All the current crop of TV ads for yoghurts now all come 'with omega-3' but I want to know is whether omega-3 is really that good for you or not?
See, I read that research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, but that this is not conclusive research/evidence.
Yet, said health risks (again inconclusive) to taking omega-3 are that it can cause bleeding should too much be consumed, it increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, increased cholesterol and reduced glycemic control among diabetics, the suppression of immune and inflammation responses.
So, which is right? And if there's no conclusive proof of what it does; should it be in mainstream products? It's good for you if you eat salmon or flax seed oil to get omegas (there is also omega-6). I prefer salmon. Any "additive" of omegas in a product is not enough to be considered beneficial (just like those bogus claims on calcium), so that yogurt with omega-3 is just a marketing gimmick.
If you eat omegas about 3 times a week, that should be enough. It's true that too much animal products can still increase your cholesterol levels. As for the claims against taking too much, maybe look for articles on Eskimos whose diet consist mainly of salmon. They had survived for thousands of years on this type of food and it would be interesting to know if they had any complications that these research claims suggest.
I hear the best advice for preventative/reduction of heart disease is cardio exercise (4-5x a week for 30 min), stress reduction, and a vegetarian diet. Yep it's good for you. omega 3 fatty acids do more than just (possibly) reduce the risk of coronoary heart disease. they are also known as EFAs...ESSENTIAL fatty acids that your body needs. i guess to avoid the health risk...just don't consume too much. |
