Sabtu, 09 Agustus 2008

Oil Fish - Good for health

Fish has fed millions of people for thousands of years. Oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon and herring in particular, are good sources of the biologically active omega-3 fatty acids; Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that have been proven to benefit health in so many ways.

Studies have shown that people who eat oily fish or take fish oil supplements score 13 per cent higher in IQ test and are less likely to show early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the researcher found that the mental speed in the brains of fish oil users seemed to be faster and younger than the non-users.

Intervention studies using fish oil concentrates that provide EPA and DHA at intakes of up to 2 to 4g/day over a few weeks have also shown that these fatty acids can favourably attenuate various risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The effects include an anti-thrombotic effect, lipid lowering and improvements in membrane cell function. Omega-3 fatty acids accumulate in various sites including circulating blood platelets, the heart and serum phospholipids. The accumulation of EPA and DHA in platelets is associated with decreased platelets adhesiveness and aggregation and an overall reduction in thrombogenicity. Anti-atherogenic effects of omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown in animal studies.

Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that a combination of DHA and EPA supplementation ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 g/d (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces subsequent cardiac and all-cause mortality.

Anti-inflammatory effects in humans are further suggested by trials demonstrating benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disorders.

American Heart Association Dietary Guidelines recommend at least two servings of fish per week (particularly fatty fish). However, fish can also contain mercury, which can cause severe neurological damage to the foetus. Now it seems that mercury poses yet another risk, premature birth!

Technology used to concentrate and purify fish oil minimises impurities by removing heavy metals (for example, mercury and lead), environmental pollutants (for example, dioxins) and oxidative impurities to ensure highest quality products. It selectively concentrates EPA and DHA to provide a high potency source of biologically active omega-3 fatty acids.

Higher concentration using 330mg of EPA and 220mg DHA in the form of capsules has the benefit of convenience, a bonus for those who dislike eating fish.

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