Am I redeemed? Just read this article..
"Recent research has shown the incredible benefits and necessity of EFAs in our diets for the prevention and management of many illnesses
Many people are taking responsibility for their health by following healthy diets based on scientific and medical research.
The strong message of eating healthily by avoiding unhealthy saturated fats, to reduce the risk of heart disease, has created the impression of dietary fats being "bad". This, along with obesity linked to high fat diets, motivated many people to eliminate fat from their diets.
Recent research has shown the incredible benefits and necessity of EFAs in our diets for the prevention and management of many diseases including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's, psoriasis, eczema, depression and even ADD and schizophrenia.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are important components of fats. While some fatty acids are manufactured by the body, the EFAs cannot be manufactured and we have to include food sources to optimise our intakes. The essential fatty acids are classified as Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids.
Essential Fatty Acids
# Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Docosapentaenoic acids (DPA) are Omega 3 fatty acids with protective effects against heart disease, anti-inflammatory benefits in the management of arthritis, and the support of immune function. They are found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and krill.
# Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is an Omega 3 fatty acid that has to be converted by the body into the two other important omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Foods rich in ALA are flaxseed oil, walnuts and canola oil.
# Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is an important Omega-6 Fatty Acid for the formation of biological messengers that help regulate blood clotting, blood pressure, inflammation immune function. It is found in evening primrose and starflower (borage) oil.
# Linoleic Acid (LA) is a prominent Omega 6 fatty acid and is converted by the body into the biologically active Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Food sources of LA are plant oils such as sunflower, soya bean and canola oils.
# Oleic Acid (OA) (Omega 9 fatty acid) Oleic acid is derived from Olive Oil and it supports the health of the arteries and thus the cardiovascular system.
Ratios of EFAs in the Diet
The typical Western diet contains very little Omega 3 fatty acids, with low intake of fatty fish and other concentrated sources. Omega 6 fatty acids are found abundantly in the Western diet, in the form of fried or processed foods, margarines, mayonnaise, sauces and dressings, all containing sunflower oil.
The ratio of intake of Omega 6 : Omega 3 fatty acids is important for optimal health and according to medical research, the ideal ratio should be 1:1, as opposed to the typical Western diet with a ratio of more than 10:1 Omega6 vs. Omega3 fatty acids. Therefore, great emphasis is on increasing intakes of omega 3 fatty acids, while limiting intakes Omega-6 fatty acids and reducing intake of saturated fats.
Mono-unsaturated fatty acids (Omega 9) are recommended to replace saturated fats in the diet as they are associated with a lower risk for heart disease.
EFAs and Health
Apart from being important energy sources, EFAs are important components of our cell membranes, including blood platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells and liver cells. EFAs are also precursors of eicosanoids, important biological chemicals that behave as hormones and affects immune responses, inflammation and the regulation of blood flow. Our intakes of EFAs therefore affects the body's response to infections, inflammation and blood clotting, with obvious far-reaching health consequences.
EFAs in Disease Management
Many of the health benefits of EFAs in the prevention and treatment of diseases are substantiated by credible scientific research, which has also shown the safety of these nutrients taken in supplement form such as Krill Oil, Salmon Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Flaxseed Oil.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Cardiac Arrest
Clinical studies have shown that a regular intake of fish containing EPA and DHA could reduce the risk for cardiac arrest by up to 50-70%, resulting from the incorporation of these Omega 3 fatty acids in red blood cell membranes. A high intake of Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to help regulate irregular heartbeat, as another risk for cardiac arrest.
Cholesterol
Omega 3 fatty acids are known to help reduce high levels of cholesterol. Research has shown Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels by helping to increase the HDL ("good") cholesterol levels and lowering triglyceride levels. Regular intake of Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to help reduce the body's own production of cholesterol. Omega 9 fatty acids are recommended to replace saturated fats in the diet to reduce the risk for high cholesterol levels.
Hypertension
Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation is known to help lower moderately increased blood pressure. Omega 6 fatty acid supplements such as Evening Primrose Oil and Starflower Oil are also recommended to help regulate blood pressure. Precaution: Never substitute prescribed hypertension medication with nutritional supplements without your doctor's recommendation or consent, as the physiological actions of supplements differ from most medications.
INFLAMMATORY DISEASES
Omega 3 fatty acids are very efficient in assisting the treatment of numerous inflammatory disorders. Eicosanoids, that regulate inflammation in our bodies are derived from Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in our cell membranes. Eicosanoids formed by Omega 3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation as opposed to those formed by Omega 6 fatty acids. This means that a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids could help reduce pain and swelling associated with inflammation.
Arthritis
Contrary to popular belief, Omega 3 fatty acids do not "grease" the joints of arthritis sufferers. The anti-inflammatory actions of Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation are responsible for the improvement of symptoms such as joint pain and discomfort, which may even reduce the need for anti-inflammatory drugs.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder related to an overactive immune system. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to help relieve symptoms of psoriasis such as itching, scalding and skin reddening, by helping to regulate the immune response.
Eczema
Eczema is a skin disorder, characterised by itching, flaking patches of dry skin, believed to be stress induced and related to diet. GLA (Omega 6 fatty acids), found in Starflower Oil and Evening Primrose Oil is known to be effective to aid in the treatment of eczema.
Diabetes:
There is believed to be an inflammatory component to the development of diabetes mellitus. A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk by regulating the inflammatory response and the body's natural response to insulin, with Omega 3 fatty acids being incorporated into cell membranes. Research has shown improvements in blood glucose control in non-insulin dependent diabetics after Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation.
BRAIN FOOD
DHA, one of the Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil, is an important building block for brain tissue. Sufficient DHA levels are necessary for the transmission of nerve signals in the brain, which is related to intellectual capacity.
Nutrition During Pregnancy
More than 25% of all our brain cells and tissues are formed before birth and sufficient intakes of Omega 3 fatty acids are believed to be essential for optimal development of the brain. Therefore foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids are important as part of a healthy, optimal diet during pregnancy. Precaution: During pregnancy, high dosages of Vitamin A should be avoided. Therefore, when pregnant, avoid high doses of Cod Liver Oil, naturally rich in vitamin A, to increase your daily Omega 3 fatty acid intakes.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
ADD is believed to be partially related to deficient intakes of Omega 3 fatty acids and Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation is often used in the treatment of symptoms of ADD.
Alzheimer's
According to research, it is also believed that the development of Alzheimer's disease could be impaired, or the risk may be decrease with a high intake of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Depression
Sufficient intakes of Omega 3 fatty acids have also shown decreased risks for depression and schizophrenia.
Based on only the latest scientific literature, it is clear that EFAs can help optimise your health status, and that regular intake could assist in the treatment of some diseases.
With current and future research, exploring further health benefits of EFAs, the recommendations to include these fats for health purposes will become even more significant. It is recommended that you should evaluate your intake of these healthy fats and find ways to increase your daily intake, for optimal health benefits."
Where did you get the article, Mike? I will reply when I have more time, but I am a little worried about a few half-truths, some twisted facts and a lot of irresponsible claims in this article. But then again, my holistic approach will probably never agree with something like this anyway! Now don't go out and buy the fattiest foods you can get your paws on, hey!
:nono1:
But! But!......... 36_1_72 feedme BierSuip faceinfood
Ok Mike, delete my post, I wont yell at you. I'll just pretend I didn't see it. Fat is good, carry on..... swink
My eating includes lots of Olive oil , in fact I go through bottles in a month , more of a mediteranean diet i suppose ,, hardly use sunflower oil .. I also take Cod liver oil capsules ,,, good for the joints hair skin nails and also good for cold and flu prevention as it raises the body temperature at night , so one is inclined to burn off bugs before they get a hold not that I dont heat up at night , always kind of cooked which allows me to just sleep under one duvet starkers throughout winter .. used to also take flaxseed oil , but got out of the habit ..
I believe that the good fats are good for one .. that is if one has no serious metabolic problems ...
Ok - according to Mike then, I am a very bad girl... ha ha
Read through - like Bertie I agree with some facts and others not - don't have his knowledge but common sense also tells me a few things...
and yes.. it is bad when (as you lot have seen me at the reunion as well) I drop 4kgs in a 3 week period - not eating right, not sleeping enough, burning to much calories.... skin suffers, mind suffers (even if we like to think that we are still functioning on all cylinders - not true - lying to yourself), and.... others around you suffer - yikes, the only thing that seems to grow when you eat wrong like this are fangs and claws.....
SO - all in all - just as bad or even worse than what Bertie is (not) yelling about at Mike.
@ Bertie - you did not read this, hey ! , so don't you dare (not) yell at me !!!!!!!!
Ogies en oortjies toe, sal nie raas nie!
Its a confusing world
What ever was wrong yesterday is right today and will be wrong again tomorrow
Take Omega3, may be good for some but not for all, definetly not for Mike with his gout
If i do what all the brochures i got from my doc adivises me to do or not to do, i must stop eating alltogether
Chocolate is one of them......a not......
Help
i used to eat that daily, was not happy without, so i dont discard it but eat small amounts before munching away to much again......
I always say the following
Brakfeast : 1 Brötchen, Butter, Jam
Doc says :
Leave the Brötchen
Add no Butter
Leave the Jam
That will make me mighty hungry LOL
What i try to say is, dont stop all that just reduce the quantities, helps too....
And an apple a day........still counts too
True Georg Snr.
I have my own issues with taking a lot of omega oils as supplements - WE ARE NOT ESKIMO'S! Our digestive systems are simply not designed and conditioned to digest and use huge amounts of concentrated omega oils properly. Once again my view is to get the oils in through whole foods, like fish, nuts, seeds and fruits like avocado.
I will never buy concentrated/refined omega oils as a supplement, but rather take flax seed or cod liver oils which will be readily used and recognized by the digestive system as natural foods.
Just my view.... faceinfood
My system thrives on them .. cod liver ,, flax seed .. and yes some lecithin to help the system assimilate ... but then its maybe freaky ??
You are well informed Sandy. bravo
Do you agree with me that factory-concentrated or laboratory-produced single chemical formulations are not as good as the natural source?
One example is the millions of Vit B-complexes on the market - all they do is turn your urine a dark yellow colour - and the fish in the sewer gets all the vitamins! In contrast, Brewer's yeast contains the whole B-complex, and also a lot of essential minerals - AND it is DIGESTED - it doesn't turn your urine yellow because it is properly assimilated as a natural food.
Sometimes the concentrates are required to help kickstart the system , but on an continual ongoing basis ,, no ...
Red Wine I tell you.... drinking-41
Of course of course Diana .. we know that without the addition of red wine all those omega 3's are useless ... cat3
image031 So, what you 2 connoseurs are telling me is 'cos I drink beer my fatty acids are only omega 1's !!! So be it..... I am really not very fond of the motherload hangover head I develop from wine............
Sandy - remember the dop & sop episode...... ! ? No No No - not again !!!
hammer indeed so you had all my sympathy that day ....
5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons sunflower oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your BIG mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate.
EAT!
(This can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night! feedme 202
The fat on the pork chop is the best part
The skin on the chicken is the second best
The fat on a good rib will have to take third place
see I do get my vegetables when I have a braai
SIS Alfred that is gross....carry on like that and I'll end up burying you.
Don't worry I make sure they nice and crispy
Lamb Fat is top of the list...
Beef Fat on a Rump Steak next
The net vet on A Skilpad comes in at 3rd....
chocolate-51
How about Kaiings ... fried to a crisp sheeps tail fat ( boere treat ) .. unfortunately my system is sensitive to pork fat , its like dicing with death eating uncured pork for me ... also my perrenial favourite .. marrowbones on toast ... MMMm
:wow1: :nono1: ill-3d msn emoticon (224) weed
YUk YUk YUK......I don't eat fat,chicken skin or pork. I am partial to some fat on my steak.
Now about pork....did you know that when a human foot splits open from underneath it looks just like a pork chop. Since Alfreds accident I have never touched pork again...it just how my brain tells me human flesh would taste.
So how many of you have I put off pork now??????
Custard and boiled milk also yuk
YUK, YUK, YUK!!!!!
I think you need to put a banner on this topic - This is not for sensitive readers!
Now where'd my salad go?
image201 image201
I say bring on the Pork, chicken skin, custard and boiled milk, hey, who wants to die healthy anyway!!!!!
image201 image201 image201
So what you are saying, is that if I invite Alfie for a braai, I don't have to buy pork chops?
are-you-there
Not unless you want to eat fibre.
Thick cream on fresh home baked bread - sprinkled with salt & pepper...
butter added to rice,
potatoes fried to a crisp in lamb fat
cream added to a stew.....
yumm yumm
Quote from: Michael Alexander on March 13, 2009, 01:52:24 PM
So what you are saying, is that if I invite Alfie for a braai, I don't have to buy pork chops?
are-you-there
Mike I'm waiting
Know what... these Alexander lot (mommy, daddy, new baby.... the whole lot !) ... they don't care about me getting too fat... All this waiting for news.... on my 797th mug of tea, rye toast no 6 I think and now I got 2 pieces of Steam It fish in the microwave... telling you - after that I'm still gonna be hungry !
Mercey, please !
Leg of pork BBQ in a Webber kettle absolutely out of this world............................................................ faceinfood braii