Fresh omega 3 oil is one of the most beneficial foods for your
health. Fresh oil is a source of essential fatty acids, which
help keep the skin healthy and the hair shiny. The human brain
is almost entirely composed of unsaturated fatty acids. Fats add
taste to meals and give one a feeling of fullness when eaten.
Years ago fresh oil was delivered by truck, in the same way as
milk. Now the oil found in most supermarkets has been processed
into a form which is not readily used by the body, and is
unhealthy.
Fresh oil becomes rancid fairly quickly, even when kept in a
refrigerator. Modern technology solved this problem by using
high temperatures and preservatives. These techniques change the
molecular structure from one that is very healthy (the cis
configuration) to one that is unhealthy (the trans
configuration). The result is oil that can be kept for extended
periods at room temperatures without going rancid.
Oil is composed of fatty acids which are chains of hydrogen and
carbons attached to a glycerine molecule. Saturated fatty acids
have a single long chain of hydrocarbons, whereas unsaturated
fatty acids have smaller chains of hydrocarbons that branch off
the main hydrocarbon chain. Omega 3 fatty acids have the branch
at the third carbon, and omega-6 fatty acids have the branch at
the sixth carbon.
Omega 6 oil from nuts
Oils made from safflower, sunflower, and corn are rich in
linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid.
Omega 3 oil from fish and flax seed
Oils made from flax seed, walnut, and soy are rich in
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil
contains eicosapentatonic acid (EPA) and docasahexaenoic acid
(DHA), which are omega 3 fatty acids.
Omega 3 oil fatty acids
Omega 3 oil fatty acids form prostaglandin E3 which has been
found to decrease inflammation, platelet aggregation, and
triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. The omega-6 fatty
acids form prostaglandin E1 which has been found to inhibit
cholesterol synthesis and decrease blood pressure.
An important question is what is the best oil that I can buy?
Extra virgin olive oil, a mono-saturated fatty acid, is perhaps
the best choice in a grocery store. Unfortunately few grocery
stores carry fresh, cold-pressed oils. In health food stores,
one can usually find flax and borage seed oils, as well as
mixtures such as Udo's Blend, in the refrigerator. These oils
can be taken internally for health and added to food for
flavor.
Much of the information about oil can be found in Fats that
Heal, Fats that Kill by Udo Erasmus (Alive Books, 1993), The
Natural Pharmacy edited by Linenger (Virtual Health LLC, 1998),
and Nutritional Influences on Illness, 2nd edition, by Werbach
(Third Line Press, 1996).
About the author:
Dr. Steriti is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic
Medicine, an accredited medical school that teaches both
conventional diagnosis and alternative therapies, including
nutrition, herbs and homeopathy. Dr. Steriti offers naturopathic
consults by phone at (239) 659-2684
www.naturdoctor.com
