Oh my, omegas
Omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet, but omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are one of the first nutrients you should think about when you're looking to improve your health. And new research shows they are even more beneficial than we knew.
Omega-3s (ALA, EPA, DHA) are polyunsaturated fats that are part of the membranes around every cell in your body and are packed into the retina, brain and sperm cells. They're important for fighting inflammation and helping your blood vessels, immune system and hormones function properly. Omega-6s (LA, ARA, GLA, CLA) are important for brain function, healthy skin and hair, strong bones and regulation of metabolism and reproductive systems.
And, it turns out, both fats help prevent cancer. A study in the International Journal of Cancer found that folks with higher levels of omega-3s had lower rates of colon, stomach and lung cancer. Those with high omega-6 levels had reduced rates of 14 different cancers, including brain, malignant melanoma and bladder.
Americans ingest about 10 times more omega-6s than omega-3s, mostly from excess vegetable corn, soybean, and safflower oil in processed foods -- and that's out of balance. A smart move is to up your intake of omega-3s substantially by eating ALA-rich avocados, chia seeds, ground flax and EPA -- and DHA-rich salmon and other fish. If you take a supplement, make it 1,100 milligrams of a combo of EPA and DHA. For more info, check out "Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids" and "How to Get More Omega-3 in Your Diet" at iHerb.com/blog.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2024 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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