Sunday, July 20, 2008

Hardwired for fat: scientists identify obesity gene (AFP)

An obese man walks through Sydney. British and French scientists have identified several variants of a single gene that boost the risk of obesity, according to a study published Sunday in the British journal Nature.(AFP/File/Greg Wood)AFP - British and French scientists have identified several variants of a single gene that boost the risk of obesity, according to a study published Sunday in the British journal Nature.

Many people are familiar with Omega 3's. They are long- chain essential fatty acids. They are necessary for good health. The body does not make its own so it must be obtained from food sources. Omega 3 contains high concentrations of both DHA and EPA. DHA is essential for the brain, for strengthening the immune and bulk powdered caffeine systems, as well as proper cell division. EPA is beneficial in treating inflammatory and degenerative conditions.

The most abundant source of Omega 3's is fish oil. The oil is extracted from fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring. One of the most preferred fish oil comes from the Hoki fish from the waters of New Zealand whose waters are far more pure than almost anywhere else.

There is a lot of publicity regarding the kinds of toxins including heavy metals like lead and mercury. In its pure form fish oil has an unpleasant odor and taste. Consuming it can be dangerous because ingesting the toxins and impurities could cause health problems such as hard to diagnose and treat infections.

It is necessary that fish oil be refined. A process called molecular distillation heats the fish oils to extremely high temperatures. It destroys bacteria and removes toxins and impurities. This is an expensive process and some manufacturers do not process their oils in this manner.

Omega 3 pharmaceutical fish oil is clinically tested to be certain it is fit for most people. If for some reason fish cannot be consumed regularly as is recommended, supplements are available in most stores and online. These supplements are also available in both capsule and liquid forms. The very young and the elderly may prefer the liquid as its easier to swallow.

The recommended amounts of Omega 3 from supplements is 3 to 4 capsules daily. If a deficiency exists the dose might be raised to 5 daily. It is imperative that before taking Omega 3 pharmaceutical fish oil supplements or any supplement for that matter, that a physician be consulted.

John Collins is a content editor who focuses on a wide array of niche health topics. His latest website - Fish oil supplements focuses on omega 3 as a whole, and in particular, a natural product our editors personally use with excellent health results known as - Best Omega 3 Dha Esters

Be sure to check out our Omega 3 supplement, it is the natural supplement we use and recommend to friends and family, and have done for over 3 years.