The Science of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to human health and play a role in the functioning of almost every cell in the human body. Thousands of research articles have been published about this subject with regards to cardiovascular disease, cholesterol problems and many other major health issues that plague North Americans.
Many areas of the world where fish consumption has been traditionally higher have shown lower incidence of heart disease and related problems. After many years of investigating this phenomenon, it has been shown that certain types of fat found in fish have a protective effect. It has become quite clear in the past few years that not all fats are bad and that omega-3 fats in particular actually counteract some of the damage done by “bad” fats like cholesterol.
Because of these findings, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) suggests that products containing omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease while various other institutions encourage us to increase our consumption of deepwater fish. To meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation that we eat at least two fish meals per week, many people increase their consumption of popular fish such as salmon. Unfortunately, increased fish consumption can also lead to increased exposure to heavy metals, such as mercury, coming from pollution. Some nutritionists in fact express concern and suggest that pregnant women and children set limits on their fish consumption. How to get around this paradox? Use high quality fish oil produced according to strict quality control guidelines to remove all toxins. Immunotec’s Omega-3 + CoQ10 with Turmeric daily supplement is equivalent to a 4-ounce serving of wild salmon, without the mercury!
The Science of Coenzyme Q10 – CoQ10
CoQ10 is a powerful natural antioxidant and one of the essential elements in the production of energy by each cell of the human body. All physiological processes that involve energy expenditure depend on CoQ10. It can be found throughout the body particularly in the brain and the heart. It is also found in the organs that play a role in the immune system (liver, kidneys and prostate), hence its other name “ubiquinone“ (which has the same etymology as “ubiquity“ which means “omnipresence“). Often characterized as a vitamin due to its structure and its activity, it plays an important role in the maintenance of proper cardiovascular functioning, the fight against hypertension and the prevention of migraines.
Nevertheless, many factors contribute to decreased levels of CoQ10 in our bodies and natural production cannot keep up. Aging, stress, intense physical activity, illness, smoking and consumption of alcohol are all factors in the reduction of natural production of CoQ10 by our cells. Supplements are thus essential in order to ensure proper functioning of our bodies.
The Science of Turmeric
Just as the low incidence of heart disease in certain populations encouraged researchers to explore the benefits of fatty fish consumption, scientists are looking into dietary factors that could account for the impressive levels of high-functioning mental and physical activity in the aging Asian Indian population.
A potential explanation for this phenomenon is the local use of curry (a mix of spices that contain turmeric) for its flavour and as a natural preservative. Turmeric has long been used in both Ayurvedic (Indian) and Chinese traditional medicine and is what gives curry its yellow colour.
