Omega 3 - Interesting Experiments And Research On The Amazing Benefits Of Omega 3! Instructions For Use

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Interesting experiments and research on the amazing benefits of omega 3

Recently, one of the most discussed issues in medicine is the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for the human body. There are several types of omega fatty acids - omega-9, omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated lipids. There are clear differences between them, both in terms of chemical structure and in relation to the effect on the human body. The most important thing to remember is the natural balance. Therefore, it is important to know that all types of the listed fatty acids must be in a state of constant equilibrium. We must not allow the lack of some with a simultaneous excess of others.

But, unfortunately, the nutrition of a modern person is arranged in such a way that the body constantly receives less omega-3, but omega-6 and omega-9 acids are supplied in excess. This often underlies atherosclerosis, vascular and heart diseases, as well as disorders of cerebral circulation.

Scientists have found that it is the excess of omega-6 that leads to sluggish inflammatory processes in the walls of blood vessels, joints, heart and brain. These processes underlie various disorders such as headaches, heart attacks, menstrual and endocrine disorders, and the growth of malignant neoplasms.

Omega-3 lipids have the opposite effect. They are able to eliminate all the negative effects of harmful fatty acids and neutralize their oxidation products in the human body (free radicals). As a result - improvement of heart rate, normalization of blood viscosity and blood pressure, restoration of the normal functioning of the endocrine system and the brain, improvement of the state of blood vessels and blood supply to all organs. All this indicates the need to enrich food with these compounds, since they are not produced by the body and must come from the environment.

Content:

• The huge benefits of omega-3 fats

  • Interesting experiments
  • Optimal ratio of fatty acids
  • Recommendations
• Who gives birth to smart children?
• Instructions for the use of omega-3
• What foods contain omega-3s?
• Harm and contraindications to the use of omega-3

The Huge Benefits of Omega 3 Fats

The molecular composition of the brain is more than half represented by lipids and their compounds with proteins (lipoproteins). This is much higher than in the structure of any organ. Modern trends in medicine and the views of society as a whole are aimed at reducing the fat content in the diet, although this is not entirely correct. Indeed, by disrupting lipid metabolism, it is possible to provoke the development of abnormalities in the work of the brain. Therefore, it is so important not to reduce the amount of consumed fats, but to properly balance them.

Experimental studies on animals have found that a deficiency of essential fatty acids, in particular omega-3, during pregnancy leads to irreversible impairment of intelligence and the ability to logical thinking. This substance is extremely important in the functioning of the retina, synaptic transmission and the brain's resistance to stress.

A lack of essential fatty acids in the body can cause more than just brain disorders. In this condition, degenerative changes develop in almost all organs and tissues: heart, liver, kidneys, bones and muscles, which subsequently manifests itself as heart attack, stroke, hypertension, degenerative processes in the spine and joints.

Interesting experiments

Experimental studies organized by professor at one of the Australian universities of Sydney Leonard Storlien have shown that food enriched with omega-3 type lipids helps to normalize metabolism, preventing obesity and diabetes.

Other studies conducted in Denmark under the direction of Drs. Jorn Duerberg and Hans Olaf Bang examined the nutrition of the Eskimos living in Greenland. Their diet usually consists of fish, seal meat and whale oil. The researchers concluded that, despite the high saturated fat content of these foods, none of the subjects in the study group had diabetes.

According to nutritional biochemist William Lands, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health and a world-class expert on essential lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are in constant competition for desaturase. This active substance is included in the structure of all cell membranes, maintaining their normal structure. It has a greater affinity for omega-3s. But due to the excess of lipid compounds such as omega-6, it is they to a greater extent that combine with this enzyme, which leads to their accumulation in the body. This means that in conditions of a deficiency of omega-3 lipids in the food consumed, the human body cannot provide its tissues with these essential fatty acids. Since nature abhors a void, omega-6 compounds take their place.

All these data indicate only one thing: the food should contain a sufficient amount of fatty acids from the omega-3 category. This will not only provide the body with vital components, but also protect it from the harmful effects of competitors of these compounds. In the case of a prolonged lack of them, the body slows down and distorts metabolic processes so much that it becomes very difficult to restore them.

How to achieve the optimal balance and harmony of essential fatty acids?

First of all, it should be said that this takes a long time. Most guidelines give a normal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of three or two to one. The typical diet of the average inhabitant of the Earth is 10: 1, and that is the best case. It turns out that the consumption of saturated fatty acids is ten times the norm. This can cause increased blood viscosity and blood coagulation, which becomes a trigger for the formation of blood clots. It is this process that underlies the launch of a heart attack and ischemic stroke, progression of hypertension, immune imbalance in the body, uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells and the emergence of tumors.

Scientists from the United States National Academy of Sciences 'National Academy of Sciences' health departments recommend a ratio of 10: 1 fatty acids. This is significantly more than the recommended rates in Sweden (5: 1) or Japan (4: 1). Perhaps, it is due to such an indicator that a relatively low level of heart and vascular diseases is recorded in these countries, as well as great progress has been made in the treatment of oncological pathology.

There are many foods rich in omega-3 acids. With their help, you can saturate the body with these important compounds. These include greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, purslane, arugula, and many medicinal plants. But it was found that not all greens have exactly the active forms of omega-3, but only the one in which they are converted into molecular units of DHA and EPA.

One of the experts in the study of fatty acids and lipid metabolism, Dr. Ralph Holman, examined the blood of several dozen residents of the Nigerian city of Enugu. Before the study, they ate large amounts of greens with a complete rejection of vegetable oils and a minimum amount of fish. It was found that the concentration of omega-3 lipid spectrum in them is much higher than in the rest of the inhabitants, who made up the control group.

Recommendations

Natural donors of omega-3 fatty acids can be sprouted flaxseeds, as well as chia and oil based on them. Flaxseed oil is generally the only source of lipids that is recommended and approved for use in cancer patients at the Gerson Institute of California.

The founder of this institute, Charlotte Gerson, published the results of the studies organized by them, according to which flaxseed oil is not only the only donor of beneficial lipids, but also slows down the growth of tumor cells.

Foods rich in omega-3s are highly unstable in the environment. Therefore, it is worth storing linseed oil in a refrigerated place. Even room temperature can cause it to go rancid and unusable. And such products are capable of causing irreparable harm to the body due to transformation into free radicals.

To combat lipid peroxidation products, food containing antioxidants must be included in the diet: fresh berries, fruits and vegetables (blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, plums, raspberries, grapes, cabbage, beets, bell peppers). Due to the fact that products containing omega-3 lipids quickly deteriorate, their production, transportation and storage are difficult. This is reflected in their price and availability for a wide range of the population. But it is much cheaper and more economical to pay for quality food than to deal with the consequences of malnutrition later.

It is impossible to correct food only by increasing the omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. The greatest importance belongs to the normalization of the lipid composition of food by reducing the consumption of omega-6 lipids. American scientist Artemis Simopoulos put it this way:

"Despite all the benefits of marine fish, even eating large amounts of it in combination with herbs will not eliminate the problems that can be caused by vegetable oils."

Therefore, it is worth removing corn, sunflower, sesame and peanut oils from the diet as much as possible. It is advisable to limit the consumption of seeds and nuts. There are specially designed tables showing foods rich in omega-3 acids. The leading place in them belongs to various varieties of fish and greens.

Who gives birth to smart children?

According to the findings of various scientists at the California Medical University at Santa Barbara and the University of Pittsburgh, in order for a woman to give birth to a highly intelligent child, she must have a certain type of figure. At the same time, a clear pattern has been established: the greater the difference between the waist and hips, the smarter the child will be.

It would seem, what does this have to do with the intellectual abilities of the baby, who will begin to show them only after a few years. But the whole secret is hidden in the molecular structure of the subcutaneous fatty tissue in the thighs. It is in this place that the main supply of omega-3 fatty acids is concentrated. They then play a key role in the development of the baby's brain. This is why many women gain weight during pregnancy and in the postpartum period precisely due to the circumference of the hips.

Women with a wide waist need to think about how to get rid of it, since the composition of its fat is dominated by omega-6 acids. They act in exactly the opposite direction of omega-3s and can suppress brain development if they are too concentrated. That is why, at the genetic level, men have an image of an ideal woman, whose figure looks like an hourglass. She is not only aesthetically pleasing and beautiful, but also potentially capable of giving birth to healthy and intelligent offspring.

Instructions for the use of omega 3

The indicative instructions for the use of fatty acid preparations have certain common features.

Pharmacological direction of action

Omega 3 normalize metabolic processes, have an antipsoriatic, hypolipidemic, immunostimulating, antihypertensive, antiatherosclerotic effect.

When taken internally, they are well absorbed from the small intestine after bile processing in the duodenum. They penetrate the liver, where a significant amount of acids are involved in metabolic processes.

Indications

Obesity of any degree, underweight and wasting, diabetes, hypertension, vascular lesions of the extremities, vascular diseases of the brain, heart attack and cardiac ischemia, allergic skin diseases, immunodeficiency states.

Dosage and compatibility with drugs

If the dosage form contains 1000 mg of omega 3, then one capsule is taken 30-40 minutes after meals, three times a day for therapeutic purposes, or 1 capsule once, in case of prophylactic administration.

500 mg capsules should be taken in double dosage. Be sure to drink water.

There are no special indications regarding compatibility with other drugs. But, you should be careful while taking blood thinners, as omega 3 enhance their effect.

Duration of admission

Omega 3 acids are prescribed in periodic courses of three months.

Pregnancy, childhood and breastfeeding

Omega-3 is recommended for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children for additional consumption - who gives birth to smart babies?

According to the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, the deficit in omega-3 consumption in most of the child and adult population of Russia is about 80%!

Conditions of release and storage

The drugs are sold without a prescription, but it is better to consult a doctor, especially if some other medications are being taken in parallel. Stored for up to three years in a dark, dry place at room temperature.

special instructions

It is not recommended to take vitamins D and E together with preparations. The dosage and frequency of administration should be prescribed by a specialist, taking into account the purchased specific drug due to the presence of its different dosages, which may not correspond to the daily requirement.

What foods contain omega 3?

Food	Omega-3 content in 100 grams of product
Chia seeds	19 g
Flax seeds	18,1 g
Cod liver	15 g
Rapeseed oil	10,3 g
Walnuts	9,1 g
Olive oil	9 g
Hemp seed	8.1 g
Mackerel	5.3 g
Tuna	3.2 g
Herring, sardines	1.5-3.1 g
Trout	2.6 g
Salmon	2.3 g
Halibut	1.8 g
Dry soybeans	1.6 g
Oat embryos	1.4 g

The composition of fish oil is a mixture of various glycerides, its main component is oleic acid (it contains 70%), then slightly less palmitic acid (25%), as well as polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 acids, all other elements are present in insignificant amounts … The healing effect of fish oil is due solely to the fats it contains.

It is important to take into account that river fish contains several times less omega-3.

Daily Value of Omega-3

American scientists from the American Heart Association have established the minimum daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of EPA and DHA is 250 mg. An intake of about one gram of these compounds per day is considered optimal. A safe dose that will not harm the body is about 8 grams.

Maximum doses have not been determined because omega-3 overdose is extremely difficult. It depends on the specific source rich in these connections. After all, they, in addition to useful acids, may contain harmful and toxic impurities. A prime example of this is predatory fish, which can be dangerous to eat in large quantities.

Flaxseed oil harm

All sources of information on the benefits of omega-3 lipids say that flaxseed oil is one of the most powerful donors of these compounds. After all, fatty acids in its composition are represented by linolenic acid. One tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains just under eight grams of omega-3. Other acids are represented by three grams of omega-9 and two grams of omega-6.

But do not forget that the oxidation products of linoleic acid, which are formed with an excess of this substance in the body, have a direct toxic effect and poison the body. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to take rancid oil and rancid flax seeds!

And flaxseed oil is oxidized with minimal violations of its storage conditions. It is afraid of warm temperatures and light. Given these features, many countries prohibit its sale on their territory.

Harm and contraindications to the use of omega-3

There is nothing absolute and unambiguous in nature. This means that even the most useful substance hides some harm, and any poison has healing properties. The only question is the dose. This pattern extends to omega-3-rich drugs and foods. An overdose of these compounds can be very dangerous, which is much more difficult to manifest than their lack. But it is extremely difficult to achieve an excess of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the body, since they accumulate very slowly. Therefore, only a systematic and long-term intake of high doses of omega-3 can be called dangerous.

But if an overdose occurs, it has its manifestations. It can appear more often in such cases:

1. With liver diseases;
2. Inflammatory and other types of intestinal lesions;
3. Problems with the stomach and duodenum;
4. During pregnancy or breastfeeding;
5. Old age;

Intoxication symptoms:

1. Headaches;
2. Nausea;
3. Vomiting;
4. Dyspeptic intestinal disorders;
5. Chest pain;
6. Profuse menstruation;

The main danger of an overdose of foods and preparations containing omega-3 acids is a strong blood thinning. This carries a great risk of bleeding.

Therefore, even in relation to such useful substances as omega-3, there are certain contraindications:

1. Hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium or vitamin D levels);
2. Individual intolerance and allergic reactions;
3. Active form of pulmonary or tuberculosis of a different localization;
4. Endocrine disorders of the thyroid gland;
5. Hepatic renal failure;
6. Stone formation in the kidneys, bladder;
7. Stagnation of bile and stones of the gallbladder or ducts of the biliary system;
8. Children under the age of 7;

The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).