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Category Archives: Omega-3
Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help with Obesity and Metabolic Disorders?
Fish oil supplements remain one of the most popular ways to help maintain good health.[1] For years, the buzz has been that omega-3 fatty acids can help with a wide variety of conditions, ranging from preventing cognitive decline, to aiding with fat loss, and even to helping with brain and eye development.[2] And that’s just a few. There are a wide variety of other benefits to omega-3 fatty acids including good skin, aiding with sleep, and even helping with arthritis.[3] What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids? Omega-3 supplements generally include two primary forms: EPA and DHA, which stand for eicosapentaenoic…
Fresh Sardines or Canned Sardines: No Longer an Option for Americans
Introduction From 2006 to 2017 a dramatic collapse occurred in the Northern Pacific Sardine population (extending from Baja California to British Columbia, Canada), amounting to a 95 % decline in the entire sardine population (Figure 1, Info graphic 1) (1-3). Figure 1. The Pacific sardine population (biomass in millions of tons) has declined 95 percent since 2006 and it is now below the minimum level required to support a commercial fishery (called the “cutoff”) (1, 3). This fishery collapse caused biologists at the West Coast Region of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries to impose a moratorium on…
Two New Studies Show the Many Potential Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of the Paleo Diet
The increased abdominal fat that many women develop after menopause due to hormonal changes and the skin disorder psoriasis are divergent health concerns that would seem to have little in common. But two recently published studies found a common ground – chronic inflammation. More importantly, the anti-inflammatory properties of the Paleo Diet were found to improve both [1, 2]. After menopause, women have a tendency to “redistribute” fat around the abdomen which increases the risk for metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease [3, 4]. In the first study, which was published in Obesity, researchers placed 70 obese postmenopausal…
Saturated Fat and Omega-6: Should One Replace the Other? Part II
In Part I of this series, we looked at the longstanding recommendations of many governmental health organizations to reduce dietary saturated fat and replace it with omega-6 fats. Doing so supposedly, these organizations claim, reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. As we saw in Part I, however, there is considerable controversy within the nutrition science community concerning this claim. There’s a case to be made for decreased saturated fat, but there’s also a case for decreased omega-6. Since the current science is far less black-and-white than the recommendations would lead you to believe, with Part II of this series, we’ll be…
Saturated Fat and Omega-6: Should One Replace the Other? Part I
For over a decade now, a debate has been raging within the nutrition science community. One side views saturated fat as generally unhealthy; they recommend replacing these fats, at least to some degree, with omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. The other side views saturated fat as health-supportive, or at least health-neutral; likewise, they regard omega-6 as somewhat unhealthy and typically recommend decreasing its consumption. So, who has it right? The truth seems to be grey and somewhere in between. The Modern Diet Americans have largely followed the US government’s dietary advice for the past 40 years. For example, following official dietary…
Nell’s Corner: Boring, Bland and Blah?
The easiest thing you can do to make food taste better? Add fat. Seriously. Don’t get me wrong; I actually love the taste of steamed broccoli, a plateful of arugula with lemon and pepper, or a platter of crudités… but none are exactly all that satiating on their own. Plus, for someone who’s new to adding veggies to their meals, preparing them in a way that feels too plain could be the difference between developing a healthy new habit and reinforcing the idea that veggies are boring – indefinitely. So what’s the answer? Go to culinary school. Just teasing. Sure,…
Simple Ways to Reduce Omega-6s and Increase Omega-3s in Your Diet for Better Health
If there’s one area where the nutrition media seems to sing a different and more confusing tune every week, it’s with their messages about fats. Low fat was good for us, now it’s not. Saturated fats may not be the heart-clogging poison we thought. And what exactly are trans fats? It’s enough to make us throw our hands in the air and reach for the nearest burger. Fortunately, one message has been consistent: omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) are extremely beneficial for your overall health. The problem is, not all sources of omega-3 fatty acids are created equal. In…
How to Have a Paleo Christmas
When it comes to the holidays, it can be much more difficult to stick to your Paleo Diet. But – fortunately – there are many ways to “Paleo-fy” your favorite holiday meals. Today, I will be covering how you can transform a traditional Christmas dinner – into a much healthier one. Forget the empty calories of stuffing, rolls and pumpkin pie. Instead, say hello to some delicious sweet potatoes, free-range organic turkey and a large helping of brain-friendly vegetables! While your loved ones may be passed out on the couch after dinner, you will be energized, alert – and maybe…
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