diet it is obvious that most of us by far lack the nutrients found in fish oil.
The Omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil is considered essential, not only during every stage of life, but even before birth also. Optimum health can be achieved when the Omega-3 fatty acid is obtained through proper diet or with the supplements such as fish oil. The Omega-3 fatty acid are found in every membrane in the body and help ensure that each cell membrane is physically equipped to do its job. Fish oil provides the Omega-3 fatty acid that promotes brain and vision development, and are used in the function or regulation of nearly all biological functions including the immune, reproductive, cardiovascular, and nervous system. Since thousands of studies, and clinical trials, have been generated by fish oil since the 1970’s the information and benefits continue to produce more and more positive findings.
Research into fish oil and the Omega-3s not only show the benefits during the development stages and maintaining optimum health, but also appears to show improvement, and the potential for more, across a broad range of chronic illnesses, both mental and physical. Some of the latest and most exciting research of fish oil is in the area of vision and the avoidance, delay, or reversal, of Age Related Macular Degeneration or (ARMD).
The best source of fish oil is, of course, fish and seafood. The highest concentrates of Omega-3 fatty acid reportedly come from Salmon, Mackerel, Striped Bass, some new hybrids of Trout, Halibut, Tuna, and Sardines. Many green leaf garden vegetables contain small amounts of Omega-3 fatty acid that fish oil offers along with legumes, soy beans, walnuts, and canola oil, but fall well below the suggested amount that the body requires. Alpha-Linolenic acid found in fish oil can be found exclusively in flaxseed oil (linseed) and in hemp seed oil but these reportedly lack Eicosapentanioic acid (ELA) and Decosahxanoic acid (DHA). Since Alpha-linolenic acid, Eicosapentanoic acid, and Decosahxanoic acid are all present in fish oil, and all beneficial, it is usually recommended in supplement form. Decosahxanoic acid (DHA) is available in its own form and over the counter, as is Alph-linolenic acid (ALA), but since it is usually less expensive, and possibly better due to synergism, it may be best if taken together in fish oil.
The reported mental benefits of fish oil have included depression, anxiety, and some sleep disorders. With some forms of depression, published results show patients receiving as much as 1 gram of Omega-3 fatty acid daily, have a decrease of symptoms after as little as twelve weeks. However, these are clinical trials under the supervised guidance of medical professionals and should not be attempted without professional medical advice or supervision. Because fish oil provides the Omega-3 fatty acid, and these acids have been suggested to improve cell membrane performance, it is suggested that improved communication between brain cells is in part responsible for the reduction or improvement in some forms of depression, sleep disorders, and anxieties. It is thought that Decosahxanoic acid is primarily responsible due to its function as, and ability to, increase the fluidity of cell membranes, and since it is found in larger concentrations in the brain. Much like improved the improved circulation in the body that fish oil provides, it is said to perform likewise in the brain.
The amazing nutrients found in fish oil hold claims to be beneficial in preventing or counter acting a myriad of physical medical conditions. The most well known is said to be fish oils capability for improving circulation thus reducing the effects of heart disease including heart arrhythmia. Fish oil’s Omega -3 fatty acid lay claim to reducing the clotting abilities of platelets which in turn decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The Decosahxanoic acid (DHA) in fish oil is found heavily in sperm and may support healthy reproduction organ functions. Lupus sufferers have reported relief since fish oil has some anti-inflammatory properties, and a percentage of arthritis inflicted patients claim improvement through what appears to be increased circulation, and again, possibly some anti-inflammatory properties.
The newest and most exciting research concerning fish oil has focused around the incidence of Age Related Macular Degeneration, or ARMD. Age Related Macular Degeneration affects over 12 million Americans with the most sever vision loss suffered by individuals over fifty. There is no known cure for degeneration where the central vision is lost yet the peripheral and color identity almost always remains intact. There appears to be a link in fish oil, or a high fish diet, for avoidance, delay, and possibly reversal in this disease. A recently published report out of Australia indicates a reduction in the incidence of Age Related Macular Degeneration for those who consume a high fish, thus fish oil, diet.
Apparently, Decosahxanoic acid, found in fish oil, is concentrated heavily in the rods and cones of the retina much like the brain. Without fish oil, or flaxseed oil, to provide Decosahxanoic acid the photoreceptor activity drops, reducing visual acuity. These rods and cones appear to be cellular that compose the retina, they gather light and visual information. This light and visual information is transmitted through a nerve bundle called the optic track or nerve into an area in the rear of the brain known as the visual cortex. Apparently both the cellular makeup of the rods and cones, and the visual cortex prefer a diet high rich in fish oil for its Decosahxanoic acid (DHA).
The macula is an area in the center of the retina used for reading, driving, watching TV, or even recognizing individuals. In essence it is used for the center of our vision and fine focusing of the eye. With age, the levels of Decosahxanoic acid in the brain decline, and so it is thought that the same levels drop in the eye, and as the photoreceptor activity drops, the onset of macular degeneration begins. This is the diagnosis, or shortage, that researchers are trying eliminate, delay, or counteract with fish oil. Often, those individuals with chronic high cholesterol appear to be at higher risk for Age Related Macular Degeneration, they too may benefit from an increase diet of fish oil. Smokers ingest higher levels of what?s termed “heavy metals” from additives in cigarettes that appear to collect in the capillaries of the eyes. They may also benefit from the anti-oxidant properties found in fish oil.
Though many questions remain unanswered, and the exact influence fish oil or Decosahxanoic acid has towards Age Related Macular Degeneration is still not completely understood, the recent report mentioned earlier found some interesting results concerning fish oil. Approximately three thousand six hundred individuals above the age of 49 completed a very detailed food questionnaire and had the eyes photographed. A decreased incidence of Age Related Macular Degeneration was found in those with a diet higher in fish oil. Other clinical claims include improved focus, color perception, and vision clarity by those with a daily intake of fish oil.
Beside a diet adequate in fruits and vegetables, and fish oil, other supplements reported to promote good eye health is Beta-Carotene and Lycopene.