Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

Omega-3 Supplement: How To Choose The Right One

Posted by admin Web Hosting Friday 29 August 2008 9:53 am

Larkung asked:


Essential fatty acids are crucial for the overall mental as well as physical well-being of a person. A large number of people use supplements of fish oil in order to fulfill their requirements of essential fatty acids, but vegetarian people need to find out other sources of these fatty acids.

Many people wonder if there is any omega-3 supplement that is appropriate as well as safe. For adults and children alike, an omega-3 supplement must contain pharmaceutical grade or molecularly distilled fish oil, not from the fish that swam in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a good idea to use this supplement, especially when the diet of a family does not contain fish, as it is important for proper neurological and cardio-vascular development.

There is a huge range of omega-3 supplements available in the market today. Some of them can be consumed in the form of liquid oil, while others in the form of capsules. We all know that fish oil is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, while other sources include vegetable oils, algae oil, harp seal oil and krill oil.

People, who can eat fish and have no allergies to them, can take fish oil supplements without doubt. The reason for this is that fish oil is the direct source of continuing fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are crucial for the growth and development of body tissues and cells. These are broken down into metabolites within the body, which helps the body to fight against various diseases.

If a person experiences no side-effects or irritation after consuming fish oil, then it is the best omega-3 supplement for him or her.

People who are vegetarian and do not consume fish oil, they can also obtain their share of omega-3 from the vegetable oils. The most prominent source of these oils is the flax seed oil, which contains around 55% of the omega-3 fatty acids. The supplements of flax seed oil are also present in the market; however, flax seeds can also be eaten directly by people.

Apart from flax, the canola oil is also a good reserve of omega-3 supplement, which contains considerable amounts of anti-oxidants that helps people in lowering down their cholesterol levels.

Over-weight people, who want to cut down their dietary intake and are still experiencing some vitality, the best omega-3 supplement for such people is olive oil, which not only helps them in losing weight, but will also provide them with the required percentage of omega-3 fatty acids.

There may be some people who are not only on the search of an effective omega-3 supplement, but also want some additional nutrients for boosting up their energy levels, cod liver oil and krill oil is best for them. These oils are rich sources of Vitamin A and D, but one should look out for their dosage of these oils.

Excessive dosage of vitamin D can cause congestion in the arteries and excessive intake of vitamin A can causes the problem of acne in some people. People who are suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes are suggested to consult a qualified physician before selecting any omega-3 supplement.

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Lipids, Glorious Lipids: a Guide to Beneficial Oils

Posted by admin Web Hosting Wednesday 4 October 2006 1:05 am

Marie Veronique Nadeau asked:


Lipids, Glorious Lipids: Part Two

Last month I talked about the stratum corneum and the importance of lipids in maintaining lipid barrier function in the top layer of the epidermis. This lipid barrier keeps water from evaporating on the skin’s surface, and is crucial to preventing dehydration. We all know how these cold, wintry days can dry out our skins.

The questions I’d like to raise this time are the obvious ones every researcher is asking. First of all, we must consider if there is any value to incorporating lipids in various types of skin treatment products.

In examining this question we can look at two scenarios. One is that if certain lipids are contained in skin treatment products, these lipids will be incorporated into the intercellular lipid matrix and lipid barrier. Once incorporated they will assist in repairing the matrix and barrier, thus increasing the moisture binding properties of skin leading to reduced moisture loss and improved skin health. The second scenario is that topically applied lipids will remain on the surface and may leave a pleasant, emollient, cosmetically-appealing feel, but no other benefit.

Here are some facts to consider:

One researcher has demonstrated that a mixture of three lipids (cholesterol, palmitic acid and ceramide) repaired the lipid barrier in skin where lipids were intentionally removed by the use of acetone. The symptoms were relieved with linoleic acid applied topically. Indications are that topical application may be beneficial to people with essential fatty acid deficiency syndrome (EFAD).

Other investigators have shown that topically applied lipids can assist in repairing the lipid barrier, if not by directly replacing damaged or lost lipids, then by absorpting into the lipid barrier and exerting their own water barrier properties. The information to date indicates that lipids in cosmetic products exert a beneficial effect upon the lipid matrix of skin, and incorporating lipids in a cosmetic product will enhance that product’s ability to moisturize and improve the health of skin.

Whether topically applied lipids actually replace lost lipids or are simply absorbed the outcome remains the same- applying the correct lipids will assist in maintaining the structure of the lipid barrier and improving the health and beauty of the skin.

This positive conclusion begs the question: Which lipids are critical to barrier function that should be part of a “lipid mix”?

The answer to this question is currently under scrutiny-lipid research in the cosmetic field is very new, and we have quite a way to go before we can begin to provide systematic answers.

To make an increasingly long story much too short, here is what we know:

1) The composition of lipids compromising the extracellular matrix are 50% ceramides, 25% cholesterol and 15% free fatty acids.

2) Essential fatty acid deficiencies have been identified as resulting in abnormalities in stratum corneum function.

Bearing this in mind I have, for the last year, been investigating the properties of various lipids from natural sources, both plant and animal. My goal is to create the best lipid mix available to help you heal and maintain the all-important lipid barrier. As most of you probably know by now, my decision to incorporate oils from animal as well as plant sources is based on my conviction that the best blend will, of necessity, come from a combination of both sources. A plant/animal mix ensures that you get the needed essential fatty acids in the right ratios. I also recommend that you take a fish or krill oil supplement every day to ensure that you maintain beautiful, glowing skin.

Below are just some of the lipids I have chosen for their beneficial properties:

Sea Buckthorn oil–The major EFAs contained in seabuckthorn oil are oleic and linoleic acids. It also contains the following essential fatty acids: pentadecenoic, palmitoleic, heptadecenoic, linolenic, eicosenoic, eicosadienoic, erucic and nervonic. Among the carotenes found in Seabuckthorn are alfa- and beta-carotenes, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, taraxanthin and phytofluin. Tocopherols are primarily vitamin E and gamma-tocopherol. Phytosterols of seabuckthorn oil include beta-sitosterol, beta-amirol and erithrodiol.

Marula oil’s high content of palmitic acid creates a protective coating on the surface of the skin. It also has a high concentration of anti-oxidants.

Red raspberry seed oil possesses an exceptionally high proportion of alpha and gamma tocopherols (Vitamin E), vitamin A and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Red raspberry seed oil offers the skin broad spectrum protection from damaging UV-A and UV-B rays.

Cranberry seed oil is rich in tocotrienols (vitamin E) and other antioxidants, and possesses a unique balance of omega 3, 6 and 9 EFAs not found in other oils.

Emu oil possesses the balance of omega 3, 6 and 9 EFAs that is ideal for healing skin and promoting skin, hair and nail growth. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, has a natural SPF, is a natural emollient and moisturizer, penetrates multiple layers of skin, is non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic, prevents and diminishes scarring/stretch marks and more. It is recommended for use in a variety of skin disorders and allergies.

Pomegranate seed oil is high in lipids including pucinic acid. Its high polyphenol content makes it a strong anti-oxidant, and it contains conjugated fatty acids which gives it strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Krill oil (from a crustacean) contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D and canthaxanthin, which is, like astaxanthin, a potent anti-oxidant. The anti-oxidant potency of krill oil is such that when compared to fish oil in terms of ORAC (Oxygen radical absorptance capacity) values it was found to be 48 times more potent than fish oil.

The astaxanthin found in krill oil provides excellent protection against ultraviolet light and UV-induced skin damage.

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What is Krill Oil?

Posted by admin Web Hosting Friday 29 September 2006 10:59 pm

james dalton asked:


As we age our bodies act differently and our lifestyles changes accordingly. We are unable to do the things we used to do and our bodies do no react the same way. This is part of the reason why the supplement market is a billion dollar industry. Supplements are available for a wide range of health problems, one such product is krill oil. The purpose of this article is to look at the use of this oil noting its benefits and more.

Krill oil is created from the crustacean called krill. Omega-3 fatty acids are in abundance in krill. These fatty acids can also be found in fish oil. Contained in the oil is Vitamin E, Vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant called astaxanthin. The stability of the oil is based on the antioxidant that is contained in it, which is very potent.

Krill are small shrimp crustaceans that can be found throughout the oceans of the world. The most popular that are used in the making of oil is usually found in the Arctic Ocean. Whales, fish and other sea creatures use these animals as a main food source. Whales often consume large amounts of krill daily and because they are so abundant, then it is always a renewable source.

Krill oil extracted from these crustaceans contains important omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are typically found in fish oils. Antioxidants, Vitamin A and Vitamin E are all contained in krill oil. PCBs and other heavy metals are non existent in the pristine waters of the Arctic.

It should be noted that if you have known allergic reactions to shellfish then you should not take this oil. The same goes if you have a known blood coagulation disorder, or are taking anticoagulants. The use of the oil is safe and there are no detrimental side effects that have been attributed with its use. The oil is stable and will last up to 2 years. You should also ensure that it is not stored in the refrigerator or freezer. At temperatures higher than 100 degrees or lower than 50, the oil loses its effectiveness as the phospholipids contained in the oil are reduced.

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