Omega-3 fatty acids are often associated with many health benefits, including lowering triglyceride (a type of fat) levels in the blood, protection from heart disease, dementia, depression, and many more. In addition, recent research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in preventing chronic liver disease.
What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that one needs to obtain from the diet to maintain health. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids involved in human function, which are also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are ALA (α-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). ALA is a short chain fatty acid that is derived from plant sources such as flaxseed oil and hemp oil. EPA and DHA are long-chain fatty acids that are found mostly from animal sources such as fatty fish.
Research provides evidence that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and may lower one's risk of chronic disease such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. They are also found in high concentrations in the brain and play an important role in brain performance as well as behavioral function. A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids may manifest as poor memory, fatigue, dry skin, mood swings, depression, heart problems, and poor circulation.
Another type of fatty acids that is often found in the diet are omega-6 fatty acids. In contrast to omega-3, these fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids, which when taken in large amounts, can cause inflammation and lead to negative health effects.
The Possible Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Liver Disease
Recent research suggests that omega-3 may have a protective effect on the liver, just as it has been found to protect...
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...osteatosis in a Ldlr−/− Mouse Model of Western Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. J. Nutr. 2013; vol. 143 no. 3, 315-323. http://jn.nutrition.org/content/143/3/315
Oregon State University. Some omega-3 oils better than others for protection against liver disease http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2013/feb/some-omega-3-oils-better-others-protection-against-liver-disease Depner CM, Traber MG, Bobe G, Kensicki E, Bohren KM, et al. (2013) A Metabolomic Analysis of Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Mediated Attenuation of Western Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in LDLR-/- Mice. PLoS ONE 8(12): e83756. http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0083756
Oregon State University. More benefits emerging for one type of omega-3 fatty acid: DHA.
http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2014/jan/more-benefits-emerging-one-type-omega-3-fatty-acid-dha
It is packed with omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, and it has been shown to improve cholesterol, decrease inflammation, and stop unhealthy formations. Sesame seed oil: This oil is packed with B-complex vitamins, which is essential if you have an autoimmune or chronic disease that could impact the levels of vitamin B in your body. Vitamin B is essential for optimal health. It is also very high in the antioxidant vitamin E, which plays a part in the prevention of heart disease and
The purpose of this report is to explore the controversial dispute between the quality of two different forms of fish oil supplementation; Triglyceride (TG) and Ethyl Ester (EE). Fish oil can be implemented into a diet by eating either fish or taking supplements. Fish oil is extracted from selected fish that contain highly beneficial healthy oils known as omega-3 fatty acids, two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil are Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA). Some of these fish that contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids include Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel, Herring, Anchovy’s etc. Fish oil supplementation also often contains small amounts of vitamin E to prevent spoilage and is can be combined with various other minerals and vitamins. There is an array of benefits that are involved when implementing fish oil into a diet; although it’s most common association is that it has been linked to slightly lowering blood pressure or triglyceride levels (fats linked to cholesterol). Although fish oil is recommended for persons with high blood pressure, it’s extremely important to remember that it is only to be taken at recommended dosages as it can ironically increase the chances of stroke when overdosing on the supplement. The scope of this report includes a general comparison between TG and EE fish oil supplements and how they are chemically differentiated, with a focus on how the quality of the two forms of supplement are processed. This report will not focus on other forms of fish oil sources and the impact it might have on irreversible factors such as age, gender, genetics, race/culture or environmental conditions.
14. Erucic acid is a long-chain unsaturated fatty acid. Like oleic acid, it suppresses the creation of VLCFSAs, but is much more
The gut microbiota obtains its nutrients from various sources such as consumed dietary ingredients and host-derived requirements like epithelial cells and mucus. Microorganisms utilize these substrates to produce energy to modulate cellular processes, metabolism and growth. The gut encompasses pathways for carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism (6). Interestingly, the gut flora’s metabolic action is both adaptive and renewable. Through the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), B vitamins and vitamin K, commensal bacteria mutualistically interact with intestinal epithelial cells to promote differentiation, proliferation and absorption from the bowel. Jointly, this metabolic mechanism preserves valuable energy and digestible substrates for the host, all while supplying energy and nutrients for growth (9). SCFAs (mainly acetate, butyrate and propionate) are the final products of the carbohydrate fermentation of dietary fibers, and exhibit many positive influences in countering metabolic and inflammatory disorders, for instance, obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. This is accomplished via the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors and alteration of transcription factors (17, 18). The microbial assembly of SCFAs, TMA, acetaldehyde and inflammatory regulators control the metabolic fitness of the host through pathways that affect gut motility, immune function and satiety (19). An example of a lipid metabolic activity that relates the gut flora to dyslipidemia (excessive amount of lipids) is the hydrolysation of bile salts, which are steroid acids manufactured in the liver from cholesterol and secreted in bile to accelerate absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, along with the metabol...
Because the Ornish diet restricts participants to a strictly vegetarian meal plan, people who follow the diet often become deficient in beneficial nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids1. Vitamin B12 and iron are nutrients often found in animal products such as meat, while omega-3 fatty acids are most common fish – the foods present in a balanced diet, but absent in the Ornish diet. Deficiencies of these chemicals can often lead to conditions such as anemia, or prevent beneficial effects that are imparted by omega-3 fatty acids such as mood stabilization and improved cardiovascular health. Because the body needs iron to produce hemoglobin – a vital part in a red blood cell’s ability to transport oxygen to other cells, a lack of the substance would cause a large decrease in the effectiveness and number of red blood cells. In addition, due to vitamin B12’s regulation of blood cell production, a decreas...
You look in the mirror and see that your skin and eyes seem a yellowish color, your legs and ankles are swollen, you have abdominal pain and swelling, your skin is also itchy, you have dark urine, and notice that your stool is a pale color. What do these symptoms mean? These are symptoms of damage to the liver. There are many ways to damage your liver like the use of alcohol, but a way you may not be aware of is the use of medication. Some medications when used repeatedly can cause liver damage, such as acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol.
Some other types of arthritis that can be remedied by omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondytlitis. In addition, it can also prevent heart diseases, diabetes and treat depression. They are also highly concentrated on the brain purposely to improve the cognitive function. Most babies who never got enough omega-3 while in their mother’s wombs are characterized by poor eyesight and nerve problems.
Liver disease resulting from alcohol affects more than two million Americans and is one of the primary causes of illness and death. The liver frees the body of harmful substances, such as alcohol. While the liver breaks down alcohol, it produces toxins that can be even more dangerous than the alcohol consumed (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact Your Health” 13). “These by-products damage liver cells, promote inflammation, and weaken the body’s natural defenses. Eventually, these problems can disrupt the body’s metabolism and impair the function of other organs” (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact Your Health” 13). A condition called steatosis is the result of fat build up in the liver and is the earliest stage of alcoholic liver disease. This condition causes the liver difficulty breaking down alcohol, potentially resulting in alcoholic hepatitis. Fibrosis of the liver, which is also related to heavy drinking, causes scar tissue to build up in the liver. The alcohol alters chemicals that the liver needs to break down this scar tissue, causing liver dysfunctions. If one does not refrain from drinking during the condition of fibrosis, the scar tissue can build up and create another condition, called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is deterioration of the liver resulting from heavy scarring, causing the liver to not be able to function properly. If cirrhosis becomes severe, a liver transplant may be the only solution (“Beyond Hangovers: Understanding Alcohol's Impact Your Health” 14). It is difficult to calculate when a person would develop cirrhosis, because an alcoholic could never develop the disease, but someone who social drinks could. It is also unknown why cirrhosis is more prevalent in women (...
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient. It plays an important role in vision, maintenance of epithelial cells, immune functions, and participates in the processes of growth, development and reproduction. Vitamin A is characterized into two chemically distinct yet structurally related forms. The first form is retinoid, which is present only in foods of animal origin, such as fish and organ meats. “Retinoid is also known as 'preformed vitamin A' because it can be metabolized directly into compounds that exert the biological effects of vitamin A” (Ross, 2005, p. 329). Preformed vitamin A retinoids are found in liver, fish, fish oils and eggs. A second form of vitamin A is β-carotene, which is synthesized only by plants, but can be turned into vitamin A in the body as needed. These carotenoids are also termed as 'provitamin A.' Provitamin A caretinoids are mainly found in carrots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, apricots and mangoes. Hence, the nutritional requirements for vitamin A can be met by retinoids, carotenoids, or a mixture of both from plant and animal sources. However, deficiency and excessive intake of vitamin A could lead to serious consequences.
Though small amounts of cholesterol are important for human life to occur, excess amounts can be detrimental. High cholesterol levels can lead to things like coronary heart disease, stroke, pe...
6. S. Yoshimoto, T. Loo, K. Atarashi, et al. Obesity-induced gut microbial metabolite promotes liver cancer through senescence secretome, Nature, 499: 97-101, 2013.
Zein, N. N., & Edwards, K. (2009). The Cleveland Clinic guide to liver disorders. New York: Kaplan Pub.
Saturated fats come from animal sources like steak, hamburger and pork. Unsaturated fats are derived from plants. There are also trans fats that are considered poison for the body. They raise the bad cholesterol in your body, and should never be included in a healthy diet. There are also fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 that are good for a healthy body.
Lazo M, Hernaez R, Bonekamp S, et al. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and mortality among US adults: prospective cohort study. BMJ 2011;343:d6891. http://www.bmj.com/content/343/bmj.d6891