November 22 2008
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Keeping Your Heart and Your Body Healthy Print E-mail



Keeping Your Heart and Your Body Healthy

If there is one supplement I recommend that everyone takes daily, it is Fish Oil (omega-3 fatty acids). Why? Because without a doubt, this supplement has been shown to have far-reaching benefits for achieving good health and better living. This small “fishy” gel cap or oil can help you with joint issues, eye issues and most importantly heart health.

Can Fish Oil Make Me See Better?

Well it can’t make you see better, but it can keep your eyes strong and help in the prevention of macular degeneration and cataracts. It is also terrific for people who suffer from chronic dry eyes or simply have seasonal issues. Since we can’t grab a can of oil and
put it on our joints, supplementing with
foods or gel caps is the next best thing.
And here’s something to think about: age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of age-related vision loss among seniors, but those who ate fish at least twice weekly were almost half as likely to have AMD.

Have A Healthy Heart

It doesn’t take much to be heart-aware these days. If you aren’t informed, you should visit www.americanheart.org where you can log in for a Heart Profiler and earn more about your own heart condition. It will take less than 20 minutes and will provide you with great information.

Fish Oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to be good for the heart. It can benefit the heart health of healthy people, those who are at high risk, and those who have a history of cardiovascular disease.

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish, (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week as well a following a low-fat eating plan. Fish that have high fat contents like sardines or salmon are great because they contain two types of omega3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA.

In people with CVD (Cardiovascular Disease), research studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can decrease risk of arrhythmias, decrease triglyceride levels, decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque and even lower blood pressure.

Fish Oil, the WD-40 For Your Body

If oil is good to lubricate things, then it makes a great deal of sense to see how fish oil is beneficial to joint health. Since we can’t grab a can of oil and put it on our joints, supplementing with foods or gel caps is the next best thing. Fish oil can provide lubrication for the joints, which means athletes can benefit as well.

Sourcing Fish Oil

If you don’t eat fish twice a week, or aren’t fond of soybeans, walnuts or flaxseed, then you can purchase a pharmaceutical grade mercury-free supplement. There are many different types available but remember, you usually get what you pay for.

It’s always best to get your nutrition from whole food sources and soybeans, walnuts and flaxseed are alternative sources that aren’t fish. They produce alpha linolenicacids (LNA), which can become omega-3 fatty acid in the body.

Beyond your eyes, joints and heart, there are many other ailments that fish oil may help. Although there are relatively small risks associated with omega-3 fatty acids, taking too much is not good either and it is not recommended for individuals on certain medication. Always consult with your physician before beginning any type of supplements to make sure the suggested amount is within appropriate levels for your health.

So if you want to live a bit healthier, incorporate omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil into your daily diet. Your eyes, joints and heart will thank you.

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Please note: The information is purely the opinion of the author.

Charlene Schosser has a passion for health and nutrition and is the owner of Schosser & Co., LLC. Please visit her website at www.marketamerica.com/thebackshack. Please direct any comments or questions to editor@ hatcityentertainment.com




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