Posts Tagged ‘fatty acids’

What are health benefits of salmon?

Salmon is a species of fish which is found both in fresh water (rivers) and saline water(seas).
- These fishes are found in the type of water according the stages of its development.
- The scientific name of the salmon family is Oncorhynchus.
- Cherry Salmon, Pink Salmon are some of the types of salmon fishes. Salmon has earned its research reputation as a health-supportive food based largely on its unusual omega-3 fatty acid content.
- It’s very common for 4 ounces of baked or broiled salmon to contain at least 2 grams of omega-3 fats.
- About half of this omega-3 fat is provided in the form of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and a slightly lower amount is provided in the form of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
- The amounts of EPA and DHA contained in salmon are unusual
- An intake of omega-3-containing fish like salmon is essential.
- This fish is a good source of easy digestible proteins (amino acids), fatty acids like Omega-3 Fatty acids in form of Triglyceride, vitamins like vitamin-D, vitamin-A and some members of vitamin-B family, minerals like Selenium, Zinc, Phosphorus, selenium, Calcium and Iron.

The health benefits of salmon include:
- proper cardio vascular health
- muscle and tissue development
- eye care
- effective body metabolism
- cardiovascular benefits
- improved mood and cognition
- joint protection
- eye benefits
- decreased cancer risk
- reduces the risk of leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
- benefits Related to Protein and Amino Acid Content
- benefits Related to Vitamin D
- benefits Related to Selenium

It helps in good growth of:
- Muscles
- Tissues
- Enzymes
- Hormones

Vital points regarding health benefits of salmon:
- The proteins from salmon (and most other fishes) are easy digestible.
- They are easily absorbed into the body.
- They have no adverse side effects nor contain carcinogenic compounds.
- Selenium, which is very necessary for building up of tissues, hair, nails etc.
- The Omega-3 Fatty Acids maintain flexibility of arteries and veins.
- It also strengthens cardiac muscles.
- The essential amino acids repair damages to the cardio-vascular tissues.
- They help reduce the blood pressure.
- They lower cholesterol level.
- They prevent hardening of walls of arteries and veins.
- They reduce the chances of heart attack.
- The Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin-D and selenium, together help increase influence of insulin.
- This facilitates absorption of sugar and consequent lowering of blood sugar level.
- The Omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids help prevent macular degeneration, dryness, loss of vision and fatigue of eyes.
- The Omega-3 fatty acids increase efficiency of the brain.
- It improves memory and keeps it wide awake during long working hours.
- This protects nervous system from damages from aging.
- It acts as an anti depressant.
- It relaxes the brain and are also helpful in treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation of the arteries and digestive system.
- It reduces chances of cancer of colon,prostrate and kidneys.
- It improves the skin texture, add shining to eyes, skin, hair and nails.

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What is flaxseed oil, benefits, components and uses ?

Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant. It is similar to a grain but has more nutrient value. It contains:
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which reduces heart disease among other health conditions.
- essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body converts into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
- It contains alpha-linolenic acid.
- Flaxseed oil also contains chemicals called lignans, which are believed to have antioxidant properties.

Components of Flaxseed Oil

- FIBER: Fiber keeps the digestive tract clean and regular and lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, which is important in preventing heart disease.
- LIGNANS: These plant compounds found in the hull act as as weak form of estrogen (phytoestrogen) and appear to protect the body from hormonal cancers – including breast cancer.
- Proteins : The protein in flaxseed oil is easily digested and contains a complete amino-acid profile that the body needs.
- Essential Fatty Acids : Omega-3 fatty acids, usually from fish oil, have been shown to reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis.

Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

- Lowering cholesterol levels.
- Improving the immune system.
- Lubricates and absorbs toxins.
- Prevents the toxic that builds in bowels.
- Soothes ulcers.
- Acts as a buffer for excess stomach acids.
- Protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure.
- Controls counter inflammation associated with lupus and gout.
- Flaxseed Puts the Brakes on Prostate Cancer Growth.
- Eases weight loss in people afflicted with obesity.
- Treating Dandruff.
- Strengthens finger and toenails.
- Can improve eyesight and perception of colors.
- Curing asthma and diabetes.

Uses of Flaxseed Oil (sprinkled or added in small quantity)

- Salads
- Protein shakes
- Yogurt, Breakfast cereal
- Cookie Dough
- Pancakes, Muffins, Waffles
- Lotions

Side-Effects of Flaxseed Oil

- Anyone that has an allergy to Linaceae plant should avoid flaxseed oil.
- Bloating or increased flatulence is experienced. Start with a small amount and then increase gradually. Increase your water intake also.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Importance, Benefits, Uses and Side Effects.

Fatty acids are organic compounds composed of carbon chains of varying lengths, with an acid group on one end and hydrogen bound to all the carbons of the chain. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are those that are necessary for health, but cannot be synthesized by the body.
The typical American diet tends to contain 14 – 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, has a healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids actually reduce inflammation and Omegas 6s increase inflammation, it’s important to have a balanced diet to offset Omega 6 inflammatory affects.
Imbalance between the intakes of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids causes inflammation if the intake of Omega-6 is more than Omega-3.
This dietary imbalance may lead to the rise of diseases as :
- asthma
- coronary heart disease
- many forms of cancer
- autoimmunity and neurodegenerative diseases, all of which are believed to stem from inflammation in the body.
- obesity
- depression
- dyslexia
- hyperactivity and even a tendency toward violence.
Cut down on omega-6 levels by reducing consumption of processed and fast foods and polyunsaturated vegetable oils. At home, use extra virgin olive oil for cooking and in salad dressings.

Dietary Sources:
Sources of omega-6 fatty acids are numerous in modern diets.
- Olive Oil
- Wheatgerm
- Grapeseeds
- Pistachios
- Sesame Oil
- Hempseed Oil
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Chia Seed Oil
- Safflower Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Cottonseed Oil
- Raw Nuts & Seeds

Uses and Benefits of Omega-6 Fatty acids

- Taking gamma linolenic acid (GLA) for 6 months or more may reduce symptoms of nerve pain in people with diabetic neuropathy.
- Some studies have shown that taking primrose oil helps reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Children with Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have lower levels of EFAs, both omega-6s and omega-3s. EFAs are important to normal brain and behavioral function.
- GLA may help reduce high blood pressure, either alone or in combination with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Evening primrose oil may reduce breast pain and tenderness in people with cyclic mastalgia.