by Royce Bailey M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.C.

Why So Much Fuss About Omega’s

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) serve as building blocks of nerve cells and cell membranes. Without friendly fats, dangerous saturated fats will replace EFAs in the cell’s membrane coat. This can cause reduced membrane fluidity and efficiency. This then is the start of premature aging and disease development.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)/Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

EPA/DHA blood levels (less than 1.2% vs. greater than 2.6 % of total fatty acids) correlated with the cardio-protective effect of Omega-3s. The recommended omega-3s to achieve high blood levels is 1400mg EPA and 1000mg DHA.

DHA is derived from marine sources and algae or a break down of alpha linolenic acid-ALA to the active EPA/DHA.

Omega-3 Has Anti-inflammatory Effects

Thousands of studies are clear that we don’t get enough Omega-3 in our diet. It’s benefits include a strong anti-inflammatory effect that inhibits prostaglandin E2 (PE2). PE2 contributes to blood vessel inflammation and as been implicated in the formation of vulnerable arterial plaques that may rupture and cause death. Others anti-inflammatory processes which may be helped include: arthritis, cancer, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, psoriasis, cardiac dysrrhythmias (atrial and ventricular), PMS and depression to name a few.

Eat freshly ground flax seed two tablespoons full each day. Don’t grind a couple of days worth at once, because the oil is so unstable it will be rancid in a couple of hours if not readily consumed, even if kept in the refrigerator. Omega-3 are also found in walnuts, pecans, raw seeds, but there is not much omega-3 in almonds.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer incidence in laboratory rats decreased by 30 % when supplemented with DHA. DHA supplements increased the BRCA1 protein produced by a major tumor suppressor gene, by 60%. Omega-3 activates a gene that confers breast cancer protection. This supports the literature observation that high omega-3 intake may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Mood And Brain Volume

Higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with greater volume in areas of the brain related to mood and behavior. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were used to measure gray matter volume in the brain’s in 55 adults. Subjects with higher omega-3 intake had greater gray matter volume in areas of their brains associated with emotional arousal and regulation. These same areas are reduced in volume in people with mood disorders, such as major depressive disorders.

Danger Of Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed, a source of omega-3 fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid-ALA) and lignan, has been shown to inhibit melanoma, breast cancer and prostate cancer growth. Two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed a day decreased free testosterone and cholesterol levels, by day 21-43. Low grade prostate disease had a decreased cell proliferation in the flaxseed groups, but a recent study of 47,000 men showed that flaxseed oil may worsen advanced prostate cancer. The reason was high levels of ALA did not convert to the beneficial EPA/DHA omega-3. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are part of the omega-3 family and found in cold water fish. The enzyme delta six desaturase converts ALA to EPA/DHA, but delta six desaturase is severely inhibited by elevated insulin levels. Thus, anyone: with diabetes type 2, that is over weight, having high cholesterol or high blood pressure can have elevated insulin levels and should not take flax seed oil for their cancer!

References:

Jourdan,ML, “Increased BRCA1 Protein In Mammary Tumours Of Rats Fed Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids,” Oncol Rep, Apr 2007;17(4):713-9.

Www.upmc.com/communications.NewsBureau/NewsRelaeseArchives/2007/March/Omega3improvesmood.htm.

Am J Clin Nutr, July 2004;80(1):204-216.