Omega-3 Fatty Acids a Necessity to Good Health

Omega-3 Fatty Acids-Can’t Live Without Them
Millions of Americans are suffering from heart disease, stroke and crippling diseases like arthritis, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Increased incidences of Alzheimer’s, dementia and depression are all too common among our elderly. Our children are suffering from ADHD and eating disorders at epidemic proportions.
What do all these diseases and illnesses have in common? According to hundreds of clinical studies, the one common denominator may be a deficiency in the fatty acid, Omega-3, specifically the DHA and EPA component. Omega-3, fatty acids are an essential fatty acid that your body does not make on its own but it is necessary for optimal health. This may be the key factor in why my family experienced good health in Sicily, but developed multiple problems in America. The above mentioned diseases became the death sentence for many of them. Arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes plagued them and yet, when they returned for a three month vacation to Sicily, they were totally healthy and needed no pills. My Uncle Angelo explained that to me more than a decade before his death. I thought it strange, but never forgot the look on his face and the sincerity in his voice. He knew that this was of key significance and maybe someday I could connect the dots.

The pieces of the puzzle are coming together with my book and this blog site. Generations of Europeans lived in a wonderfully-nutritious environment with fish, like manna from heaven, and fruits and vegetables from their garden in the sun. However, they were poor and sought the "promised land," across the ocean in a land where the streets "were paved in gold." Uncle Angelo, eventually succumbed to the disease we had in common - dialysis machines were a bi-weekly event in his life in 1990. We were on our way back from Florida and stopped off to see the remaining members of my family in this little hamlet called Bakerton. He was still intelligent and loving. He knew that his time was near, but he made it clear to me that his mind had not deteriorated - only his body.
Omega-3's can only be obtained thru diet or supplementation. When your body is deprived of this fatty acid, you then become prone to countless diseases and illnesses. In fact, clinical researchers now believe that over 75% of the American population is severely deficient in Omega-3's. The major reason for this is diet. The typical American diet is loaded with another essential fatty acid called Omega-6. Foods rich in Omega-6's are cooking oils, dairy products, pastas, bread and fried foods. When our intake of Omega 6 far supersedes our intake of Omega-3, our body breaks down and goes into chronic inflammation. This is the culprit that may be the cause of many diseases. Omega-3's are your body’s natural anti-inflammatory mechanism. Without healthy levels of Omega-3's in your system, your body cannot fight inflammation. The average American diet consists of a ratio of 20:1 Omega-6 to Omega-3. This ratio should not exceed 4:1. Ideally the ratio should be 1:1.
How can we fix this problem? The answer is actually very simple. A simple blood test will tell you whether you are at high risk for the diseases linked to low levels of Omega 3 fats in your blood. Once your levels are determined you can take the proper steps to correct these deficiencies. Through diet and supplementation you can reverse these deficiencies within 4-6 weeks. A repeat test is then recommended to confirm your improvement. It is important to understand that only cold-water fatty fish, such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel, salmon and tuna contain the health components of Omega-3, which are DHA and EPA. Also do not confuse flaxseed as a prime source of Omega-3. Although it is part of the Omega-3 family (the ALA component), flax does not contain either DHA or EPA in all the clinical studies done regarding the health benefits of Omega-3, in accordance to blood levels of DHA and EPA.
Without question, the safest and quickest way to increase your Omega-3 to healthy levels and then to maintain these levels, is with supplementation. Be very aware, however, that all fish oils are NOT created equal. Most of the fish oil used by consumers is what is known as "health food grade," fish oil. The majority of these oils have very little health benefit and often leave a fishy after-taste.
The most effective form of fish oil manufactured today is oil that is in the "Triglyceride" form. This form is in its natural state and is molecularly distilled, thus free of all toxins, Your body easily recognizes this form of oil and is able to absorb 100% of the essential components it needs.
Because of the complex nature of the process to manufacture fish oil in this manner, only 1% of all the fish oils available are in their natural triglyceride form. Omega Consulting has an Omega 3 oil in this form and has the clinical references to its effectiveness.