Fish Oil Blog

Tired of diets that don’t work? Sick of trying to figure out what to eat — and how to easily prepare it — to stay healthy? Want to finally look and feel better? It’s really not that hard. Here are 5 quick tips that can work for you.

Tip number 1: Sneak in more produce.

How? Make sure each meal contains lots of color as darker hued fruits and vegetables provide the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals your body needs to stay healthy and strong, protect against the effects of aging, and reduce the risk of disease.

How much? Aim for at least one serving at every meal and snack. For example, have a banana with cereal or toast and peanut butter in the morning. Or add blueberries (or any other kind of berry full of antioxidants!) to yogurt with flax seed. Have a bowl of cottage cheese with pineapple and nuts. For lunch, include an orange, pear, grapes, or a peach or any other fruit you can easily throw in a bag and carry. Add lettuce and tomato or spinach or avocado to sandwiches. Have a cup of soup with beans and lots of veggies. For a snack, have apple with cheese, or raisins or other dried fruit (apricot, etc.) with pretzels or nuts, or celery and carrots with hummus. At dinner, start off with a salad or melon, then have steamed broccoli, a baked sweet potato, or stir-fried green beans with your meal. Make a pizza topped with peppers and mushrooms. Be creative! It’s easier than you think!

A serving is one medium-sized whole fruit, half a cup of fresh, frozen, or canned produce, one cup of leafy greens, or a quarter cup of dried fruit.

Tip number 2: Use smaller plates.

Studies consistently show that people — including nutritionists! — unknowingly eat more when given a bigger plate. Using smaller plates, therefore, can help you better control how much you consume.

Tip number 3: Choose whole grains (complex carbohydrates), lean meats and fish (for protein), and healthier fats (poly- and monounsaturated).

Whenever possible, pick whole grains over highly processed grains, cereals, and sugars. Get your grains from foods such as whole wheat, rye, or oat bread, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, and other less familiar grain sources like quinoa, spelt, and bulgur. For protein, make lean choices, such as round or loin steaks and roasts, extra lean ground beef, skinless chicken or duck, and lean roasted turkey. Include fish in your diet, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Vary your meals with vegetarian options like chili with beans, baked beans, rice and beans, veggie burgers, stir-fried tofu, or pea or lentil soup. Cook with oils instead of butter for healthier fats. Limit trans and saturated fats.

Tip number 4: Don’t obsess over calories. And don’t feel bad about satisfying your cravings!

Instead of counting every calorie you consume, pay more attention to your hunger cues. Your body knows what you need! If you’re hungry, eat; when you’re full, stop. If you have a craving for a particular food, don’t deny yourself. You’ll only binge later on. Instead, try satisfying your hunger pang with what you want in small amounts. Or simply opt for healthier selections. Go for hot chocolate instead of a candy bar. For a salty hankering, snack on baked chips instead of fried chips, and have them with salsa or guacamole.

Tip number 5: Don’t skip out on exercise.

It’s a no-brainer. In order to lose weight and keep it off, in addition to improving your diet, it’s juts as important to stay physically active. Get into a routine that you enjoy. When you don’t have time for a formal workout, try to squeeze in at least three 10-minute chunks of physical activity. (Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.)

For more ideas on how to look and feel your best, and make simple, tasty, healthful meals, visit Modern Menus (www.modernmenus.com).

Robin Brett Wechsler

Nutritionist, Modern Menus

Modern Menus
http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/plan-to-eat-well-in-2007-116195.html

A good way to strengthen the immune system for a faster recovery is with IMPACT immune-enhancing formulas. There is over a decade of strong scientific data demonstrating that Surgical, Trauma and Medical ICU patients fed IMPACT develop fewer infections, have shorter hospital stays, and are extubated from the ventilator sooner.1-20 IMPACT is a unique, patented enteral formula containing arginine, dietary nucleotides and fish oil. Primary indications: Trauma, major surgery, infections or pneumonia, cancer, ventilator dependent, burn injury. IMPACT is a Medical Food — consumers should consult with their physician on the use of this product. Primary Indications – IMPACT Please refer to IMPACT Pocket Protocols for specific indications Major elective surgery GI cancer surgery Trauma including burn injury

Read the rest of this entry »

GLUCOSAMINE & FISH OIL SOFTGELS 90 ITEM NO.: MASON1414 NDC/UPC NO.: 31184514149-1 MFG NAME.: MASON VITAMINS

Read the rest of this entry »

“You are what you eat” a famous doctor once said. And he was so right. Eat well. Eat an abundance of high protein foods. Keep away from too much sugar, starches, and fats. Take plenty of liquids. Avoid intemperate drinks, creamy rich pastries, fried foods, etc. Remember that your body needs the proper amount and variety of vitamins. Vitamin deficiency often causes run-down conditions, makes you susceptible to colds and illness. A sufficiency of vitamin intake is one of nature’s great safeguards against the premature aging process. Science has shown that vitamin deficiency robs you of vigor and energy. Let us quickly review some of the vitamins that are so important to the human body and list some foods containing these health-building vitamins.

Vitamin A

An early symptom of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. Many motorists who find it difficult to drive at night may be suffering from vitamin A deficiency. Some times brittle, scaly skin indicates deficiency of vitamin A. You can get enough vitamin A in foods such as spinach, carrots, broccoli, oysters, peaches, chard, apples, cherries, lemons, oranges, prunes, peas, squash, asparagus, string beans, butter, eggs and cheese.

Vitamin B

A deficiency of vitamin B may lead to nervous conditions, poor appetite and malnutrition in children. You can get enough vitamin B in such foods as follows:

Vitamin B1, B2 and Niacin – beef liver and kidneys, fowl, brains, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, corn, peppers, spinach, onions.

Vitamin B1 alone – ham, pork, beef hearts, brown rice, nuts.

Niacin alone (Niacin was originally called vitamin G and is another vitamin in the B complex) – peanuts, pig liver, salmon, kidneys.

Vitamin C

Have you ever seen a person with bleeding gums or a person who feels depressed and tired all the time? He may lack enough vitamin C. Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency appear as swollen gums, sallow complexion, lack of pep. Foods containing vitamin C – citrus fruits, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, liver, bananas, etc.

Vitamin D

Everybody knows how important vitamin D is to proper bone function. A lack of vitamin D may cause soft and weak bones that might easily break or fracture in tough sports competition, or in defending yourself against an assailant. You can get plenty of vitamin D from sunshine, milk, fish, egg yolks, fish-liver oils, butter, and cream.

Fuel for the Human Machine

Just as an automobile needs gasoline to run, the human machine needs energy to operate. The foods fed into the body provide the energy to run the human machine. In addition to furnishing the fuel or human energy, food has another major purpose. It is used for the growth and repair of tissues. Chemical analyses of foods contain carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and water. Carbohydrates consist of starches and sugars. They are the chief source of human energy. Sugars are digested fast and provide quick pep and energy. Ex-GI’s of the Second World War will remember that chocolate bars were always included in their K and C rations for quick pick-up energy!

Starches are found in bread, potatoes, cakes, and macaroni. They certainly satisfy hunger pangs fast. But these foods don’t contain enough vitamins, and a diet exclusively of starchy foods leads to overweight and should be shunned by people not engaged in heavy work. The proteins are used primarily for the repair and growth of tissues. Eat foods with high protein content – milk, fish, eggs, and lean meats.

Jimmy Cox
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-importance-of-eating-well-134126.html

Molecularly distilled to remove PCB’s, dioxins, and heavy metals. Nitrogen flushed to preserve freshness…

Read the rest of this entry »

The essential fatty acids that are found in fish oils have become main stage in the treatment of eczema, as there is an ever growing connection between omega 3 and eczema. In fact, not only are Fish Oils containing omega-3 popular for only helping in heart health, they are also recommended for such skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Many research scientists and medical professionals are now under the belief that it is from a deficiency in these essential fatty acids that are contributing to omega 3 and eczema, psoriasis and other skin diseases.

Omega 3 and eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders have been conclusively connected in many studies that have been done throughout the world. The deficiency in omega 3 and other essential fatty acids is thought to be caused by the over processing and steroid induced foods that are typically consumed in today’s society. When our foods are over processed they lose much of their original nutrition content and this directly correlates with the deficiencies found in today’s society and the connection between omega 3 and eczema.

Omega 3 and Eczema Facts

There are a few factors that play a role in the connection between omega 3 and eczema such as the fact that our bodies are incapable of creating omega 3 and the essential fatty acids that our bodies require. For that fact is the very reason that we have to introduce these fatty acids through our diets and unfortunately most of our foods are completely saturated with the fatty acids that are not healthy for us.

It is believed that over 100 million people in the United States alone suffer from eczema an overwhelming 25 million more suffer from psoriasis and another 5 million more suffer from some form of allergic skin reaction from unknown sources. That is an astonishing number of people that clearly suffer from a deficiency in omega 3 essential fatty acids. In order to maintain healthy skin it is imperative to recognize the importance of omega 3 and eczema because once you see the connection, you can typically begin to reverse it.

In order to correct and stabilize the deficiency of omega 3 and eczema skin problems, it is recommended that you consume a healthy balance of omega 3 and omega 6 and as a generality, today’s society consumes on average 20:1 ratio. That means that we are consuming 20 parts of unhealthy fats to one part of essential fatty acids.

Dane Stanton
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/the-role-of-omega-3-and-eczema-119626.html

Twinlab Emulsified Omega-3 Fish Oil is the best tasting emulsified omega-3 fish oil product ever developed. It is the richest and most economical source of the omega-3 polyunsaturates EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Emulsified Omega-3 Fish Oil is imported from Japan and provides the highest quality source of fish oil available. It is derived from the fresh of deep-sea, cold water fish. Emulsified Omega-3 Fish Oil is cholesterol free for those people on low cholesterol diets. It is also carefully screened to avoid toxic metals and chemicals and does not contain Vitamins A and D. Unlike some other brands, Emulsified Omega-3 Fish Oil is emulsified with natural lecithin and apple pectin. No chemical emulsifiers are used in its production. Lecithin and apple pectin, nature’s natural emulsifiers, help reduce and disperse the natural fish oil globules into millions of tiny droplets making fish oil and its omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA more readily available to the digestive system for superior absorption, assimilation and utilization. Suggested Use: As a quick acting and more easily digested source of omega-3 polyunsaturates (EPA and DHA), take one tablespoonful daily or as directed by a physician or health professional. Ingredients: Supplement Facts Serving Size: 1 Tablesspoonful (15 ml) Servings Per Container: 24 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 70 Calories from Fat 50 Emulsified EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) 1,003 mg ** Emulsified DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) 669 mg ** **Daily Value not established. Other Ingredients: Filtered Water, Fish Oil, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Lecithin, Tragacanth (Astragalus) Gum Resin, Mint Flavor, Cellulose, Apple Pectin, Liquid Antioxidant Blend. Product Notes: For maximum stability, quality and freshness, each bottle of Twinlab Emulsified Omega-3 Fish Oil has an antioxidant blend and is sealed free of air (nitrogen flushed) to prevent oxidation and rancidity.

Read the rest of this entry »

Are you ready to improve your heart health and lower your cholesterol level? Then it’s time to starting thinking seriously about the foods you eat each day. If you’re looking for a diet plan to help you structure your low cholesterol diet, the food pyramid is a great place to start.

The United States Department of Agriculture has refashioned the food pyramid of the past into the MyPyramid plan which considers age, gender and amount of physical activity you get each day. Still, this pyramid is a good way to know how much of each food group and what types of foods you need to eat each day to be at your healthiest.

One of the food groups included in a low cholesterol diet is made up of the grains you eat. You should make sure that you eat three ounces of grains each day. Make sure that at least half of this comes from whole grains. Whole grain products are those that contain the bran, germ and endosperm of the grain. The other form of grains are refined grains. The process of refining removes the grain and bran for a finer texture product, but also removes many of the nutritional benefits of grains.

Food Group

Another food group that is important for good heart health is vegetables. You should eat 2-3 cups of vegetables depending on your gender and age. Be sure to include more dark green and orange vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, squash, sweet potatoes and pumpkins in your diet. Dried beans and peas are also an important part of a low cholesterol diet. Good choices include black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans and black-eyed peas.

Fruits are another good food choice when trying to lower your cholesterol. Again, depending on your age and gender, you should try to include 1&1/2 – 2 cups of fresh fruits in your diet each day. Good fruit choices for your low cholesterol diet include berries, melons, apples and juices made of 100 percent fruit juice.

The next food group is one that you should avoid, or eat only sparingly. These are the oils and fats, such as butter. Although we add these generously to our foods, it is healthier to skip them altogether. Most people will get the recommended amounts of oils from the foods they eat. Good sources of oils include fish, nuts and vegetable oils. You should only consume about 5-7 teaspoonfuls of oils each day. A final note, avoid oils that are solid at room temperature, such as butter, because they contain saturated fats. Eating a diet high in saturated fats can raise your cholesterol level and should not be included in your low cholesterol diet.

Dairy Products

Dairy products are an important addition to your diet because they give you your needed daily calcium which is good for strong bones. You should include 3 cups of milk, cheese or yogurt in your diet each day. For good heart health and for your low cholesterol diet, stick with low fat or reduced fat dairy products.

Meats are another food group where you should watch what you eat carefully when you are trying to eat a low cholesterol diet. You should include 5-6 ounces of meat in your diet each day. The best choices are fish, poultry, nuts and seeds. Eggs are also included in this group, but if you want to lower your cholesterol level; you should limit the number of egg yolks you eat to 1 – 2 weekly. You should also grill your meats instead of frying them.

If your goal is to lower your cholesterol, try using the government’s food pyramid as a guide for a low cholesterol diet. Then make low fat or fat-free choices to help you meet your goal.

Julia Carmichael
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/food-pyramid-can-help-structure-a-low-cholesterol-diet-123695.html

Circulation problems can be felt in a number of ways. Some symptoms include fatigue due to poor circulatory function, which may bring on other symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. The inability to concentrate, coldness in the hands or feet, headaches, angina, and high blood pressure are also other signs there could be problems with the circulation system. There are nutritionally-dense foods we can incorporate into our diets to ensure our circulatory system is functioning at its best.

If your circulation is poor, it is vital that the vitamin C content of the body is kept up, because it will help prevent hardening of the arteries and arterial ballooning. Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach are all great vitamin C foods sources, and it helps promote a healthy immune system and is required to help make collagen, which holds cells together, which is vital in maintaining the integrity and strength of the arteries and veins.

Leafy green vegetables, almonds, hazelnuts, and vegetable oils like sunflower, canola, and soybean are all great sources of antioxidants, which are widely recognized for their ability to ward off diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Other great sources include broccoli, cabbage and kale.

Nuts are high in beneficial, unsaturated fatty acids and research shows a correlation between nut consumption and a reduced incidence of ischemic heart disease. Walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts are very high in these needed fatty acids.

Fish Oils as in sardines and may help to improve or reverse atherosclerosis, angina, heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Fish oils help maintain the elasticity of artery walls, prevent blood clotting, reduce blood pressure and stabilize heart rhythm.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects body tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals. Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs can cause damage to the cell walls of the vessels in the circulatory system. Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells. Wheat germ, corn, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, and asparagus are all wonderful vitamin E food sources.

Judy Sommer
http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/try-superfood-for-a-healthy-circulatory-system-743045.html

TRENDS: POOR NUTRITION AND HIGH STRESS = POOR MEMORY

Today, memory decline and mental insufficiency has become a standard complaint with all age groups. Parents are concerned and frustrated wondering how to help their children’s noticeable brain fatigue. Poor retention goes beyond lack of sleep or boredom.

The majority of difficulty lies with our short term memory, whereas the long term memory tends to remain stable.

Maintaining brainpower is largely due to quality nutrition and managing stress levels throughout ones life. Whether the effects are sudden as seen following a stroke or associated with a gradual erosion of ones mental capabilities, dietary supplementation has shown to lessen deterioration while proving extremely beneficial. A malnourished, overworked brain will eventually become fatigued and short out.

“PICKING UP” DEFICIENCIES IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION

Nutritional deficiencies have been identified as a possible factor with many patients from adolescent’s selective memory to Alzheimer’s disease. The symptoms of poor brain function are improved through diet alterations, extra nutrients and other remedies. Abnormally low levels of folic acid, B12 and zinc have been recognized as a contributing factor. A diet rich in antioxidants is best; for instance garlic, blueberries, fruits, vegetables, variety of fresh greens, green tea, nutritional flaked yeast, nuts, seeds and raw food whenever possible.

KEY NUTRIENTS FOR A SHARP MIND

Omega 3 fatty acids (EFA’s) are important for maintaining a sharp, clear mind. These essential fats are often low in the North American diet. Good sources include krill, sea vegetables, seeds, eggs, whole grains, Fish Oils, flax seed oil, evening primrose and borage oil.

Lecithin is a multipurpose supplement; a rich source of choline which is necessary for brain functions and has the ability to transport fat out of the body. Lecithin will retain its effectiveness when heated or may be consumed as a supplement. This soy based product is available in some grocery or health food stores in fresh granules, liquid or capsules.

MEDICINAL HERBAL TRENDS OUT OF EUROPE

Herbs that feed the Brain

The following suggestions and recipes will boost brainpower and improve memory.

Many pharmaceuticals have originated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs. Huperzine A, for example is derived from the herb Huperzia serrata, is used to treat senile dementia.

Ginkgo biloba extract or GBE is the most frequently used phytomedicine in Europe. Germany has approved GBE for the treatment of dementia related memory deficits, concentration problems and depression; and for vertigo, tinnitus and compromised blood flow. Ginkgo has unique flavonoids with chemical properties similar to vitamin P, which are found nowhere else in nature. The whole leaf extract has many active components shown to have pharmacological actions including free radical destruction, reduction of lipids and reduced blood platelet aggregation.

Daily dosage: 120mg to 240mg. * Gingko can affect blood clotting if blood thinners such as Coumadin or warfarin are also used.

STUDIES VALIDATE THE BENEFITS OF GINSENG

Long valued in Asia as an adaptogenic herb, Ginseng has become one of the top three herbal products in the United States. All varieties of ginseng are recognized as brain rejuvenators and enhancers. Thousands of studies have been done with beneficial effects on fatigue, weakness, exhaustion, loss of concentration, neurological disorders, impotence and immune boosting.

Dosage: 200 to 600 milligrams of extract or 0.5 to 2 grams of dry ginseng root daily.

OTHER KEY HERBS OF EASTERN TRADITIONS

In Ayurvedic medicine, the herb Gotu kola is one of the most regarded herbs for brain function. In China, gotu kola is used extensively to aid the brain in coping with huge amounts of stress, intense mental activity and for memory.

Dosage: 3 capsules twice a day or ½ to 1 teaspoon of tincture/extract two times a day.

Ashwagandha has a reputation for enhancing the thyroid. In addition, this herb has key amino acids that boost the brain, while calming the nervous system, clearing the mind and inducing deep sleep. Dosage: 450mg to 900mg daily.

RECIPES: BRAIN BALLS AND SEASONING SPRINKLE = BRAIN POWER

Rosemary Gladstar’s herbal brainpower recipes are an excellent supplement for younger and older generations alike. (Director of Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Centre and author of the best seller Herbal Healing for Women)

Brain Balls

A delicious treat that you will remember to take each day.

• Tahini or other nut butter

• Honey

• 2 parts powdered ginkgo

• 1 part powdered gotu kola

• 1 part powdered Siberian ginseng

• ½ part powdered lyceum berries

• ¼ part powdered rosemary

• Carob or chocolate chips (optional)

• Coconut (optional)

• Lycium berries or raisins (optional)

• Carob powder

1. Mix together equal parts of tahini and honey, or mix to taste.

2. Combine the powdered herbs. Add enough of them to the tahini-honey mixture to make a thick batter or paste.

3. Mix in whatever goodies you prefer – carob or chocolate chips, coconut, lycium berries, or slivered almonds.

4. Add enough carob powder to thicken into a dough. Roll into small balls. Store in the refrigerator, where they will keep for 2 or 3 months. Eat one ball a day.

Brainpower Seasoning Sprinkle

Use this seasoning sprinkle on salads, popcorn, in soups, and in any main course dish.

• 3 parts sesame seeds

• 4 parts nutritional yeast

• 2 parts kelp

• 1 part powdered ginkgo

• 1 part powdered gotu kola

• 1 part lecithin granules

• 1 part spirulina (algae)

• ¼ part powdered rosemary

• Kitchen herbs of choice, powdered (I like to use thyme and garlic)

1. Toast the sesame seeds in a heavy skillet, then grind them in a seed or nut mill.

2. Combine the sesame seeds with the remaining ingredients, adding kitchen herbs of choice to taste.

=== IN CONCLUSION ===

Healthy eating as well as good sleeping habits and regular exercise, help give the body the best possible chance to heal itself. Prolonged stress and strain from being overburdened will cause physical fatigue of the brain. Just as specific nutrients support our memory process so to will a calm relaxing environment. Clearing the mind through enjoyable activities and hobbies lowers stress while improving mental acuity. To maintain internal balance and physic health, rest the mind and body with calming techniques such as yoga, meditation, walking outdoors – anything which promotes peace.

Michelle Honda Phd
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/improve-your-memory-and-mental-aquity-248041.html