Category: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s Support Eye Health

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) already supports the assertion that omega-3 in the form of ALA aids cognitive and eye function and may soon be extending this designation to DHA.  Products will be able to make this claim on their packaging.
Source: nutraingredients

DHA has been documented to help those who suffer from retinitis pigmentosa.

Omega-3 Delivery

Spanish researchers have developed a new way to deliver omega-3 nutrients in more stable capsule form. The new process uses “electrosprayed zein encapsulation.”  It promises to keep omega-3 fatty acid DHA from oxidizing too quickly, a process that leads to foul odors, tastes, and a break down of the beneficial properties.  The traditional animal derived gelatin capsules could be replaced with zein, a type of protein found in maize.

Source: Journal of Food Science

Visit our website to learn about how essential fatty acids are vital to vision health.

Walnuts slow prostate cancer growth

A new study suggests that mice with prostate tumors should say “nuts to cancer.” Paul Davis of the University of California, Davis, hopes follow-up data by his team and others will one day justify men saying the same.

A 2010 study indicates that mice who have cancer of the prostate benefit from increased nuts in their diet.  Researchers are doing follow-up studies to see whether the benefit may extend to men.

Most nuts in reasonable amounts can benefit the heart. But among walnuts’ special attributes were their ability to fight inflammation, an underlying cause of much heart disease, and to allow vessels to dilate as needed.

A major factor for many cancers is the presence of Inflammation in the body.  The researchers have determined that walnuts can effect endothelin production.  Endothelin is a protein that is related to blood pressure control and also to helping  regulate prostate growth.

In walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and other trace elements, possibly even the protein content, appear to be slowing prostate tumor growth.

Researchers: Paul Davis and colleagues, U. California at Davis, CA.

Australian scientists discover Omega-3 diet can help prevent Alzheimers

Australian scientists at Melbourne’s Deakin University confirm a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can protect the brain from developing Alzheimers disease.

Reseachers have substantiated earlier research that there appeared to be a lower risk of neurodegenerative conditions in those people who consume plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids.  Their research also determined that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help individuals from developing the devastating brain condition, Alzheimers disease.

Essential fatty acids help regulate the natural levels of zinc in the brain.  In some people zinc levels become elevated which can prove toxic  according to Deakin University project leader and cellular biologist Professor Leigh Ackland.

Omega-3 fatty acids contain DHA, EPA & alpha linoleic acid.  The researchers found that when the DHA level in brain nerve cells drops, zinc levels rise.

Editor’s Note: DHA is found most commonly in cold water fatty fish while a vegetarian source can be derived from seaweed.

Researchers: Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia

Two foods to completely avoid

Avoid trans fats, found largely in commercially prepared baked and fried foods, These fats not only raise “bad” LDL cholesterol, but also lower levels of heart-healthy HDL cholesterol. High trans-fat intake has been linked to coronary heart disease, in which fatty plaques build up in the heart arteries, sometimes leading to a heart attack.

The food industry has been widely replacing trans fats with interesterified fat, another unnatural fat to completely avoid.

The interesterification process hardens fat, similar to the hydrogenation process, but without producing oils that contain trans fats. The end product, like trans fat, is less likely to go rancid and is stable enough to use to fry foods.

Avoid trans fats, found largely in commercially prepared baked and fried foods, These fats not only raise “bad” LDL cholesterol, but also lower levels of heart-healthy HDL cholesterol.  High trans-fat intake has been linked to coronary heart disease, in which fatty plaques build up in the heart arteries, sometimes leading to a heart attack.

The food industry has been widely replacing trans fats with interesterified fat, another unnatural fat to completely avoid.

The interesterification process hardens fat, similar to the hydrogenation process, but without producing oils that contain trans fats. The end product, like trans fat, is less likely to go rancid and is stable enough to use to fry foods.

However, like hydrogenation which generates unnatural trans fats, interesterification also produces molecules that do not exist in nature.

Studies show that interesterified fat raises your blood glucose and depresses insulin production. These conditions are common precursors to diabetes, and can present an even more immediate danger if you already have the disease (Nutrition & Metabolism 2007, 4:3doi:10.1186/1743-7075-4-3)

Editor’s Note: Stay with healthy fats such as olive oil, and even saturated fats in moderation such as butter or coconut oil.

To round out your healthy fat intake, be sure to eat raw fats, such as those from avocados, raw dairy products, and olive oil, and also take a high-quality source of animal-based omega-3 fat, or if vegetarian, supplement with Krill oil.

EPA and DHA needed for optimal nervous system function

A report appearing in the December 2009 issue of the American
Psychological Association journal Behavioral Neuroscience revealed
that diets that fail to provide enough of the omega-3 fatty acids
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may
negatively affect the nervous system.

A report appearing in the December 2009 issue of the American
Psychological Association journal Behavioral Neuroscience revealed
that diets that fail to provide enough of the omega-3 fatty acids
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may
negatively affect the nervous system. The finding could impact
the understanding of information-processing deficits that occur
in schizophrenia, bipolar disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Huntington’s
disease and other nervous system disorders.

Editor’s Note: Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the super nutrients that help protect the heart, eyes, brain and are used by every cell in the body. For more information on eye health and omega-3 fatty acids, see the “Research” section at Natural Eye Care Research

Omega-3 and vitamin D linked to 40% reduced risk of macular degeneration

Study shows that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3 rich fish could slash the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 40 per cent.

Study shows that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3 rich fish could slash the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 40 per cent.

This study adds further support for increasing the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids with the finding that arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6 fatty acid) is associated with an increased risk of AMD.

Ref: “Association Between Vitamin D and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 Through 1994”

Authors: N. Parekh, R.J. Chappell, A.E. Millen, D.M. Albert, J.A. Mares

Archives of Ophthalmology

May 125, 2007 Volume 125, Pages 671-679

See more related information on macular degeneration.

Eat Fish to Fight Macular Degeneration

A new study provides further evidence that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
A NIH-funded study group led by Dr. Chi-Chao Chan at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, examined the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on a mouse model of AMD. Mice that were given a diet including high levels of omega-3 fatty acids showed slower retinal lesion progression, with improvement in some lesions.

Study authors suggest that the results “further provide the scientific basis for the application of omega-3 fatty acids and their biologically active derivatives in the prevention and treatment of AMD.”

Excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids include cold water oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines.

SOURCE: Tuo J, et al: A high omega-3 fatty acid diet reduces retinal lesions in a murine model of macular degeneration, Am J Pathol 2009 175: 799-807.

Macular Degeneration and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Study found that reducing trans-fats and increasing consumption of fish, nuts, olive oil and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids could significantly lower the risk for Macular Degeneration.

The leading cause of blindness in people over 60 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A recent Australian study called the Blue Mountain Eye Study examined about 2500 participants over a 5 and 10 year period.

The study found that reducing trans-fats and increasing consumption of fish, nuts, olive oil and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids could significantly lower the risk for AMD. It may be that healthy fatty acid prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and reduces inflammation, blood vessel formation and oxygen-related cell damage in the retina, helping to protect the eyes.

For more information on nutrition and macular degeneration and related research studies, go to Natural Eye Care for Macular Degeneration

AREDS Plus Omega-3 for Macular Degeneration (AMD)

A compilation study from Tufts University, University of Wisconsin, and the EMMES Corporation researched the effects of taking the AREDS supplement plus omega-3 and reducing dGI (dietary glycemic index) on AMD (age-related macular degeneration). dGI is a numerical index given to a carbohydrate-rich food that is based on the average increase in blood glucose levels occurring after the food is eaten.

The trial spanned 8 years and studied 3,000 eligible AREDS AMD trial participants.

Looking at the risk of advanced AMD, the study found that the AREDS supplement plus higher intakes of omega-3 (DHA and EPA), and reducing dietary glycemic index (dGI) helped reduce progression of the disease.

See more information on nutrition and macular degeneration and related research studies.

GLA Improves Comfort in Contact Lens-Related Dry Eye

A dry eye study, shows that a group using GLA showed a significant improvement in the specific symptom of “dryness” at 3 and 6 months (p <0.01) as well as significant improvement in overall lens comfort at 6 months (p<0.01). Tear meniscus height was increased in the GLA group at 6 months relative to baseline (p<0.01), although all other objective signs were unchanged

GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid made in the human body from linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid found in vegetable oils and egg yolks. GLA has anti-inflammatory properties and can also be found in oils derived from black currant seeds and the evening primrose plant.

Several small trials testing GLA and linoleic (LA) oil in dry eye syndrome with an inflammatory component report reduced ocular surface inflammation and symptom improvement.

Related Studies:
1. Barabino, M et al. Systemic linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid therapy in dry eye syndrome with an inflammatory component. Cornea 22:97–101, 2003.
2. Aragona P, et al. Systemic omega-6 essential fatty acid treatment and PGE1 tear content in Sjogren’s syndrome patients. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 46:4474–9, 2005
3. Kokke KH, et al. Oral omega-6 essential fatty acid treatment in contact lens associated dry eye. Contact Lens Anterior Eye 31:141-6, 2008.
4. Macri A, et al. Effect of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid on tear production, tear clearance and on the ocular surface after photorefractive keratectomy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 241: 561-6, 2003.

For more information on dry eyes and natural ways this eye condition can be helped, go to Natural Eye Care
 Eye Conditions section and click on Dry Eyes.