Fish Can Affect My Health?

There's an increasing amount of focus these days on omega 3 and omega 6 oils. In fact omega 3 and omega 6 oils are instrumental in benefiting a number of health issues including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, heart disease, immune system weakness, mental disorders, attention deficit, and skin problems. Over 2,000 scientific studies have confirmed numerous health problems associated with Omega-3 deficiencies. Because our bodies cannot produce polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) we must consciously add these to our diets.

There is, however, important information about these oils that is not commonly addressed. As more and more attention is being placed on EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) and their diverse health benefits, it becomes increasingly crucial that you are aware of that in-depth information.

Omega 3 works best when taken in combination with omega 6. However, care must be taken to consume a correct ratio of both. In fact, a severe imbalance can leave you prone to chronic diseases. It is estimated that 60% of North Americans consume much more Omega 6 than is required and 95% of North Americans are lacking in the consumption of Omega 3. Although omega 6 is necessary, too much of it has a negative effect on the efficiency of Omega 3, and can actually be harmful.

Because of the changing diets of North Americans and because a significant amount of the fish we eat are now being farmed as opposed to being born in their natural environment, the amount of omega 3 produced in the "fresh" fish we eat is substantially decreased. There is a special ingredient in nature that man simply cannot duplicate. Consequently, our diets contain far less omega-3s and far more of omega-6s. Although the Government of Canada recently recommended individuals between the ages of 25-49 should take 1.5 grams of Omega 3 fatty acids daily, the average person actually consumes less tha
20% of this required daily dosage. Remembering that balance is important, you should be considering a ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 of no less tha
4:1 (4 times the amount of omega 6 to that of omega 3) and no more tha
10:1 (10 times the amount of omega 6 to that of omega 3). According to Nutrition, Health & Heart Disease, about 2 teaspoons of flaxseed, linseed or fish oil, or 2 tablespoons canola or soy oil is a recommended amount of omega 3. The NIH (National Institute of Health) and the NHLBI (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) have seen numerous studies involving doses ranging from 3 grams to 15 grams of omega 3 per day and acknowledge the health benefits of incorporating this essential fatty acid into a daily diet.

If you decide to enhance your diet with omega 3 through supplementation, I encourage you to choose flaxseed or linseed oil. These are both very high in omega 3. Fresh fish oil is also a good choice, but it could be much higher in calories depending on the type of fish. nnn