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Benefits of Fish Oil for Fitness and Health
When the words oils and fats are mentioned, health-conscious
individuals tend to run for cover. What they fail to realize is
that there are good fats and bad fats. Complete avoidance of intake
of oils and fats would actually be detrimental – rather than beneficial
– to their health.
The Truth about Fish Oil
Essential fatty acids must always be part of our daily diet – without
them, we take one step closer to our deaths. Essential fatty acids
are divided into two families: omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAS.
Although there are only very slight differences
to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each
other, studies have revealed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs
can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good
news, however, is that the opposite is true for omega-3 EFAs. Omega-6
EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while omega-3 EFAs can be found
in fish oils among other foods.
Omega-6 vs. Omega-3
Physicians and scientists are of the same opinion that the cause
behind increasing cases of heart disease, hypertension or high blood
pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain kinds of
cancer is none other than an imbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6
EFAs.
As mentioned earlier on, omega-6 EFAs can be found
in vegetable oils. This includes but is not limited to corn oil
and soy oil, both of which contains high amounts of linoleic acid.
Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can be found also in marine plankton
and walnut and flaxseed oils. It should be significant to take note
that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed
to provide many benefits to the human body. In the early 1970’s,
a study on Greenland Eskimos have revealed that one of the major
reasons why they rarely suffer from heart diseases is because of
their high-fat diet (mainly composed of fish).
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The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are
also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression
and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food have also
proven to be useful in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis,
diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Other Benefits of Fish Oil
There are a lot more illnesses and situations in which intake of
fish oil has proven to be significantly beneficial.
Making the Heart Healthier
The heart is inarguably one of the most important parts of our body
and having an unhealthy heart means having to suffer a rather limited
lifespan. Naturally, it’s in our best interests to keep our hearts
happy and healthy and one way of doing that is eating food that
contains fish oil.
In Athens, Greece, for instance, a study was made
to show if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet
and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those
who ate more fish than the others had a lower level of C-reactive
protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used to measure
likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These benefits remained
even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were
taken into account.
Fish to Become Thin
In Perth, Australia, a study had revealed that fish consumption
can be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the
UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss
diet which includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be
quite effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose
tolerance.
Fish Oil to Combat Asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be
perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to
learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil
for asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that approximately
20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another
at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals
a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason
behind it.
Researchers of UW (University of Wyoming) conducted
a study by subjecting a number of children to a high-fish diet while
others continued with their regular diet. Results revealed that
the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks
and were able to breathe more easily as well.
Consult Your Nutritionist Now
Nothing is good when consumed or used excessively but complete avoidance
of a particular food type is equally harmful as well. Ask your nutritionist
for the right amount of fish intake for your age and health status.
The Wondrous Benefits of Soy Protein
Soy protein is emerging as one of the great alternative protein
sources for human consumption. Health experts are all excited about
how soy protein can change the face of nutrition. What’s all the
rage? Here are some great reasons to get with soy protein.
Soy Protein is Plant Protein
Soy beans contain complete protein and have one of the best protein
digestibilities among all protein sources. Soy beans also contain
little or no fat and have virtually no cholesterol. Lactose intolerant
ones will be pleased to know that soy beans contain no lactose.
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Being a plant protein, soy is free from steroids and antibiotics
animal protein contains. It is also free from the parasites that
contaminate some of these products. They also contain none of the
diseases one can contract from mean sources such as Mad Cow Disease,
and Foot and Mouth Disease.
Vegetarians love this bean as it provides a comparable – if not
better – source of protein as compared to its animal counterpart.
It provides a protein that is better and easier to digest and is
comparable to most protein supplements.
Soy Beans are Very Versatile
Soy beans are very versatile. Various cuisines, especially Asian
ones recognize the value of the humble soy bean. A variety of naturally
yummy delicacies are all soy based: tofu, soy pudding, Soya milk,
and meat substitutes – not to mention condiments such as soy sauce,
and hoi sin sauce.
To counter the problem of world hunger, the growing of soybeans
has been suggested. Not only are soybeans easy to grow and harvest,
they will grow pretty much anywhere and produces much in a little
time. There have been farmers reported to have replaced their entire
crop line with soy bean plants. These hardy little plants produce
much per harvest, and, as said earlier, can grow in even the most
trying terrain.
The Great Substitute
Soy is low in fat and can be used to substitute most protein sources.
When cooking, you may use soy substitutes instead of flour for a
low fat alternative. This makes it a great protein source for those
that are looking to lose weight without compromising their protein
requirements.
Bodybuilders are considering how this can make their jobs a lot
easier. Without the fat and with all the protein goodness – easily
digestible at that – bodybuilding has just received a great blessing
of a food.
Although these bodybuilders are currently debating how soy can
be a help to bodybuilders, it doesn’t take away anything from what
soy can contribute to the overall health of a person.
It is very advisable to stick to natural protein rather than processes
protein if possible, as processed foods typically have some risk
attached to them. The best use of this food can be attributed to
how it perfectly fits into anyone’s low-fat, high-protein diet.
Soy products can be incorporated into shakes and drinks. And being
lactose-free, lactose intolerant people will still be able to get
their milkshake fix without having to suffer so.
Soy products are also a great source of other nutrients such as
saponins, isoflavones, and phytosterol. Saponins help support a
healthy immune system. It also combines with cholesterol to avoid
increased absorption of cholesterol in the body. Phytosterols also
help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body in the same
way saponins do.
Isoflavones are powerful antioxidants and prevent the effects of
free radicals in the body. They prevent many of the signs of aging
and have been known to help prevent cancer. This alone makes soy
a miracle protein source in its own right.
Isoflavones, along with vitamins A,C, and E are among the front
liners in the fight against such disease – they also counter the
effects of pollution, and stress.
How Much is Too Much
Unlike other protein sources, it is pretty safe to consume a wide
amount of soy products. While allergies to soy products exist, cases
are few and far between. When changing to a soy diet, however, it
would be best to consult your physician or your nutritionist. Ask
specifically if the soy interferes with any prescription drugs you
are taking.
Soy can be great blessing for people who are looking for a great
source of protein that does not entail the side effects of most
of the other sources. It would be advisable for one to explore how
it can improve one’s diet.