Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Two Good Reasons Why Mom Gave You Cod Liver Oil

Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA is one of three omega-3 fatty acids with important health benefits. The others are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha linolenic acid (ALA). All body tissues contain more DHA than either EPA or ALA.

DHA is particularly abundant in the retina, brain and nerves. Omega-3 fatty acids are not stored in noticeable amounts in fat tissue, or produced inside the body from other fatty acids. This means you must get them from your diet. Therefore many researchers maintain that the best way to increase either DHA or EPA in plasma, tissues, and human milk, is to supplement with the one desired.

The retina has the highest levels of DHA of any cell type. They are particularly susceptible to the effects of aging, which include lowered levels of DHA and increased oxidative stress. By providing high levels of DHA, not only can vision be improved, but levels of protective NPD-1 are also increased.

DHA decrease as we get older, and a supplement to raise it is very desirable. Experts say that a deficiency of DHA is associated with age-related dementia and Alzheimer’s. New research suggests that supplementing with DHA may help reduce the buildup of plaque in Alzheimer’s patients.

For a long time it has been known that omega-3 helps with the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce fasting and after meal triglyceride levels, decrease platelet and white blood cell reactivity, and may slightly decrease blood pressure. They also help maintain healthy blood vessel walls, inhibit irregular heartbeat and reduce fibrinogen, which forms the “mesh” in blood clots.

Cod Liver Oil is fish oil that is rich in nutrients like Vitamins A and D. It also has Omega-3 Fatty Acids, (EPA and DHA). This Cod Liver Oil is screened for impurities and is free of additives and preservatives. It also contains twice the Vitamin A and D as regular strength Cod Liver Oil Soft gels.

Try some and discover that mom was right after all.

No comments: