If you follow nutrition information or even catch the local news, you probably have heard talk about Omega fatty acids. Fatty acids come in 2 forms: Essential and Non-essential. Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) are those that must be ingested because our bodies cannot produce them. Non-essential EFA’s are those that our bodies can produce. The two EFA’s known are Omega 3 and Omega 6. The most popular Non-EFA, Omega 9, is derived from things like canola, olive and macadamia oils, nuts and avocados, and can be manufactured in our body. The latest and greatest Non-EFA Omega, which you may have not heard of, is Omega 7.
The main EFA most of us are familiar with is Omega 3. These are the EFA’s derived mostly from fish that are supposed to be good for our heart and brain. There is even talk that Omega 3 can reduce inflammation in the body. Omega 6 EFA, which you may have heard debated, can be bad for you if over-consumed but does have heart health benefits. Omega 6 EFA’s are even considered pro-inflammatory because they are found in processed cereals and processed meats.
If you take a daily fish oil supplement, you probably are consuming an EPA/DHA combination of Omega 3. Omega 3’s are the “good fats” found in every cell in the human body. Although supplements are popular, most people are not consuming enough on a daily basis to have reduction in inflammatory related diseases – most notably heart disease. It takes Omega 3 in high, potent doses to reduce triglycerides and inflammation.
The NEW golden boy on the block is the Non-EFA Omega 7, found in foods like cold-water fish, macadamia nuts, and a fruit called sea buckthorn berries. Emerging research suggests that Omega 7 (as Palmitoleic acid) in as little as 210 mg/day, reduces inflammation and reduces insulin resistance. Based on a common blood test that measures inflammation, C-reactive Protein (CRP) patients saw a 64% drop on their CRP in just 30 days. Much research has been done with Omega 7 in animals but more is arising with humans. In a 2011 Japanese study, Omega 7 given to rats helped reduce their cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduced insulin resistance and even triggered weight loss. According to the study, the rat livers were healthier and they had an overall reduction of inflammation in the body. Dr. Michael Roizen, who you may have seen on the Dr. Oz Show, is currently in a clinical trial looking at the effects of Omega 7 in humans. So far, according to Dr. Roizen, “The potency looks similar to statins (cholesterol lowering drugs) without any know side effects!”.
At Hormonal Health, Wellness and Aesthetic Centers, we promote only combination formulation of EFA and Non-EFA called Mega-10. This is a combination of Omega 3 and 7, and the studies surrounding this combination with regards to lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, decrease CRP levels, and even reversals in Metabolic Syndrome are astounding!
Overall improved heart health, longevity and possibly getting off of many medications? SIGN ME UP!!
Lauren Bourland, MA, Metagenics Certified Lifestyle Educator
