Fish Oil and Cholesterol: How Omega 3 Can Reduce Bad Blood Fats

by Therese Samson

The Arctic-dwelling Inuit can teach us much about fish oil and cholesterol. Did you know that scientists attribute the low rates of heart disease of the Inuit to their diet of fatty fish?

To understand more about fish oil and cholesterol we first need to understand about omega 3 fatty acids.

The two main omega 3s are DHA and EPA. DHA is taken up more readily by the brain than any other fatty acid and it is difficult for the body to manufacture it for itself. Your body can, however, manufacture EPA from DHA. So ideally we want both substances available in generous quantities to receive the full health benefits.

One of the greatest sources of the omega 3 fatty acids is fish oil, which comes from species such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines.

What do fatty acids have to do with cholesterol? Well, a number of clinical studies have shown that DHA and EPA can lower the levels of small, dense LDL particles. LDL is known as the 'bad cholesterol' and these particles are associated with heart disease.

However, omega 3s also increase the levels of HDL (the 'good cholesterol') and so improve general heart health.

In addition, research has shown that DHA and EPA lower blood triglycerides (fats), which are known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The benefits of omega 3 fatty acids are now so well known that the American Heart Association recommends that everybody eat fish at least twice a week and that people at high risk of heart disease consider either a daily serving or a fish oil supplement.

Unfortunately, the waterways where many of the fatty fish species live can be contaminated with toxins and heavy metals. The disadvantages of eating a lot of these species could outweigh the benefits gained. A safer source is the New Zealand fish, hoki, which is harvested from the clean Southern Ocean.

Of course, it's not easy to eat large quantities of hoki, even if you live in New Zealand! So a better way to get your daily dose is by using supplements that have been made from this uncontaminated species.

So it's easy for us nowadays to put the Inuit lessons about fish oil and cholesterol into daily use. To find out more about the many health benefits of fish oil supplements and the best ones to buy, visit my website today.

About the Author
Therese Samson promotes natural approaches to health and well-being for the whole family and shares information about fish oil and cholesterol and the quality products she uses herself on her website.

Find out about the many ways omega 3 fish oil can improve heart, brain and skin health at Therese's website, http://www.my-omega-3.com

Cinnamon And Diabetes

by John Richmond

Cinnamon has been utilized for centuries by numerous different civilizations as a medicine for treating different ailments. Several studies have suggested that cinnamon could improve blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people suffering with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon and diabetes might seem like an odd union because when we think of cinnamon we commonly think of things we had better be avoiding like fattening deserts.

Researchers have thought for years that spices could assist in treating diabetes. Research has indicated that cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, and turmeric have each displayed excellent results in advancing the action of insulin in the body.

Some might think that this is a myth based on old beliefs or a hearsay spread by the alternative health advocates. However, there is in fact an increasing quantity of research data regarding the positive effects of cinnamomum cassia, the more common type of cinnamon found in the U.S.A..

Although it has been established to be promising in the control of blood sugar, people with type 2, (non-insulin dependant diabetes) seem to be the lone beneficiaries. Those with type 1 (insulin dependant diabetes) seem to have experienced no actual benefit.

Type 2 diabetes generally develops in middle-age and results in the early demise of a hundred million people worldwide every year and has ravaging affects on millions of additional sufferers like heart disease, stroke and blindness.

It is significant to note that cinnamon will not cure your diabetes. It might however give a reduction in the amount of insulin you take. It could also help in the prevention of the disease.

Consult with you doctor or dietician prior to adding cinnamon to your dieting. If suggested, employ it just as recommended. Just a modest, daily amount should be necessary and can be added to foods and drinks you already consume. Some use the common powder or cinnamon stick. Cinnamon tablets are obtainable as well, and may be bought in stores or the internet.

Although cinnamon and diabetes might at first appear like an odd couple, it might be helpful to look into if you have type 2 diabetes.

About the Author
For more great info about cinnamon and diabetes and to discover how to beat diabetes instead of just treating it, go to FixMyDiabetes.com

The Danger of Obesity - More than just Heart Diseases

by JY Ooi

Nowadays, more and more people are obese due to unhealthy meal and lack of exercise. With the delicious food out there, you might easily get tempted to eat tasty, fried foods regularly, causing you fat and flabby. Body fat is dangerous to our health but many people still do not know the way to burn their fat effectively. Simply eat less does not help to eliminate body fat because our body will eventually burn less fat by reducing the body metabolism. The correct way is to have a correct diet and regular exercise which help to build the body muscles and improve the metabolism rate.

Recent finding about visceral fat seems to be more dangerous and not noticed by most of the people. Visceral fat accumulates deep inside the body, surrounding the organs which are more dangerous than subcutaneous fat that stays under the skin. The fat is inside the body pushing the muscles and skin. Visceral fats might be pressing the organs causing damaged to the organs and may cause high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases and Type II Diabetes. Visceral Fats is usually caused by overeating and lack of exercise. If you intake fatty food regularly that is more than the calories your body burns each day, the excess fat will be stored in your body. The way to reduce Visceral Fat is exercise and change in the diet. Modest exercise equivalent to brisk 30 minute walk six times a week can maintain the level of visceral fat. More exercise can even reduce the Visceral Fat level. Change in the diet is absolutely necessary to reduce the intake of the fat. Having dieted, which is higher in protein and lower in fat, together with some exercise will help to break down and burn the visceral fat, building muscle.

Besides, take more fiber especially soluble fiber (food such as oat bran, beans, peas, rice brand, and citrus fruits) which could help to remove a little cholesterol before it gets to the blood stream. 20 grams of fiber a day is necessary for good health. Fiber is colon friendly which it helps cleansing our colon and improve the bowel movement. By cleansing the colon, you have managed to cleanse your body and improve metabolic rate.

Burn The Fat Feed The Muscle is one of the best programs, I've come across that combines extensive nutritional techniques with quality exercise programs to help you burn body fats fast. Through this program, you will be able to understand your body, learning to set up a nutritious meal plan and set up a training program (weight training and cardiovascular training).

Just starving or eat low carbohydrate food does not guarantee weight loss, but it might reduce body muscles and metabolic rate. A suitable weight management program must include balance meal and proper ways to burn fats and build muscles.

About the Author
I am JY. I have been involved actively in health care business for 2 years and now currently as a Weight Management consultant helping people regain a healthy body. Visit http://www.squidoo.com/fat-loss-right-approach for more information about fat loss and learn the correct way to burn fats.