Saturday, January 2, 2010

Two important nutrition discoveries of the last decade.

Fish Oil Proven Protective-There is not doubt.

Fish or fish oils is now considered one of the most healthful foods you can eat or supplements you can take. Fish oil benefits organs and tissues in the whole body. It encourages brain health, cardiovascular health, breast and ocular health, and boosts immunity. It even helps the skin. Research continues to highlight the benefits of fish oil. So far this is what we know. Fish oil improves:
• Joint pain. Fish oil is a known anti-inflammatory, which is why studies have shown that it helps alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis.
• The heart. Fish oil confers both protective and healing benefits for people with heart disease. Because research undeniably confirms that fish oil helps decrease the inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association began recommending it as a treatment option in 2003.
• The arteries. Fish oil protects the arteries by lowering blood triglycerides (cholesterol and fat content). Researchers have validated earlier findings that fish oil supplements, in as little as 2 gm per day, can be effective--and without any side effects.
• Menstrual cramps. Fish oil, which contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), has been shown to work well for menstrual cramps even in those who didn't change their diets.
• Health of young children. Studies show that fish oil helps the development of a baby's immune system, nervous system, muscle tone, and brain.
• Reducing hot flashes. A study done in Italy indicates that taking fish oil may lessen the frequency and severity of hot flashes by 25 percent over 24 weeks.
• Lowering the affect of stress. Research suggests that fish oil's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the body's response to psychological stress. Researchers believe fish oil helps modulate neurotransmitters in the brain, regulating its activity and increasing serotonin.

Vitamin D Critical for Robust Health.
After decades of advising people to stay out of the sun as a protection from skin cancer we now know that a little sunlight may instead protect us from cancer. We make Vitamin D when sunlight hits our skin--unless the skin is covered with sunscreen. Now irrefutable evidence shows that vitamin D protects virtually every cell in our bodies and may promote excellent health. Those with optimal levels of the vitamin (52ng/ml or more) enjoy a 50 percent reduced risk of breast cancer, as well as a substantially reduced risk of colon cancer, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, heart disease, and even risk of C-section. But supplements are easy to take. Take between 1000-2000 IU’s a day. So if you stay out of the sun or live north of San Francisco, consider a supplement. You may need a D boost to protect your health.

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