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Krill Oil Is Superior Against the Inflammation in Your Body

AHA Publisher — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 07:11:46 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – You’ve heard of the many amazing health benefits of omega-3s. You’ve heard how it fights against inflammation and supports overall health. But, what if there was an omega-3 source that went far beyond all the others? What if it were better absorbed, more potent, and better protected through digestion? Keto Zone Living Krill Oil boasts all of these attributes. Want to learn more? Of course you do. Here’s why krill oil is the superior omega-3 source, why it’s vital to use it to reduce your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, and how its fats and antioxidants work against inflammation to support great health through the body. Why Krill Oil? Krill is a superior source of omega-3 fats. Why? Like other omega-3 sources, supplementing with krill oil will raise your blood levels of healthy fats like DHA and EPA (1). When these increase in your blood, inflammatory markers decrease. But here’s the key: what makes krill oil different is its superior absorption and natural antioxidants. First, krill oil is optimally absorbed during digestion and quickly affects both blood and brain levels of omega-3 fats (2). Next, krill oil naturally contains a healthful antioxidant called astaxanthin. Astaxanthin serves to both protect the krill oil itself (improving digestion and absorption) and encourage reduced oxidative stress in the body (3). Krill Oil, Omega-6, and Omega-3 Fats Krill oil is a great option in improving your omega-6 to omega-3 dietary ratio. Experts believe that a diet with a ratio of 2:1 omega-6s to omega-3s has historically been the healthiest. That is, you must consume 1 gram of omega-3 fats for every 2 grams of omega-6 consumed. Unfortunately, many modern chronic health conditions result from inflammation, and inflammation is associated with a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Realistically, a 2:1 ratio is all but impossible in modern times, and a ratio of 4:1 to 8:1 is a good goal (4). For context, most Americans’ ratio is between 12:1 to 25:1! To improve your ratio, it’s imperative to both reduce the amount of omega-6s consumed AND increase omega-3s. This typically means eating fatty fish, like salmon, halibut, or tuna each week (5) and taking a strong omega-3 supplement with DHA and EPAs. Then, you must vastly reduce processed foods and oils with concentrated omega-6 fats, like soybean oil. 5 Specific Ways Krill Oil Fights Inflammation and Improves Your Ratio Since krill oil is effective in improving blood levels of healthy fats, it stands to reason that it is effective against inflammation throughout the body. Here is a sample of studies showing its effects: Triglycerides and Heart Inflammation: If you want to support your heart health and inflammatory factors, krill oil can help. One meta-analysis looked at the effects of krill oil on circulating fats in the blood. The researchers found that krill oil supplementation was associated with significantly lowered triglyceride levels. In addition, it encouraged healthy changes in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol (6). Digestive Inflammation & Health: In studies, it’s been found that krill oil supports reduced gut inflammation by regulating a broad spectrum of inflammatory signaling pathways. In addition, krill oil promotes a healthier gut environment by fighting microbes that damage mucosa, and reduces inflammation markers (7). Obesity Related Inflammation: Obesity negatively affects tissues and organs throughout the body. Inflammation is often elevated. Long-term krill oil supplementation has been shown to increase anti-inflammatory markers in the liver, support metabolism and fat breakdown, and improve tissue health and inflammation associated with obesity (8). Bone and Joint Inflammation: Joint pain and stiffness is a problem for many adults. There is increasing evidence that it is affected by dietary fat intake. Studies have investigated the effects of dietary fats, including dietary omega-6 to omega-3 ratios, on joint health in humans and animals. Results reveal that a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio from krill oil can significantly improve the cartilage structure and reduce losses. Further, this diet change can reduce inflammatory markers. What’s more, krill oil has specifically been shown to be more effective than plant-derived omega-3s in these studies (9). Neuroinflammation: Most neurodegenerative conditions demonstrate on-going inflammatory processes. Krill oil and marine-derived omega-3s have been studied for anti-inflammatory effects both systemically and in the brain specifically. Krill oil has been reported to encourage spatial memory and learning, attenuate memory loss, protect the brain, reduce inflammation markers, and reduce depression symptoms. For more on krill oil and brain health, click here (10). Bottom Line It’s vital to health to reduce inflammatory markers, and one of the best ways to do so is to add krill oil as a daily supplement. Not only is it superiorly absorbed and used in the body, it supports whole body health by reducing inflammatory markers in the digestive system, brain, joints, liver and heart. Start your krill oil regimen today! To read the original article click here.

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Study Shows “Ultra-Processed” Foods Are Linked to Much Higher Rates of IBD

AHA Publisher — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 07:00:48 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Over 3 million Americans have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a potentially debilitating gastrointestinal condition that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. More prevalent in developed nations, IBD is becoming more common in countries where it was previously rare, and scientists think they know why. The increase in IBD parallels the growing adoption of the Western diet (also known as the Standard American Diet, or SAD). The SAD – which relies heavily on processed foods – is high in calories, trans fats, saturated fats, added sugars, and salt while low in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Yet, little research examining the link between SAD and IBD existed – until now. An extensive international study newly published in BMJ examines the effect of “ultra-processed” foods on rates of IBD – with alarming implications. Let’s take a closer look at the revealing research. Large Amounts of Ultra-Processed Foods May Cause IBD Risk to Skyrocket To conduct the study, an international team of researchers gathered detailed information from over 116,000 adults in 21 different countries (including Bangladesh, Sweden, Turkey, Brazil, and the United States) for 13 years. First, participants were questioned about their daily diets, including their consumption of “ultra-processed” foods – such as heavily processed, packaged baked goods, sugar-laden cereals, carbonated sugary drinks and reconstituted meat and fish products. They were then followed for nine years, with new diagnoses of IBD being recorded. To say that the study supported a link between “ultra-processed” foods and higher levels of IBD is an understatement. The team found that participants who consumed five or more servings a day of ultra-processed foods had a stunning 82 percent greater risk of being affected by IBD than those who ate less than one serving a day! For those who consumed one to four servings of ultra-processed food a day, the increased risk was 67 percent. While the study did not show that the foods caused IBD, it certainly suggested a powerful association. In any case, the researchers called for more studies to identify and explore contributory factors among processed foods that might be responsible for the increased risk. Ingredients in Ultra-Processed Foods Disturb the Balance of the All-Important Gut Microbiome The researchers commented that IBD is believed to stem from dysbiosis (imbalances in the microbiome, or community of gut bacteria) in susceptible people. Studies have shown that the bacterial balance of the microbiome can be changed through diet, and this can, in turn, alter the intestinal immune response in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation. While it is too early to say for sure, scientists suspect certain additives – such as added sugars, stabilizers, preservatives, and artificial flavors – of being the culprits. For example, an emulsifier known as carboxymethylcellulose has been shown to increase the ability of bacteria to adhere to the epithelial lining of the intestines. Other suspects are refined sugars and potentially inflammatory omega-6 acids in processed foods. Best Foods to Eat to Help With IBD Some foods appeared to be “off the hook” when it comes to a connection with IBD. For example, consumption of unprocessed white meat, unprocessed red meat, dairy products, starch, fruits, vegetables, and legumes was not associated with an increased risk in the study. In fact, high consumption of fruits and vegetables has been linked in studies with a decreased risk of a form of IBD known as ulcerative colitis. For people undergoing episodes and “flares” of IBD, experts recommend well-cooked vegetables such as green beans, carrots, mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus tips, and pureed squash. Some also advise peeled apples, ripe bananas, melon, and canned fruit to calm a troubled gastrointestinal tract. (While natural health experts ordinarily endorse eating the antioxidant- and fiber-rich peels of apples and the skins of potatoes, a flare-up calls for temporarily lowering fiber intake). Well-cooked, tender, unprocessed meats, scrambled eggs, and tofu are also on the “OK” list. In addition, it’s important to get adequate amounts of vitamin D, calcium, and probiotic and prebiotic foods. So, naturally, you will want to “put the kibosh” on all ultra-processed foods. And, for maximum benefit, opt for organic foods whenever possible. Here Are Some Tips to Support Your Gut Health Naturally Other natural interventions exist for IBD. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends a low-FODMAP diet – a short-term intervention that involves the restriction of fermentable carbohydrates. If you have IBD, your integrative physician may recommend this strategy. In addition, stress management techniques such as acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga have been shown to benefit IBD. Not only is IBD a frustrating, painful, and potentially serious disease, but it appears to be linked to other chronic conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with IBD are more likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and ulcers. Therefore, banishing ultra-processed foods from your diet is a practical, common-sense step you can take to optimize your health and steer clear of troublesome IBD. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com UHHospitals.org CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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Walnut Oil Benefits for the Heart, Skin, Gut & More

AHA Publisher — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:02 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Walnuts, which are full of omega-6 and healthy omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), are not just a nutritious nut to snack on— they’re also used to make a healthy cooking oil. Although walnut oil tends to be a bit pricier than other nut/seed oils, it’s a good addition to your diet in small amounts, especially as a “finishing oil” that’s drizzled over dishes like veggies, rices and pastas. What is walnut oil good for? Due to its supply of PUFAs, walnut oil benefits include supporting cardiovascular, skin and metabolic health. Nutrition Walnuts are edible seeds of the tree species Juglans regia. The walnut tree is native to Europe and Asia and today is widely cultivated for the sweet nuts that it produces. Walnuts are full of heart-healthy fatty acids as well as other nutrients, such as copper, folate and vitamin E. The fats within walnuts can be extracted to make walnut oil, which is mostly used like a condiment and as a finishing oil, drizzled on foods served at room temperature or those that are slightly warmed. Walnut oil is light brown in color and has a naturally slightly sweet and nutty taste, so it pairs well with foods like cheese, herbs and mushrooms. Nutrition Content: Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3s, which are known to have inflammation-fighting effects. You’ll find high amounts of the omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) within walnut oil, as well as the omega-6 called linoleic acid. Although ALA isn’t as potent as other omega-3s (DHA and EPA, the types found in oily fish), it’s still known to have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to containing healthy fats, walnut oil supplies you with antioxidants, including ellagitannins and other polyphenols. (Note that black walnuts are even higher in antioxidants than “common walnuts,” however it’s rare to find walnut oil made from this species of walnuts.) One tablespoon of walnut oil contains about: 120 calories 13 grams total fat (9 grams polyunsaturated, 3 grams monounsaturated, and 1 gram saturated fat) 0 grams protein, carbs or sugar 24 milligrams phytosterols 2 micgrograms vitamin K (2% DV) Is walnut oil better than olive oil? Walnut oil has a low smoke point, even lower than olive oil. This means that its chemical composition is altered if it’s heated too much, which results in a rancid oil that loses many of its nutrition benefits. Both olive oil and walnut oil are healthy sources of unsaturated fats, however they have different tastes. Thus, they both are good for their own reasons. Olive oil is also less expensive and more versatile, which is why it’s more popular. Extra virgin and virgin olive oils shouldn’t be heated to very high temps either, but virgin olive oil can be cooked with more so than walnut oil. Use olive oil when sautéing veggies, pan-frying briefly or making salad dressings. Use walnut oil instead as a garnish/condiment, such as by adding some to dressings and marinades or cooked dishes. Walnut Oil Benefits 1. Supports Cardiovascular Health PUFAs found in walnut oil have been shown to help to keep the heart and blood vessels healthy by protecting against chronic inflammation and issues like high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high blood cholesterol. According to one study, the cardioprotective effects of this oil may be due to their polyphenols, tocopherol, ALA, linoleic acid and l-arginine content. Consuming walnut oil in place of less healthy oils and fats, such as margarine or refined vegetable oils, may be one way to lower your risk for conditions related to chronic inflammation, including heart disease. 2. Provides Polyphenol Antioxidants Walnuts are rich in polyphenols called ellagitannins, which help fight oxidative stress and free radical damage. Studies have also demonstrated that walnut oil may have anticancer effects, especially against prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. This is due to compounds called urolithins, which are derived from ellagitannins, that can protect cells against damage. Additionally, walnut oil has been found to support cognitive health with its supply of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. 3. Supports Healthy Skin Walnut oil benefits skin health by supplying fatty acids that help moisturize and protect the outer layers of the skin. By adding this oil to your diet you can help provide your skin with valuable nutrients that fight inflammatory skin disorders, cellular damage and dryness, while assisting in wound healing. 4. Promotes Metabolic Health Nut and seed-derived oils are thought to offer protection against metabolic syndrome and risk for type 2 diabetes thanks to their ability to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation. Some research suggests that walnut oil can help lower blood glucose (sugar) levels and hemoglobin A1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Taking 15 grams (one tablespoon) of walnut oil daily for three months helped significantly lower fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels among diabetics in one 2016 study (although it didn’t change the participants’ blood pressure or body weight). How to Use And Buy When buying walnut oil, your best bet is to spend a bit more money on quality oil that is made from entirely dried and cold-pressed or expeller-pressed walnuts. This type is superior to oil infusions made with a combination of walnut oil and cheaper vegetable oils. Look for 100% pure walnut oil sourced from France (such as Burgundy or Perigord) or California, ideally that’s cold-pressed if you’re willing to spend a bit more. Expeller-pressed oil is a good alternative if cold-pressed isn’t available. You’ll find this oil in gourmet shops and speciality stores or in large supermarkets where other nut-based oils are found. A bottle will stay fresh for about six to 12 months once opened. Keep it somewhere cool and dark to extend its shelf life. How do you use walnut oil? Because of its low smoke point, don’t use walnut oil as a cooking oil since it can overheat and turn rancid easily. Instead, think of it as a garnish that can be added to cooled or already cooked foods. Walnut oil has a unique, slightly sweet, nutty taste that is similar to walnuts (no surprise there). It pairs well with: pasta noodles aged cheeses vegetables like squash and dark leafy greens mushrooms herbs vinegars fish fresh breads Here’s more about some common walnut oil uses: Add a bit to salad dressing to give salads a nutty taste. Try a drizzle on pasta dishes or pizza. Spoon some over wild rice or other grain dishes. Add a bit to roasted fish or other lean proteins. What can you substitute for walnut oil? If a recipe calls for walnut oil but you don’t have any on hand, try other similar nut oils as a substitute, such as almond oil, hazelnut oil or extra virgin olive oils. Can you apply walnut oil on your face? Yes, walnut oil can be applied to skin to help with hydration and fighting free radical damage that can cause signs of aging. Some people apply walnut oil to their faces to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, however the drawback is that it’s an expensive oil to use a lot of. Other, less expensive facial oils can work similarly to hydrate and protect skin, such as olive oil, almond oil and argan oil. Risks and Side Effects The biggest drawback to using walnut oil is that it can be overheated, which changes both the taste and the nutrition content. When cooking with walnut oil, be sure to keep the heat low or avoid cooking with it at all. Since it’s very high in omega-6 fats and most people already consume plenty of these fats from other foods, use walnut oil sparingly, such as by having about one tablespoon daily. Don’t consume walnut oil if you’re allergic to walnuts or related nuts, such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans and pistachios. Conclusion Walnut oil benefits include supplying lots of PUFAs, which are heart-healthy fats. This oil can help promote cardiovascular health and defend against oxidative stress, inflammation, diabetes and high cholesterol. For the best quality, opt for unrefined, cold-pressed oil made from 100 percent walnuts. It will have a light brown color and sweet, nutty taste. Because it has a low smoke point, use it on cool and room temperature foods. Don’t cook with it at high heats to retain its healthy fats. To read the original article click here.

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