Nutrition and Chinese Herbs
Essential Fatty Acids
EFA's are the "good" fats that play a major role in health and vitality. These are considered "essential fats" because they are required for good health but cannot be produced by our bodies, therefore must be consumed through our foods or supplementation. Research has determined that in order to prevent deficiency and foster optimal health, EFA's must be consumed daily. Proper cellular function requires a balanced intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fats. Unfortunately, with the overabundance of Omega-6 intake, due to overprocessed and refined foods and oils in our Western diet, we have dramatically upset this delicate balance. Excess Omega-6 fats, and a relative deficiency of Omega-3 fats, have been linked to such chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and depression.
The most beneficial components found in EFA's Omega-3 fats are EPA and DHA, and a unique and beneficial Omega-6 fat component, GLA. EPA and DHA, and are found in cold water fish such as sardines, anchovies, salmon, and herring, while GLA is found in borage and evening primrose oils.
EPA Benefits
EPA improves heart health and immune function, and is beneficial for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. Research through the American Heart Association has shown that fish oil reduces triglycerides, improves circulation, manages blood pressure, supports the body's anti-inflammatory response, and may prevent heart attacks. The AHA has published recommendations for the consumption of Omega-3's and cardiovascular disease
DHA Benefits
DHA is uniquely important to nerve and brain cells. DHA increases membrane fluidity, neurotransmitter activity, and improves learning, memory, and cognition. Infants require DHA for proper brain, eye, and central nervous system development. Low intake of DHA has been linked to dementia, depression, bipolar disorder and suicide risk. Regular fish oil consumption has been shown, and recommended by the American Psychiatric Association, to effectively reduce depression, anger, aggression, and anxiety.
DHA is essential during pregnancy and breast-feeding. It is required for eye, brain and nervous and immune system during fetal development and into the first few years of life. Research shows that mothers who take DHA have healthier deliveries, and their children have higher academic achievement at age four. And there is more good news for mom; taking fish oil may reduce postpartum depression.
GLA Benefits
All EFA's are good for the skin, but GLA in particular supports optimal skin health. GLA smooths and protects the skin, and reduces eczema and other inlammatory skin eruptions. For decades, GLA has been used by women to alleviate premenstrual and menopausal symptoms and is also helpful for arthritis. GLA works more effectively when taken with EPA and DHA from fish oil.
Children and EPA, DHA, & GLA
Fish oil combined with GLA has been shown to improve behavior, focus, and learning in children. Children with Attention Deficit disorder (ADD) have lower levels of Omega-3's and supplementing with fish oil + GLA has been shown to help them as well as children with functional and social problems. In addition, research has shown that a blend of these EFA's can improve language and learning skills in children with autistic spectrum disorders. Since most children do not regularly consume Omega-3 rich foods such as fish, supplementating with fish oil is safe and effective way to improve overall health and contribute to your child's mental, social, and physical well-being.
For more information, please click on the above picture or this link to be directed to www.nordicnaturals.com
Greens First
Adding GreensFirst to your diet may help:
Boost Energy Promote a Healthy Heart
Improve Digestion Boost the Immune System
Support Normal Blood Sugar Alkalize and Balance pH
Fight Aging Promote Normal Cholesterol
Assist Weight Management
No Sugar Added! No Wheat, Dairy, MSG, Artificial Sweeteners or Preservatives!
Click on this picture to find out more information and to order online, also available at WellBody at a discounted price.
--Only 30 calories and 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
--Mixes easily without a blender.
--Contains 49 super foods, extracts and concentrates including super greens, vegetables, fruits, probiotics, soluble and insoluble fibers, herbs, spices, natural flavonoids, enzymes and lecithin.
--Each 9.4 gram scoop mixed with 6 to 8 oz. of water is proven to have the antioxidant power of 10 plus servings of fruit and vegetables.
--Contains Certified Organic Fruits and Vegetables.
Here's What the Experts Say:
Eating fruits and vegetables, particularly dark green leafy vegetables, appears to have a protective effect against coronary heart disease. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2001, Vol 134, No 12, pp 1106-1114
Men and women whose diets were high in fruits and vegetables were shown to have lower rates of angina, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, heart attack, kidney stones, and peptic ulcers. Epidemiology, 1998, Vol 9, No 2, p 208
Green barley juice contains 13 times more carotene than carrots, 55 times more vitamin C than apples, and 5 times more iron than spinach. “Young barley grass is one of the most nutritionally balanced foods in nature.”
Yoshihide Hagiwara, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Toxicology, UC Davis
Spirulina increased antibody responses and the activity of natural killer cells, which destroy infected and cancerous cells in the body. UC Davis Health System, Weekly Update, Dec., 2000, pp 1-2
Chlorella is the most significant breakthrough I’ve seen in over 25 years! There is nothing better for finally helping you feel the way you want to feel.
Michael Rosenbaum, M.D., Director of Orthomolecular Health Medical Society
We recommend trying lecithin for reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, fatty liver, and to improve mild memory impairment.
D.W. Johnson, Ph.D.; D.J. Molker, Ph.D., Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of England
Green tea has been demonstrated to protect against chronic gastritis and stomach cancer.
International Journal of Cancer, 2001, Vol 92, No 4, pp 600-604
Resveratrol was able to inhibit the initiation and promotion of tumors, and cause pre cancerous cells to return to normal.
Science Journal, 1997, Vol 275, No 5297, pp 218-220
“... the current evidence collectively demonstrates that fruit and vegetable intake is associated with improved health, reduced risk of major diseases, and possible delayed onset of age related indicators.”
Diane Hyson, Ph.D., M.S., R.D. The Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables: A Scientific Overview for Health Professionals