Saturday, June 23, 2012

Calamari Oil? It's the "new" fish oil.

Benefits of Omega 3

Why should you supplement with omega 3s? It is widely recognized that modern diets are unbalanced between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Taking omega 3 supplements can help to improve this ratio. In fact, higher omega 3 intakes have been associated with a reduced risk of several chronic conditions, such a cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. Omega 3s are essential for proper brain development and they exert strong anti-inflammatory actions. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis report that omega 3 supplements provide symptomatic relief and improved mobility.

There are two critical omega-3 fatty acids, (eicosapentaenoic acid, called EPA and docosahexaenoic or DHA), that the body needs.  EPA and DHA are the building blocks for hormones that control immune function, blood clotting, and cell growth as well as components of cell membranes.

The body also constructs hormones from omega 6 fatty acids. In general, hormones derived from the two classes (omega 3 and 6) of essential fatty acids have opposite effects. Those from omega-6 fatty acids tend to increase inflammation (an important component of the immune response), blood clotting, and cell proliferation, while those from omega-3 fatty acids decrease those functions. Both families of hormones must be in balance to maintain optimum health.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 Food Sources

Omega 3 and omega 6 are types of essential fatty acids - meaning we cannot make them on our own and have to obtain them from our diet. Both are polyunsaturated fatty acids that differ from each other in their chemical structure. In modern diets, there are few sources of omega 3 fatty acids, mainly the fat of cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, black cod, and bluefish.

Vegetarian sources, such as walnuts and flaxseeds contain a precursor omega 3 (alpha-linolenic acid called ALA) that the body must convert to EPA and DHA.

By contrast, sources of omega 6 fatty acids are numerous in modern diets. They are found in seeds and nuts, and the oils extracted from them. Refined vegetable oils, such as soy oil, are used in most of the snack foods, cookies, crackers, and sweets in the SAD (Standard American Diet) as well as in fast food. Soybean oil alone is now so ubiquitous in fast foods and processed foods that an astounding 20% of the calories in the American diet are estimated to come from this single source!

What is Calamari Omega 3?

Calamari omega 3 is the newest omega 3 supplement on the market. Traditionally, omega 3 supplements have been obtained from flaxseeds, fish liver oil, fish oil, krill oil and algae oil. Calamari omega 3 supplements are obtained from the calamari – also known as squid. The squid is a relative of the octopus and is a popular food in the Mediterranean and in Asian countries.

Advantages of Calamari Omega 3

From a nutritional point of view, the main advantage of calamari oil compared to other omega 3 supplements is the fact that it is the most concentrated source of DHA. There are three main types of omega 3: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). The most potent is DHA, followed by EPA, followed by ALA. Terrestrial (land) food sources such as flaxseed contain ALA while marine sources such as fish oils contain EPA and DHA. However fish oils typically contain more EPA than DHA. On the other hand, calamari oil is richer in DHA than EPA.  New research suggests DHA is the most critical component of omega 3 for your heart, brain, eyes and more.

Another advantage of calamari omega 3 is that calamari have a short life cycle (about 450 days) and therefore they are not likely to accumulate toxins in their bodies. On the other hand, some fish live for several years and will be more prone to accumulate contaminants such as mercury, PCB and toxins.

Yet another advantage of calamari omega 3 is that they are more environmentally friendly than a number of fish oils. This is because they are a very sustainable source (they have been certified as sustainable by Friend of The Sea), their fishing produces virtually no by-catch and it does not damage the ocean floor.

For more information on calamari oil:


Sources:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400149/balancing-omega-3-and-omega-6.html
http://manuelatt.hubpages.com/hub/Calamari-Omega-3
http://www.connealymd.com/
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm

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