Plant Based Essential Fatty Acids Safer Than Fish Oils
Udo Erasmus, international authority on fats and oils in human health comments on a safe and healthy alternatives to consuming toxic seafood.
(PRWEB) November 30, 2002
VANCOUVER, BC – Many Americans today think of fish as being a safer and healthier alternative to meat and chicken. However, a recent television report on the NBC Nightly News, supported by an FDA advisory questioned the healthful effects of eating seafood. With recent studies warning of the serious risks associated with consuming mercury contaminated fish, how can one maintain wholesome eating habits and obtain the healthy oils needed for optimum health?
Shellfish from inland waters and coastal bottom fish (cod, halibut) consume industrial deposits, sewage, and fish excrement in their diet and as a result become toxic. As an example, fish oils can be contaminated with mercury and organochlorines. Incorporating them into the human diet has been cited as a cause for many outbreaks of gastroenteritis, hepatitis epidemics, and typhoid fever.
Clearly, the intake of high doses of mercury can be toxic and of particular concern is the potential brain damage to unborn infants from mercury exposure. According to a FDA advisory, pregnant women and women considering pregnancy are recommended to not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish because they could contain enough mercury to harm an unborn infantÂ’s nervous system.
“Seafood contains dangerous pollutants, such as dioxins, PCBs, and mercury, which can put a person’s health at risk”, claims Udo Erasmus, international authority and expert on fats and oils in human health. “Americans are becoming more health conscious and are aware of the need for better nutrition and they understand the importance essential fatty acids (EFAs) for health, motherhood and brain function. However most are generally unaware of the dangerous toxins in seafood” says Erasmus.
“Cold open water fish are sources of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which alleviates heart conditions and lowers triglyceride levels”, states Erasmus. “But if you’re concerned about the effects of pesticides, toxins and environmental pollution and their effects on health, then organically grown seeds and nuts may be a safer source of EFAs”, says Erasmus.
Essential fatty acids are most abundant in oils from flax, sesame and sunflower and are the main structural component of every cell membrane required by all tissues, glands and organs of the body. EFA’s are necessary for cell growth and division, and regulate vital cell activity through their conversion into hormone-like “eicosanoids”. Their effects on our genes and our cell-to cell signaling mechanisms are vital to the human body.
Although proponents of fish oil claim that most people need to incorporate EPA and DHA into their diet, Erasmus points out that the plant-based n-3 and n-6 EFA’s can be converted to EPA and DHA by the body. According to Erasmus the use of n-3 and n-6 plant based essential fatty acids is sufficient for all Canadian’s needs. “The plant based essential fatty acids are an excellent source for increased health”, says Erasmus. Seed oil n-3 and n-6 are more stable, less processed, better tasting and allow the body better metabolic control for transforming n - 3 to EPA and DHA.
As a result of increasing environmental concerns, Udo Erasmus in cooperation with Flora Manufacturing and Distributing Ltd. of Burnaby, BC have combined their efforts to provide alternatives to fish oils and have embarked on extensive studies and research in the area of EFA supplementation.
To this end, Udo Erasmus and Flora have developed an Oil Blend with an optimum ratio of n-3 to n-6 (2:1) similar to that of fish oil. The oil is pressed from organically grown seeds, and contains non-GMO soy lecithin, which improves oil digestion along with antioxidants to keep the oil fresh. The Oil Blend is low temperature pressed, filtered and bottled under protection from heat, light and oxygen. It is nitrogen flushed and packaged in amber glass bottles and must be refrigerated for optimum freshness.
Author of the newly released Choosing the Right Fats, and the groundbreaking books Fats and Oils and Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, ErasmusÂ’ focus for over 20 years has been to heighten public awareness of the potential risks of the low fat, toxic diets. These diets, popularized over the past 2 decades, are nutritionally deficient and lacking in EFAs needed for optimal health.
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