Omega 3/6/9

The Fat Dilemma

Download the Omega 3/6/9 brochure

Good quality fats and oils are just as important in our diet as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Without them our brain, nerves, hearts, arteries, reproductive systems, cells, tissues, glands and organs could not function normally. Unfortunately, the average North American diet has one of the highest deficiencies in “good” fat. Possible reasons are changes in flour milling technologies which eliminate EFA’s; feed lot raised beef and chicken instead of free-range/organic; increased use of drugs and pharmaceuticals which block EFA’s from being absorbed; increased use of sugar, caffeine, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol - which depletes EFA’s; increased ingestion of toxins in food, water, and air; and lack of breast feeding.

So What Are Good Fats?

These are the fats that come from freshly pressed nuts and seeds, and are contained in cold water fish like salmon, sardine, mackerel, and tuna. Good fats are also known as unsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats can be further divided into Omega- 3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. They are essential because the body cannot make them but they are needed for normal growth and development. Some of the best sources of EFA’s come from flaxseed oil - which contains LNA (alpha linolenic acid); borage oil - which contains GLA (gamma linolenic acid); and of course fish oil - which contains EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). Albi has created a superior product which contains these 3 important sources of essential fatty acids in 1 capsule as well as the added benefits of Omega-9 fatty acids, which synergistically works with both Omega-3 and Omega-6 to produce a more concentrated and effective product!

Omega 3-6-9 And Arthritis

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 1 in 3 adults suffer from some type of chronic joint pain or arthritis symptom. Rheumatoid Arthritis can strike at any age and involves the inflammation of joint tissues and can lead to cartilage destruction. The main symptoms are swelling of the affected joints, morning stiffness and fatigue. Treatment relies on anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers and does nothing to prevent. Research has shown that fish oils in the Omega 3-6-9 can inhibit the action of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes which in turn may reduce the inflammation surrounding affected joint tissues. Supplementation of Omega 3-6-9 can also reduce morning stiffness, and the number of tender joints.

Supplementation with Borage oil (GLA) can also reduce the symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases. GLA is believed to transform into DGLA (dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid) in the inflamed cells, which decreases the inflammatory effects of AA (arachidonic acid). While GLA supplementation may reduce AA in the cells it may also cause an increase in AA in the blood serum, the only way to counteract this effect is to supplement with both borage oil and fish oil, which is provided in Albi’s Omega 3-6-9. (Barham, J. Brooke, et al.)

Researchers also believe that rheumatoid arthritis patients have an abnormal fatty acid profile and a significant deficiency in certain essential fatty acids. This could be another reason why arthritis sufferers find it beneficial when supplementing with Omega 3-6-9. (Navarro, Elisabet, et al.)

Omega 3-6-9 And Heart Health

Cardiac death kills about 250,000 Americans every year, almost 2/3rds of death from heart disease are sudden and almost half of all heart disease deaths occur before the patient reaches the hospital. 50% of people dying suddenly from cardiac arrest never knew they had a heart problem These are overwhelming and shocking statistics. Omega 3-6-9 contains essential ingredients to help combat heart disease and other heart complications. Fish oils in the omega 3-6-9 can lower plasma triglyceride levels, reduce blood clotting tendencies, and counteract inflammation. It can also increase the concentrations of good cholesterol (HDL) while decreasing the concentrations of bad cholesterol (LDL).

Flax seed oil also aids in reducing harmful cholesterol, this in turn reduces plaque buildup and hardened arteries - a condition known as arteriosclerosis. Flax can also help reduce high blood pressure which can lead to high risks of stroke and heart attack.

Borage oil contains as much as 25-30% concentration of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). GLA appears to reduce plaque buildup on artery walls, which in turn can lower the risk of coronary heart disease. Again, it is also useful in preventing the formation of blood clots.

Essential Fatty Acids can also regulate collaterol circulation and transport oxygen from red blood cells to the tissues. It is also important to note that EFA’s are one of the primary energy sources for the heart muscle! When combining flax oil, fish oil, and borage oil you have a winning combination to help maintain heart care.

Omega 3-6-9 And The Brain

Every one of us would like to maintain optimal mental function throughout our lifetime. As we age free radical damage can cause many brain disorders such as memory loss, dementia, and even depression. Fish oils, in particular DHA, has the ability to pass through the threshold and enter the brain, which sets it apart from other essential fatty acids. DHA is one of the critical nutrients required by the brain during the early stages of development, and is also necessary to properly care for the brain throughout one’s life. Unfortunately the average North American is deficient in DHA and this may have an impact on the neurological function of children and adults. In addition, ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactive disorder) may be triggered by deficiencies in omega 3 fatty acids.

In the first few weeks of embryonic development a mother’s blood needs to supply the fetus with large amounts of DHA, in fact pre-term babies often have poor motor skills, possibly due to the lack of DHA they received. Babies also benefit from EFA supplementation, research has shown higher scores in skills and problem solving tests, compared to babies on formulas that do not contain additional EFA’s. Researchers have actually recommended nursing mothers increase their consumption of DHA rich foods or take an essential fatty acid supplements containing DHA.

Beyond development, we all need DHA for our eyes and brain to function optimally. DHA and other essential fatty acids help transport electrical currents from the brain to the body and low levels have been correlated with memory loss, changes in disposition such as depression and bipolar disorders, and visual and neurological conditions. In a recent study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, Andrew L. Stoll, M.D., studied 30 bipolar patients. After 4 months, patients eating fish oil showed a significantly longer period of remission than those eating olive oil In another study, 30 schizophrenic patients were given fish oil, the oil actually decreased one-third of the patients’ symptoms.

Researchers believe diets that maintain a balance of the essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids keep the neural networks in the brain functioning properly. If EFA”s are lacking, the brain responds by creating a less efficient and delayed response. Problems may evolve as essential linkages are blocked and the brian struggles to compensate. Albi’s Omega 3-6-9 contains this essential balance between the Omega 3’s and Omega 6’s, so you an receive all the benefits in one capsule.

Other Benefits

There is a vast category of benefits Omega 3-6-9 is responsible for. It can be of great benefit for female complaints. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that the body produces from an essential fatty acid and it is these prostaglandins that are believed to help with PMS symptoms, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and easing hot flashes and mood swings of menopausal women.

High-dose EFA supplements have shown to decrease abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and pain associated with Crohn’s disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are also effective in preventing reappearance of Crohn’s disease after surgery to remove sections of diseased bowel. In one study of 96 patients, patients who received 4.5g of omega-3 fatty acids required significantly less steroids to control symptoms.

Essential fatty acids can also help with weight management. People who eliminate EFA’s from their diet can actually put on weight, this could be because they contain thermogenic properties which help dissolve bad fat in your body and regulate metabolism.

Some additional benefits include:

• producing steroids and synthesizing hormones
• regulating pressure in the eye, joints, and blood vessels
• mediating immune response
• reduce inflammation of the airways and reduce asthma attacks
• cancer prevention - may prevent cancer of the breast, colon, and prostate.
• regulating bodily secretions and their viscosity
• regulating collateral circulation
• directing endocrine hormones to their target cells
• regulating smooth muscles and autonomic reflexes
• being primary constituents of cell membranes
• regulating the rate of cell division
• maintaining proper kidney function and fluid balance
• protection against skin diseases including acne, eczema, and psoriasis
• healthier hair, skin, and nails
• strengthening the immune system and inhibiting the inflammation and blood circulation of tumors