The Omega 3 Diet

Research presented at the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids demonstrated that Omega 3 fatty acids, combined with moderate amounts of exercise, can have astonishing results. It enables cells by strengthening cell membranes, to process blood glucose rather than turn it into and store it as excess fat.

Some nutritional experts are of the opinion that Omega 3 fatty acids also help to increase the body's metabolic rate, thus burning more calories. Further research is needed, but this theory could revolutionise the way we approach diet and weight loss.

Doctors advise that the preferred way to gain all the nutrients necessary for good health is to eat a varied, balanced diet. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid, which means that it can only be acquired through nutritional intake; our bodies can not easily manufacture omega-3’s like EPA and DHA. Plankton, however, can make fatty acids and is eaten by certain types of fish (mackerel, sardines and salmon). We can eat these fish and so obtain the omega-3 the plankton made naturally.

Alternatively supplements can be used, which contain the EPA and DHA found in these oilrich fish.

Omega 3 vs Omega 6: before you go out and buy a bottle of pills...

The Omega-3 Diet mainly focuses on improving your health; weight loss is a not unwelcome side effect. According to the experts, this diet can improve brain and heart functioning, helps prevent allergies, diabetes/strokes, skin disorders and arthritis.

The other main essential fatty acid, Omega-6, is found in cereals, eggs, poultry and margarine.

To benefit from the advantages of eating enough omega-3's, it must be eaten in the right combination with omega 6. The recommended Omega-3: Omega-6 ratio is 1:3, although most Westerners diets fail to meet this ideal. Specifically, the average Westerner's ratio of Omega-3: Omega-6 is 1:50!

Omega 3: Is it the cure all?

The Western rates of depression have been steadily increasing within the last decade. Epidemiological studies have found that a population's fish consumption is negatively associated with depression; the more fish eaten by a population, the less depressed the group is on average.

In addition to this major benefit of the Omega-3 diet, it has also been found to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. Recent studies have shown that a daughter's risk of later developing breast cancer is significantly lowered by her mother's correct Omega-3 consumption during pregnancy. Research also demonstrate a protective effect against Alzheimers disease.

Current thinking is that around 400 mg a day is enough to reduce risk of disease substantially. The Omega Diet, written by Dr. Artemis P. Simopoulos and Jo Robinson, also known as the Aphrodite Diet, is one of the most credible of a number of Mediterranean diets that recommends Mediterranean foods and lifestyle for weight loss and health.

According to the authors, the inhabitants of the Greek island of Crete have a 4,000 year history of longer life span and better overall health than most other Mediterranean nations, even though their diets are very similar. Scientific studies found that the reason why the health and longevity of the people of Crete is superior is because their diet contains a significantly higher proportion of omega 3 fatty acids than the diets of other Mediterranean communities. It also demonstrated that the ratio of omega 6 fatty acids to omega 3 fatty acids was a determining factor in health and longevity.

The Omega Diet is a natural, time-tested diet that aims to balance the essential fatty acid ratio in your diet. It is packed with delicious food that contain the beneficial fats, including real vinaigrette, cheese, eggs,oily fish--even the occasional chocolate dessert and an abundance of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

Although the Omega Diet is predominantly concerned with overall health improvement rather than weight loss, it presents convincing evidence that Omega 3 oils have significant weight loss benefits.

"This is the most solidly based nutritional program currently available. The information is easily understandable, not obscured by technical jargon. The Omega Diet is a major step forward for readers concerned about their own health." —S. Boyd Eaton, M.D., Emory University School of Medicine.