WHFoods: omega-3 fatty acids - Chronic Pain Australia
WHFoods: omega-3 fatty acids - Chronic Pain Australia
WHFoods: omega-3 fatty acids - Chronic Pain Australia
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<strong>WHFoods</strong>: <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?pfriendly=1&tname=nutrient&d...<br />
<strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong><br />
What can high-<strong>omega</strong>-3 foods do for you?<br />
Reduce inflammation throughout your body<br />
Keep your blood from clotting excessively<br />
Maintain the fluidity of your cell membranes<br />
lower the amount of lipids (fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides) circulating in the<br />
bloodstream<br />
decrease platelet aggregation, preventing excessive blood clotting<br />
inhibit thickening of the arteries by decreasing endothelial cells' production of a plateletderived<br />
growth factor (the lining of the arteries is composed of endothelial cells)<br />
increase the activity of another chemical derived from endothelial cells (endotheliumderived<br />
nitric oxide), which causes arteries to relax and dilate<br />
reduce the production of messenger chemicals called cytokines, which are involved in<br />
the inflammatory response associated with atherosclerosis<br />
reduce the risk of becoming obese and improve the body's ability to respond to insulin<br />
by stimulating the secretion of leptin, a hormone that helps regulate food intake, body<br />
weight and metabolism, and is expressed primarily by adipocytes (fat cells)<br />
help prevent cancer cell growth<br />
What conditions or symptoms indicate a need for more high-<strong>omega</strong>-3 foods?<br />
Depression<br />
Cardiovascular Disease<br />
Type 2 Diabetes<br />
Fatigue<br />
Dry, itchy skin<br />
Brittle hair and nails<br />
Inability to concentrate<br />
Joint pain<br />
Salmon, flax seeds and walnuts are excellent food sources of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>.<br />
Research indicates that <strong>omega</strong>-3s may be better absorbed from food than supplements.<br />
Norwegian researchers compared 71 volunteers' absorption of <strong>omega</strong>-3s (EPA and DHA) from<br />
salmon, smoked salmon, cod (14 ounces of fish per week) or cod liver oil (3 teaspoons per<br />
day). Cooked salmon provided 1.2 grams of <strong>omega</strong>-3s daily, while cod liver oil provided more<br />
than twice as much: 3 grams of <strong>omega</strong>-3s per day.<br />
Despite the fact that the salmon group got less than half the amount of <strong>omega</strong>-3s as the cod<br />
liver oil group, blood levels of <strong>omega</strong>-3s increased quite a bit more in those eating salmon<br />
than those taking cod liver oil. After 8 weeks, EPA levels had risen 129% and DHA rose 45%<br />
in those eating cooked salmon compared to 106% and 25%, respectively, in those taking cod<br />
liver oil.<br />
In the group eating smoked salmon, blood levels of <strong>omega</strong>-3s rose about one-third less than<br />
in the salmon group. In those eating cod, the rise in <strong>omega</strong>-3s was very small.<br />
Concurrent with the rise in <strong>omega</strong>-3s in those eating salmon, a drop was seen in blood levels<br />
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of a number of pro-inflammatory chemicals (TNFalpha, IL-8, leukotriene B4, and<br />
thromboxane B2). Researchers think <strong>omega</strong>-3s may be better absorbed from fish because<br />
fish contains these fats in the form of triglycerides, while the <strong>omega</strong>-3s in almost all refined<br />
fish oils are in the ethyl ester form. Once absorbed, <strong>omega</strong>-3s are converted by the body<br />
from their triglyceride to ester forms as needed. Lipids. 2006 Dec;41(12):1109-14.<br />
Description<br />
Function<br />
Deficiency Symptoms<br />
Toxicity Symptoms<br />
Cooking, storage and processing<br />
Factors that affect function<br />
Description<br />
What are <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>?<br />
Drug-nutrient interaction<br />
Nutrient interaction<br />
Health conditions<br />
Supplements<br />
Food Sources<br />
Public Recommendations<br />
References<br />
You've probably been hearing about <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> in recent years. The reason? A<br />
growing body of scientific research indicates that these healthy fats help prevent a wide<br />
range of medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, depression, asthma, and<br />
rheumatoid arthritis.<br />
Unlike the saturated fats found in butter and lard, <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> are polyunsaturated.<br />
In chemistry class, the terms "saturated" and "polyunsaturated" refer to the number of<br />
hydrogen atoms that are attached to the carbon chain of the <strong>fatty</strong> acid. In the kitchen, these<br />
terms take on a far more practical meaning.<br />
Polyunsaturated fats, unlike saturated fats, are liquid at room temperature and remain liquid<br />
when refrigerated or frozen. Monounsaturated fats, found in olive oil, are liquid at room<br />
temperature, but harden when refrigerated. When eaten in appropriate amounts, each type<br />
of fat can contribute to health. However, the importance of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> in health<br />
promotion and disease prevention cannot be overstated.<br />
The three most nutritionally important <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> are alpha-linolenic acid,<br />
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).<br />
Alpha-linolenic acid is one of two <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> traditionally classified as "essential." The other<br />
<strong>fatty</strong> acid traditionally viewed as essential is an <strong>omega</strong> 6 fat called linoleic acid. These <strong>fatty</strong><br />
<strong>acids</strong> have traditionally been classified as "essential" because the body is unable to<br />
manufacture them on its own and because they play a fundamental role in several<br />
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physiological functions. As a result, we must be sure our diet contains sufficient amounts of<br />
both alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.<br />
Dietary sources of alpha-linolenic acid include flaxseeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, soybeans and<br />
some dark green leafy vegetables. Linoleic acid is found in high concentrations in corn oil,<br />
safflower oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil. Most people consume a much higher amount of<br />
linoleic acid than alpha-linolenic acid, which has important health consequences. For more<br />
information on the proper ratio of these <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> in the diet, see our FAQ entitled, A New<br />
Way of Looking at Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates<br />
The body converts alpha-linolenic acid into two important <strong>omega</strong>-3 fats, eicosapentaenoic<br />
acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). These fats can also be derived directly from<br />
certain foods, most notably cold-water fish including salmon, tuna, halibut, and herring. In<br />
addition, certain types of algae contain DHA. EPA is believed to play a role in the prevention<br />
of cardiovascular disease, while DHA is the necessary for proper brain and nerve<br />
development.<br />
How it Functions<br />
What are the functions of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>?<br />
Every cell in our body is surrounded by a cell membrane composed mainly of <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>. The<br />
cell membrane allows the proper amounts of necessary nutrients to enter the cell, and<br />
ensures that waste products are quickly removed from the cell.<br />
Promoting Healthy Cell Membranes<br />
To perform these functions optimally, however, the cell membrane must maintain its integrity<br />
and fluidity. Cells without a healthy membrane lose their ability to hold water and vital<br />
nutrients. They also lose their ability to communicate with other cells. Researchers believe<br />
that loss of cell to cell communication is one of the physiological events that leads to growth<br />
of cancerous tumors.<br />
Because cell membranes are made up of fat, the integrity and fluidity of our cell membranes<br />
is determined in large part by the type of fat we eat. Remember that saturated fats are solid<br />
at room temperature, while <strong>omega</strong>-3 fats are liquid at room temperature. Researchers believe<br />
that diets containing large amounts of saturated or hydrogenated fats produce cell<br />
membranes that are hard and lack fluidity. On the other hand, diets rich in <strong>omega</strong>-3 fats<br />
produce cell membranes with a high degree of fluidity.<br />
In addition, recent in vitro (test tube) evidence suggests when <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> are<br />
incorporated into cell membranes they may help to protect against cancer, notably of the<br />
breast. They are suggested to promote breast cancer cell apoptosis via several mechanisms<br />
including: inhibiting a pro-inflammatory enzyme called cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2), which<br />
promotes breast cancer; activating a type of receptor in cell membranes called peroxisome<br />
proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-ã, which can shut down proliferative activity in a<br />
variety of cells including breast cells; and, increasing the expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2,<br />
tumor suppressor genes that, when functioning normally, help repair damage to DNA, thus<br />
helping to prevent cancer development.<br />
Animal and test tube studies published in the November 2005 issue of the International<br />
Journal of Cancer suggest yet another way in which the <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> found in cold<br />
water fish-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-help protect against<br />
breast cancer development.<br />
All dietary <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> are incorporated into cell membranes, and the type of <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong><br />
dictates how a cell responds and grows. Researchers found that <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> affect<br />
cell growth by activating an enzyme called sphingomyelinase, which then generates the<br />
release of ceramide, a compound that induces the expression of the human tumor suppressor<br />
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gene p21, which ultimately causes cancer cell death.<br />
In the animal experiments, mice were fed diets rich in either <strong>omega</strong>-3 (fish oil) or <strong>omega</strong>-6<br />
(corn oil) <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> after which breast cancer cells were implanted. Three weeks later, tumor<br />
volume and weight was significantly lower in mice on the <strong>omega</strong>-3 rich diet. In the lab<br />
culture experiments, when cells were treated with DHA or EPA, sphingomyelinase activity<br />
increased by 30-40%, and breast cancer cell growth dropped 20-25%.<br />
Prostaglandin Production<br />
Omega-3 fats also play an important role in the production of powerful hormone-like<br />
substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help regulate many important physiological<br />
functions including blood pressure, blood clotting, nerve transmission, the inflammatory and<br />
allergic responses, the functions of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and the production<br />
of other hormones.<br />
In essence, all prostaglandins perform essential physiological functions. However, depending<br />
on the type of fat in the diet, certain types of prostaglandins may be produced in large<br />
quantities, while others may not be produced at all. This can set up an imbalance throughout<br />
the body that can lead to disease.<br />
For example, EPA and DHA serve as direct precursors for series 3 prostaglandins, which have<br />
been called "good" or "beneficial" because they reduce platelet aggregation, reduce<br />
inflammation and improve blood flow. The role of EPA and DHA in the prevention of<br />
cardiovascular disease can be explained in large part by the ability of these fats to increase<br />
the production of favorable prostaglandins.<br />
The <strong>omega</strong> 6 fats serve as precursors for series 1 and series 2 prostaglandins. Like the series<br />
3 prostaglandins produced from <strong>omega</strong>-3 fats, series 1 prostaglandins are believed to be<br />
beneficial. On the other hand, series 2 prostaglandins are usually considered to be "bad" or<br />
"unhealthy," since these prostaglandins promote an inflammatory response and increase<br />
platelet aggregation. As a result, it is important to ensure proper balance of <strong>omega</strong>-3 and<br />
<strong>omega</strong>-6 fats in the diet.<br />
EPA Directly Anti-Inflammatory<br />
A recently identified lipid (fat) product our bodies make from EPA, called resolvins, helps<br />
explain how this <strong>omega</strong>-3 fat provides anti-inflammatory effects on our joints and improves<br />
blood flow.<br />
Resolvins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in animal studies, are made from<br />
EPA by our cellular enzymes, and work by inhibiting the production and regulating the<br />
migration of inflammatory cells and chemicals to sites of inflammation. Unlike<br />
anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and the COX-2 inhibitors, the resolvins<br />
our bodies produce from EPA do not have negative side effects on our gastrointestinal or<br />
cardiovascular systems.<br />
Deficiency Symptoms<br />
What are deficiency symptoms for <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>?<br />
Recent statistics indicate that nearly 99% of people in the United States do not eat enough<br />
<strong>omega</strong> 3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>. However, the symptoms of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> acid deficiency are very<br />
vague, and can often be attributed to some other health conditions or nutrient deficiencies.<br />
Consequently, few people (or their physicians, for that matter) realize that they are not<br />
consuming enough <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>. The symptoms of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> acid deficiency<br />
include fatigue, dry and/or itchy skin, brittle hair and nails, constipation, frequent colds,<br />
depression, poor concentration, lack of physical endurance, and/or joint pain.<br />
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Toxicity Symptoms<br />
What are toxicity symptoms for <strong>omega</strong> 3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>?<br />
In its 2002 guidelines for <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> acid intake, the Institute of Medicine at the National<br />
Academy of Sciences declined to establish a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for <strong>omega</strong>-3s.<br />
However, research was cited showing increased risk of bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke in a<br />
few studies following supplementation with <strong>omega</strong>-3s. Individuals who have disorders<br />
involving bleeding, who bruise very easily, or who are taking blood thinners should consult<br />
with a medical practitioner before taking supplemental <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>.<br />
Impact of Cooking, Storage and Processing<br />
How do cooking, storage, or processing affect <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>?<br />
Polyunsaturated oils, including the <strong>omega</strong>-3 fats, are extremely susceptible to damage from<br />
heat, light, and oxygen. When exposed to these elements for too long, the <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> in the<br />
oil become oxidized, a scientific term that simply means that the oil becomes rancid.<br />
Rancidity not only alters the flavor and smell of the oil, but it also diminishes the nutritional<br />
value. More importantly, the oxidation of <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> produces free radicals, which are<br />
believed to play a role in the development of cancer and other degenerative diseases.<br />
Under most circumstances, the problem of rancidity only arises when the oils are removed<br />
from their natural food package. For example, the hard shell of the flaxseed protects the oil<br />
inside the seed from heat, light, and oxygen. Flaxseeds also contain antioxidant compounds,<br />
such as vitamin E, that provide additional protection against oxidation. But, when the seed is<br />
pressed to isolate the oil, the oil becomes vulnerable to the elements.<br />
As a result, oils rich in polyunsaturated <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> should be stored in dark glass, tightly<br />
closed containers in the refrigerator or freezer. In addition, these oils should never be heated<br />
on the stove. So, instead of sautéing your vegetables in flaxseed or walnut oil, make a salad<br />
dressing using these oils.<br />
Although less a problem with whole foods than processed oils, some foods containing<br />
<strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> appear to lose some of their health benefits (like heart protection) when<br />
the foods are fried. Fried fish is a good example in this area, since fried fish containing<br />
<strong>omega</strong>-3s have been shown to provide less heart protection than baked or broiled fish<br />
containing the same amount of <strong>omega</strong>-3s.<br />
Factors that Affect Function<br />
What factors might contribute to a deficiency of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>?<br />
The conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to EPA and DHA involves a series of chemical reactions.<br />
One of the first reactions in this series is catalyzed by the enzyme delta-6 desaturase. Further<br />
down the line is a reaction that is catalyzed by the enzyme delta-5 desaturase. Unfortunately,<br />
it is now well-known that these enzymes do not function optimally in many people, and,<br />
consequently, only a small amount of the alpha-linolenic acid consumed in the diet is<br />
converted to EPA, DHA, and ultimately to the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.<br />
To increase the activity of your desaturase enzymes, be sure that your diet includes a<br />
sufficient amount of vitamin B6, vitamin B3, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. In addition,<br />
limit your intake of saturated fat and partially hydrogenated fat, as these fats are known to<br />
decrease the activity of delta-6 desaturase. Also, to be on the safe side, consider including a<br />
direct source of EPA and DHA if your diet, such as wild-caught salmon, halibut, or tuna.<br />
Drug-Nutrient Interactions<br />
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What medications affect <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>?<br />
Fish oil supplements containing high amounts of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> have been shown to<br />
reduce high blood pressure in people taking cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive drug used<br />
to prevent rejection of transplanted organs.<br />
In addition, a high dietary intake of <strong>omega</strong>-3 fats, especially from fish, may decrease blood<br />
pressure and thin the blood. People taking prescription blood pressure medications and/or<br />
anticoagulants should consult with their physician before taking fish oil supplements.<br />
Nutrient Interactions<br />
How do other nutrients interact with <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>?<br />
Vitamin E, the primary fat-soluble antioxidant, protects <strong>omega</strong>-3 fats from oxidation.<br />
Oxidation is a chemical process that produces free radicals.<br />
Health Conditions<br />
What health conditions require special emphasis on <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>?<br />
Omega-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of the following<br />
health conditions:<br />
Alzheimer's disease<br />
Asthma<br />
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<br />
Bipolar disorder<br />
Cancer<br />
Cardiovascular disease<br />
Depression<br />
Diabetes<br />
Eczema<br />
High blood pressure<br />
Huntington's disease<br />
Lupus<br />
Migraine headaches<br />
Multiple sclerosis<br />
Obesity<br />
Osteoarthritis<br />
Osteoporosis<br />
Psoriasis<br />
Rheumatoid arthritis<br />
Form in Dietary Supplements<br />
What forms of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> are found in dietary supplements?<br />
In supplemental form, <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> are available as softgels (like a vitamin E capsule)<br />
or as bottled liquids. Flaxseed oil, a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, and cod liver oil, a rich<br />
source of EPA and DHA, are among the most popular <strong>omega</strong>-3 supplements.<br />
When purchasing an <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> acid supplement, remember that these oils are highly<br />
sensitive to damage from heat, light and oxygen. Choose a certified organic product that has<br />
been refrigerated and is packaged in a dark brown or green glass jar and be sure to store the<br />
product in your refrigerator or freezer.<br />
It is also advisable to choose a supplement that contains vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful<br />
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antioxidant, which is added to the oil to prevent the <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> from becoming oxidized (or<br />
rancid).<br />
Food Sources<br />
Introduction to Nutrient Rating System Chart<br />
The following chart shows the World's Healthiest Foods that are either excellent, very good or<br />
good sources of this nutrient. Next to each food name you will find the following information:<br />
the serving size of the food; the number of calories in one serving; DV% (percent daily value)<br />
of the nutrient contained in one serving (similar to other information presented in the<br />
website, this DV is calculated for 25-50 year old healthy woman); the nutrient density rating;<br />
and the food's World's Healthiest Foods Rating. Underneath the chart is a table that<br />
summarizes how the ratings were devised. Read detailed information on our Nutrient Rating<br />
System.<br />
Introduction to Nutrient Rating System Chart<br />
In order to better help you identify foods that feature a high concentration of nutrients for<br />
the calories they contain, we created a Food Rating System. This system allows us to<br />
highlight the foods that are especially rich in particular nutrients. The following chart shows<br />
the World's Healthiest Foods that are either an excellent, very good, or good source of <strong>omega</strong><br />
3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>. Next to each food name, you'll find the serving size we used to calculate the<br />
food's nutrient composition, the calories contained in the serving, the amount of <strong>omega</strong> 3<br />
<strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> contained in one serving size of the food, the percent Daily Value (DV%) that this<br />
amount represents, the nutrient density that we calculated for this food and nutrient, and the<br />
rating we established in our rating system. For most of our nutrient ratings, we adopted the<br />
government standards for food labeling that are found in the U.S. Food and Drug<br />
Administration's "Reference Values for Nutrition Labeling." Read more background information<br />
and details of our rating system.<br />
World's Healthiest Foods ranked as quality sources of:<br />
<strong>omega</strong> 3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong><br />
Food<br />
Serving<br />
Size Cals<br />
Amount<br />
(g)<br />
DV<br />
(%)<br />
Nutrient<br />
Density<br />
World's<br />
Healthiest<br />
Foods<br />
Rating<br />
Flaxseeds 2 tbs 95.3 3.51 146.3 27.6 excellent<br />
Cloves, dried, ground 2 tsp 14.2 0.20 8.3 10.6 very good<br />
Walnuts 0.25 cup 163.5 2.27 94.6 10.4 excellent<br />
Oregano, dried, ground 2 tsp 9.2 0.12 5.0 9.8 very good<br />
Salmon, chinook,<br />
baked/broiled<br />
4 oz-wt 261.9 2.09 87.1 6.0 excellent<br />
Cauliflower, boiled 1 cup 28.5 0.21 8.8 5.5 very good<br />
Sardines<br />
3.25 oz<br />
can<br />
191.4 1.36 56.7 5.3 very good<br />
Mustard seeds 2 tsp 35.0 0.20 8.3 4.3 very good<br />
Cabbage, shredded, boiled 1 cup 33.0 0.17 7.1 3.9 very good<br />
Romaine lettuce 2 cup 15.7 0.08 3.3 3.8 good<br />
Broccoli, steamed 1 cup 43.7 0.20 8.3 3.4 very good<br />
Brussel sprouts, boiled 1 cup 60.8 0.26 10.8 3.2 good<br />
Winter squash, baked, cubes 1 cup 80.0 0.34 14.2 3.2 good<br />
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Tofu, raw 4 oz-wt 86.2 0.36 15.0 3.1 good<br />
Summer squash, cooked,<br />
slices<br />
1 cup 36.0 0.15 6.3 3.1 good<br />
Halibut, baked/broiled 4 oz-wt 158.8 0.62 25.8 2.9 good<br />
Collard greens, boiled 1 cup 49.4 0.18 7.5 2.7 good<br />
Spinach, boiled 1 cup 41.4 0.15 6.3 2.7 good<br />
Kale, boiled 1 cup 36.4 0.13 5.4 2.7 good<br />
Soybeans, cooked 1 cup 297.6 1.03 42.9 2.6 good<br />
Shrimp, steamed/boiled 4 oz-wt 112.3 0.37 15.4 2.5 good<br />
Turnip greens, cooked 1 cup 28.8 0.09 3.8 2.3 good<br />
Cod, baked/broiled 4 oz-wt 119.1 0.32 13.3 2.0 good<br />
Strawberries 1 cup 43.2 0.11 4.6 1.9 good<br />
Green beans, boiled 1 cup 43.8 0.11 4.6 1.9 good<br />
Snapper, baked/broiled 4 oz-wt 145.2 0.36 15.0 1.9 good<br />
Scallops, baked/broiled 4 oz-wt 151.7 0.35 14.6 1.7 good<br />
Tuna, yellowfin,<br />
baked/broiled<br />
4 oz-wt 157.6 0.33 13.8 1.6 good<br />
Raspberries 1 cup 60.3 0.12 5.0 1.5 good<br />
Miso 1 oz 70.8 0.14 5.8 1.5 good<br />
World's Healthiest<br />
Foods Rating Rule<br />
excellent DV>=75% OR Density>=7.6 AND DV>=10%<br />
very good DV>=50% OR Density>=3.4 AND DV>=5%<br />
good DV>=25% OR Density>=1.5 AND DV>=2.5%<br />
Public Health Recommendations<br />
What are current public health recommendations for <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>?<br />
In 2002, the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences issued Adequate<br />
Intake (AI) levels for linolenic acid, the initial building block for all <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> found<br />
in the body. For male teenagers and adult men, 1.6 grams per day were recommended, For<br />
female teenagers and adult women, the recommended amount was 1.1 grams per day. These<br />
guidelines do not seem as well-matched to the existing health research on <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong><br />
<strong>acids</strong> as guidelines issued by the Workshop on the Essentiality of and Recommended Dietary<br />
Intakes (RDI) for Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in 1999 sponsored by the National<br />
Institutes of Health (NIH). This panel of experts recommended that people consume at least<br />
2% of their total daily calories as <strong>omega</strong>-3 fats. To meet this recommendation, a person<br />
consuming 2000 calories per day should eat sufficient <strong>omega</strong>-3-rich foods to provide at least<br />
4 grams of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong>.<br />
This goal can be easily met by adding just two foods to your diet: flaxseeds and wild-caught<br />
salmon. Two tablespoons of flaxseeds contain 3.5 grams of <strong>omega</strong>-3 fats, while a 4 ounce<br />
piece of salmon contains 1.5 grams of <strong>omega</strong> 3 fats. There's research evidence showing that<br />
two servings of non-fried fish per week-especially salmon, tuna, and halibut-can be enough to<br />
significantly increase the level of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> in your blood (including the level of<br />
both EPA and DHA).<br />
Vegans and vegetarians relying on ALA as their only source of <strong>omega</strong>-3 <strong>fatty</strong> <strong>acids</strong> should<br />
increase their consumption of ALA-rich foods accordingly to ensure sufficient production its<br />
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important derivatives, EPA and DHA.<br />
References<br />
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© 2001-2010 The George Mateljan Foundation<br />
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