(17-02-11) Obtain cellular health with Omega 3 Fatty Acids

by Dr. David Jockers, citizen journalist


(NaturalNews) Numerous studies are linking the intake of omega-3 oils with
improvements in cognitive function, visual acuity, and overall brain
development. Our western culture has introduced processed vegetable oils and
man-made fats that are inflaming and retard normal brain growth. Increasing
high quality, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is a critical staple
to supporting healthy brain function.

There are four distinct types of omega-3 fats that are differentiated based on
the number of carbon atoms (C) they contain along with the number of double
bonds (DB) they hold.

ALA: 18 C & 3 DB: Found in green plants, flax, chia, hemp, pumpkin seeds &
walnuts
DPA: 20 C & 4 DB: Found in mother's milk, algae, fish & krill oil & grass-fed
meat products
EPA: 20 C & 5 DB: Found in mother's milk, algae, fish & krill oil & grass-fed
meat products
DHA: 22 C & 6 DB: Found in mother's milk, algae, fish & krill oil & grass-fed
meat products

The more double bonds within the structure the more fluid the fatty acid
becomes. This is important because fatty acids are used to structure the
membrane of every one of the 75 trillion cells within our body. A healthy cell
membrane consists of very solid structures (saturated fats & cholesterol) and
very fluid structures (polyunsaturated fats).

The fluid aspect of the cell is essential for the mobility and function of
embedded protein receptors, diffusion of proteins and other molecules laterally
across the membrane for signaling reactions, and proper separation of membranes
during cell division. These fluid based fats are also very fragile and highly
vulnerable to oxidative stress and heat.

The cell membranes within the brain, spinal cord, & nervous system are
especially dependent upon fluid based membranes for proper signaling and
neurotransmitter dynamics. EPA & DHA with 5 and 6 double bonds are very
critical players in healthy nervous system function. The brain is made up of
60% fat and 10-15% of that is DHA.

Optimal brain structure depends upon a healthy array of saturated fat and
cholesterol on the membrane to hold the fluid based fats tight at the corners.
Then a load of EPA & DHA in-between the solid structures give it a great level
of fluid mobility. A diet that is deficient in saturated fat, EPA, & DHA is
very dangerous for the nervous system.

The body can and must convert ALA & DPA into the brain enhancing nutrients EPA
& DHA if they are to be of any significant use in the body. This process
depends upon the enzymatic systems within our liver. If we have any sort of
liver toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic diseases or infections, our
ability to effectively convert ALA into EPA & DHA will be significantly
hampered. Because of the fragile aspect of essential fats, unhealthy
individuals should always begin their healing process with a diet rich in
phytonutrient anti-oxidants, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins among other
things. A whole-food multi-vitamin or supergreens powder is also highly
advisable at this time. After 2 weeks of introducing heavy loads of anti-
oxidants into the system it is then time to begin introducing EPA & DHA in the
form of purified fish oils.

American culture takes in the majority of its fat in the form of processed
vegetable oils and grain-fed meat products. These sources are very scarce in
quality omega-3 fats and therefore many are deficient in the necessary EPA &
DHA for optimal brain development. Begin supporting your nervous system
appropriately with an anti-oxidant rich diet and purified EPA & DHA
supplementation.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeov...
http://www.omega3-drho.com/Omega3Fa...
http://www.omega3forchildren.co.uk/...

About the author
Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He
is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized
nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more
information go to www.exodushc.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you
go to www.maximizedliving.com

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