Previous studies have suggested a link between Eskimos’ high intake of omega-3 fats and their reduced risk of heart disease. Since then, several other studies have strengthened the association between the intake of omega-3 fats and the reduced risk of heart disease.
In one study, 11,324 post--myocardial infarction patients were assigned to receive either omega-3 fats eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or vitamin E, a combination of the two, or neither for a 3.5-year period. No statistically significant benefit was observed with vitamin E, however the omega-3 fat group experienced a 20 percent decreased risk of total mortality, a 30 percent lower risk of cardiovascular mortality, and a 45 percent lower risk of sudden death.
The increasing evidence supporting the view that omega-3 fats reduce the risk of death from heart disease should not be ignored. The American Heart Association states that Americans must increase daily intake of EPA and DHA per day. Failure to do so will lead to increased risk for heart disease. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2003, Harris 77 (2): 279
Dr. Craig’s Comments:
Always remember omega-3 fats are essential to you and your children's health. The best source for omega-3 is fish oil, as, unlike other sources such as walnuts or flax seeds, it is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA - low DHA levels have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Generally, our diets contain not only far too little omega-3 (fish oil type), but far too many omega-6 fats (fast food type). Experts looking at the dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids suggest that in early human history the ratio was about 1:1. Currently most Americans eat a dietary ratio that falls between 20:1 and 50:1 (BAD : GOOD). The optimal ratio is most likely closer to the original ratio of 1:1. For most of us this means not only increasing our omega-3 intake through fish oil, but also greatly reducing the omega-6 fatty acids we consume.
As for fish itself, patients consuming nearly every type of fish these days are showing high levels of mercury in their systems. In short--and sadly, as it would otherwise be one of the healthiest meats on the planet--I now advise patients to start taking a “good” fish oil supplement instead of only eating fish because most are contaminated with mercury. If you do consume fish, you should be certain the provider can demonstrate that the fish are free of detectable levels of mercury and other toxins. We can help you find a supplement that is high in quality.
EFA (Essential Fatty Acids) are basic, essential building blocks for the brain, nerve system, and gastrointestinal tract- to name only a few bodily systems. If you ignore your body’s needs and fail to provide your body with the basic building blocks- absolutely nothing good came come of it. In fact, extremely serious consequences can be the only expectation!
If you feel this information is of value to you and your health, please let Mark or myself help you get started on reversing your Bad:Good fat ratio now by getting you started on a fish oil supplement that I have taken for years, and will continue to take for the rest of my life! Heart Disease is the #1 leading “Killer Disease” in the United States, and has been for many years. I believe most people are simply failing to understand and implement health strategies that significantly increase their health, and therefore their chances of developing heart disease. Don’t wait for it to happen to you!
Your Maximized Health Mentor,
Dr. Craig
