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.

FULL OF BEANS

FULL OF BEANS
Beans are amongst the best of all food buys. Also called legumes, they include not only dried beans—such as adzuki, black, cranberry, garbanzo, kidney, lima, pinto, soy, and white beans—but also lentils and peas.
Here are some bean basics.
Beans are very healthful: There’s a reason why beans have sustained civilizations throughout history: they are inexpensive sources of protein, complex carbohydrates, contain B vitamins (including folate), iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, some calcium, and healthful phytochemicals, but have very little fat. Beans are some of the best sources of fiber—a half cup has five to nine grams (about 25% of your daily goal), including both insoluble fiber, which helps prevent constipation, and soluble fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol. The FDA recently allowed labels on beans to claim that "diets including beans may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers." Beans may also help control weight as well as blood sugar. Eat a variety to get the broadest range of nutrients.
Do dried beans count toward the new 9-a-day goal for fruits and vegetables?
Yes. The government’s dietary guidelines consider legumes to be vegetables. A serving is a half a cup, and three cups a week are recommended. Keep in mind that beans contain more calories—90 to 120 per half cup—than other vegetables.
Are canned beans as nutritious as dried?
Yes, bean for bean, canned and dried beans provide the same nutrients. If you look at the numbers, canned beans may seem to contain fewer calories and less fiber, but that’s because they are often plumper (from absorbing more water), so there are fewer beans per serving. Their main drawback is the added sodium. However, you can rinse away as much as 40% by draining and running them under water for about a minute. Or look for low or reduced-sodium versions. Keep a variety of canned beans in the pantry for last-minute meals. My wife and I especially like mixing a can of pork and beans (not the pork part) and a can of spinach for an instant, healthy soup combination.
Do I need to cut beans with grains to get a "complete" protein?
No. With the exception of soybeans, beans do not contain all nine essential amino acids needed to make a complete protein. But this is not a problem, since other proteins you eat any time that day will provide the missing amino acids.
Why do beans cause gas?
Beans contain complex sugars, called oligosaccharides, which are fermented by bacteria in the intestines, producing gas. Navy and lima beans are the worst offenders. Eating beans more often actual lessens the problem. Soaking the beans and changing the water before cooking reduces the amount of flatulence-producing substances. Adding some baking soda to the soaking water might also help a bit—but can increase the loss of B vitamins.
What about Beano—will it reduce gas?
Yes, its active ingredient, an enzyme called alpha-galactosidase, breaks down some of the complex sugars in beans that we don’t digest. Beano comes as tablets or drops that you swallow along with the beans or add to them. Similar products, including less expensive generics, contain the same active ingredient.
How do you cook dried beans?
After sorting through and washing the beans, soak them for six to eight hours or overnight. This shortens cooking time and makes the beans more digestible, so they are less likely to cause gas. If you use boiling water, soaking takes only an hour or two. When ready to cook, change the water and add herbs and spices, such as garlic, oregano, cumin, and cayenne. Cooking times vary (generally 30 minutes to two hours), so see package for directions. Split peas and lentils (best for soups and stews) don’t need soaking and cook up fairly fast—as little as five minutes for yellow lentils. Packaged instant beans (precooked and re-dried) take only five minutes or so to soften, but may be high in sodium.
What are some meal ideas?
Toss beans in chili, soups, salads and pasta; use them with, or in place of, meat in chili. Combine them for colorful bean salads. Mash beans with yogurt and spices for a sandwich spread (humus is a spread made from mashed chickpeas). Canned refried beans—look for a low-fat or fat free versions—can be used for dips. Canned chickpeas can be roasted in the oven for a crunchy snack.

Highest-fiber Diet Saw LDL (bad) Cholesterol Drop

When you think of fiber, bran flakes and bran muffins may come to mind. But there are other, more appealing sources out there to helop you get your dose of healthy-promoting fiber. Oatmeal, beans, carrots, grapefruit, oranges, apples and pears all contain fiber. But recent research shows that there's another fiber source that can offer some distinct heart-healthy benefits.

This study followed 25 people (18 women and 7 men) with mildly elevated cholesterol counts for 19 weeks. At the beginning of the study, researchers put the subjects on the diet that was moderately low in fat and cholesterol. Then their meals were supplemented with barley products containing low, medium, and high amounts of a fiber known as beta-glucan.

Those on the highest-fiber diet saw their LDL (bad) cholesterol drop by an amazing 17 percent. The most significant drop occurred after the fourth week, leading researchers to believe that it may take several weeks of supplementing with barley or other fiber-soluble foods to see a significant benefit.

I have been using barley in place of pasta in my soup recipes. It is very appealing in taste and substance. Vegetable Beef Barley is a delicious combination and healthier than the pasta I had been using.

A Cancer Cure From the Ancient Past

A plant compound sparks chain reaction that kills tumor cells.

Chinese folk medicine has yielded a promising new approach for treating cancer. Using a dash of logic and modern lab techniques, Seattle scientists have shown that a compound extracted from the wormwood plant seeks out and destroys breast cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells unscathed.

In laboratory experiments, the compound killed within 16 hours virtually all human breast cancer cells exposed to it in the test tube, reports Dr. Henry Lai, a bioengineering researcher at the University of Washington. Just as importantly, he says, nearly all of the normal cells exposed to it were still alive. A dog with a type of bone cancer known as osteosarcoma so severe that it couldn't walk across the room made a complete recovery within five days of receiving the treatment. X-rays showed the animal's tumor "had basically disappeared," says Lai, adding that he believes the dog is still alive two years later.

"Not only does (the drug) appear to be effective, but it's very selective," Lai says. "It's highly toxic to the cancer cells, but has a marginal impact on normal cells."

This anti-cancer compound is called artemisinin --- and actually, it isn't new at all. Chinese folk practitioners extracted it from the plant Aremesia annua L., commonly known as wormwood, thousands of years ago for use in the treatment of malaria, Lai says.

After a "secret recipe" for the treatment was discovered on a stone tablet in the tomb of Prince of the Han Dynasty during an archaeological dig in the 1970s, artemisinin re-emerged as a therapy for the mosquito-borne disease, Lai recalls. In fact, a purified form of the plant compound is now the drug of choice for treating malaria in many areas.