Heart Health

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease?

While vegetable compounds like diallyl sulfide make onions and garlic more flavorful and contribute to their spiciness, they may also play a more important role when it comes to human health. While previous research has looked at how these compounds affect the development of various medical conditions, a recent study focused specifically on their effects on breast cancer risk. This new research linking diallyl sulfide and cancer suggests eating more onions and garlic may provide greater protection from developing certain types of cancer.

New Study Finds Link Between Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease? 2 A new study sought to examine how eating vegetables that belong to the allium genus (garlic, onions, chives, leeks and the like) affected the development of breast cancer in women living in Puerto Rico. The study, which was conducted at The University of Buffalo in upstate New York, focused on women of that particular area because Puerto Rico has a significantly lower rate of breast cancer than the continental United States. Additionally, “sofrito,” which includes garlic and onion as primary ingredients, is a popular condiment all across Puerto Rico.

The study examined the medical histories for 314 women who were between the ages of 30 and 79, and who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2008 and 2014. A control group consisted of 346 women within the same age range and geographical area, but who had not been diagnosed with cancer. A survey administered to the women in both groups asked about their dietary habits, focusing on their consumption of garlic and onion. In particular, the questionnaire asked participants to record their consumption of sofrito.

Using unconditional logistic regression, the researchers examined how the consumption of onions and garlic affected the rate of breast cancer. The study involved comparing breast cancer risk among women with a high consumption of these types of vegetables versus women who consumed lower amounts of garlic and onions. Surprisingly, they found that there was a correlation between eating vegetables in the allium genus and lower rates of breast cancer. They determined that consuming high amounts of sofrito resulted in as much as a 67 percent drop in the risk of developing breast cancer.

As an observational study, this research can’t pinpoint exactly why or how onions and garlic lower the risks of breast cancer. Until more direct research can be conducted, scientists have theorized that there is likely a link between the highly antioxidant vegetable compound diallyl sulfide and cancer. Together with other compounds, such as the S-allylcysteine anddiallyl disulfide found in garlic and the alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides found in onions, diallyl sulfide may help protect cellular health when consumed regularly in one’s diet.

Diallyl Sulfide May Benefit Health in Other Ways

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease? 1 In previous research, scientists found that diallyl sulfide may affect the risk of developing other types of cancer. In an experiment conducted with mice, it was found that the risk of developing colorectal cancer was reduced by 74 percent overall when a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine injection was administered once weekly over a 20-week period. The 1,2-dimethylhydrazine injection contained the same compounds in comparable amounts as those consumed by eating fresh onions and garlic.

Other previous research found that diallyl trisulfide may protect against the development of prostate cancer in men. A newer study examined how the compound appeared to cause prostate cancer cell death, with researchers taking an interest in exactly how this process was instigated. Specifically, they looked at inhibitor proteins to determine how they were related to cell death in mice with prostate cancer. They found that as the inhibitor protein levels decreased, cancer cell death increased. Ultimately, it was determined that the compounds found naturally in onions and garlic may affect cellular health by blocking the inhibitor proteins that allow cancer cells to thrive. In this way, prostate cancer cells can’t get the nourishment they need to grow, so, as people consume more onions and garlic, they could be building up a stronger defense against the development of prostate cancer.

In other studies, diallyl sulfide was found to provide a broad range of health benefits. While its promotion of cellular health alone may be enough to encourage more regular onion and garlic consumption, it has been found that the compound also provides other important benefits. Studies have found that it helps cut down on oxidative stress while also modulating internal inflammation. In addition to supporting cardiovascular health, diallyl sulfide also has antimicrobial properties. This suggests that regular consumption of onions and garlic may also help fortify the immune system.

While we don’t fully understand all of the benefits that onions and garlic provide, early research has shown us that these vegetables can be very beneficial to overall health. Regular consumption of certain onions and garlic compounds, whether via diet or supplementation, may help protect cellular health. It may also help us boost heart health and keep the immune system strong. As scientists continue to look deeper into how this compound benefits the human body, we will likely find that its consumption provides even more health advantages. In the meantime, adding diallyl sulfide-rich foods and supplements to your daily routine may help you stay healthier longer.

Scientists Probe New Link Between Gut Health and Chronic Disease

Sep 25 by Ewcopywriting

What would happen if you could turn an unhealthy gut microbiome into a healthy one? According to research recently conducted at Scripps Research Institute, doing so may improve cholesterol levels and stave off chronic disease. According to this new research, gut health and disease are linked, suggesting improving gut health can positively impact the risks of developing certain diseases.

Recent Study Links Gut Health and Disease

A recent research project used particles called peptides to identify how introducing certain molecules into the gut microbiome affected cholesterol levels in the body. Using mice that were fed high-fat diets and bred to develop arterial plaque, the team used peptides to alter the health of the gut microbiome and, in turn, improve cholesterol levels.

An unhealthy gut microbiome is one that does not contain a diverse selection of bacteria, so the goal was to encourage more diverse bacterial growth in the gut microbiome. They did this by introducing specific peptides, which would cause different strains of bacteria to thrive in the guts of the test mice. In this way, they were able to transform an unhealthy gut microbiome into a healthy one.

Before and after administering the peptides, the researchers conducted tests to evaluate the health of the mice. This involved taking fecal samples and looking at arterial health, while also examining molecules that indicate higher risks for developing inflammation, inhibited immunity and poor metabolic rates. They found that there was a 50 percent drop in plasma cholesterol in the mice receiving the peptide treatments. At the same time, researchers could not find a significant amount of plaque in the arteries of the same test mice.

While the research was conducted on mice, the researchers hope it will lead the way toward developing better treatments for human patients. Particularly, the research linking gut health and disease shows promise in treating people suffering from atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, though additional research is needed. Future research may take a deeper focus on how altering the gut microbiome can lower the risks of developing other diseases.

Can Strengthening the Gut Microbiome Stave Off Disease?

Another recent study found that a diverse gut microbiome can affect HDL (good) cholesterol levels, triglycerides and the likelihood of developing obesity. To look at this relationship, researchers examined the fecal samples from 893 subjects, ranging in ages from 18 to 80. The samples helped the scientists determine the richness of bacteria in the gut microbiome and the diversity of the types of bacteria. Those results were compared against the lipid levels and body mass index measurements of the subjects.

Once the comparisons were complete, they found that there were 34 types of bacteria that were positively associated with HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They also find a negative correlation between the presence of those particular bacteria and BMI measurements of the subjects.

The newly discovered link between gut health and disease, which was confirmed in this study, suggests that the gut microbiome plays an important roles in several areas of health. In addition to promoting better arterial and cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can help reduce unhealthy dietary cravings and may even affect the BMI of an individual. The researchers hopes future studies will strengthen the evidence that the gut microbiome plays a vital role in human health, so those findings can be used to develop more natural treatments for certain diseases.

Natural Ways to Bolster Your Gut Microbiome

Add Prebiotics and Probiotics to Your Diet

There are two primary ways to ensure you’re introducing sufficient quantities of probiotics and prebiotics into your gut microbiome. Many high-quality dietary supplements on the market incorporate both prebiotics and probiotics to maximize gut health. Additionally, you can eat foods that are excellent sources of prebiotics and probiotics. While there are many food sources of these important substances, a few are listed here to get you started.

Prebiotic Foods

artichokes
cucumbers
asparagus
apples
berries
bananas
honey
dark chocolate
seeds (flax, hemp, pumpkin, chia)

Probiotic Foods

sauerkraut
pickles
kimchi
plain yogurt
other fermented foods

Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome has as much to do with what you don’t eat as it does with what you do consume. Consuming foods and drinks rich in refined sugar actually prevent the bacteria in your gut from getting the nourishment they need. As a result, some of the helpful bacteria in your gut will eventually die off, leaving you with a less diverse microbiome.

Intermittent Fasting

Fasting for brief periods can give your gut the time it needs to heal. It can also help strengthen your immune system by restoring the bacterial balance in the gut. As you fast, you should be drinking plenty of water. To add a bit of flavor, you can use lemons or apple cider vinegar. Adding bone broth to your fast can also be helpful, since the gelatin and amino acids in the broth have been shown to help the gut lining heal and grow stronger.

Get Back to Nature

Improving the diversity of your gut microbiome doesn’t just concern your diet. Getting enough exercise can help, especially if you’re doing it outside. Walking barefoot in nature or simply breathing the fresh air can expose you to a broad range of types of bacteria. Additionally, buy your produce from organic farms and give them a slight rinse to ensure you don’t wash away the bacteria. Since each living thing plays host to a different selection of bacteria, spending time among a variety of plants and animals can help you strengthen your gut microbiome.

The Best Time to Take Omega-3 for Optimum Effectiveness

Sep 19 by Ewcopywriting

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids is one of the most salient health trends of the past decade. Physicians are increasingly recommending these oily supplements for a variety of purposes, from helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges to combating the physical effects of aging. But when is the best time to take omega-3 supplements?

Most people who take these supplements believe that they can be taken at any time of day without a dramatic difference in effect. A new study suggests that this may not be the case. Could the time of day that you take your omega-3 supplement make a dramatic difference in its effects?

Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

It is almost impossible to read the latest health news without learning about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. These oils, which are found naturally in fish, flaxseed and a variety of other sources, have been found in studies to have a variety of health benefits. These include:

• reducing the chances of having a heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac event
• protecting cellular health, particularly in the breasts, lungs, colon and prostate
• helping to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids that increase cardiac risk
• treating metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes
• protecting against insulin resistance and helping to maintain healthy blood glucose levels
• preserving healthy vision while reducing the risk of blindness and other vision loss
• encouraging brain growth and development both in pregnancy and in the first several years of life
• protecting against inflammation, especially long-term inflammation that can lead to tissue damage
• promoting optimal mental health and mood and soothing anxiety
• reducing the effects of ADHD in children and adults with this disorder
• offering benefits in cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia

It is clear that taking an omega-3 supplement can have many physical and mental benefits. However, we are still learning how to maximize these effects.

When is the Best Time to Take Omega-3 Supplements?

According to new research, taking omega-3 fatty acids at certain times of day may increase their proven health benefits. For most health concerns, the best time to take omega-3 is at night. Taking these supplements at night will maximize their effects on inflammation, pain and cardiovascular health because night is when these pathways are most active. If you are taking a supplement for arthritic pain or to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges, night time is the period when your omega-3 supplement will produce optimal effects.

In addition, taking these supplements at night may minimize their side effects. “Fishy burps” and a fishy taste in the mouth are the two most complained-about side effects of these supplements. Many find that they do not notice these symptoms when they take the supplements just before retiring to bed in the evening.

For most people, taking omega-3 fatty acids at night will have the most beneficial effects on health with the fewest side effects. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Omega-3 fatty acids are absorbed best when eaten with other high-fat foods. If your fattiest meal is not in the evening, you may want to take your supplements at another time to increase the proportion that is absorbed.

The Circadian Rhythm and Medications

Omega-3 fatty acids are not the only supplements or medications for which timing can make a difference. Research has found that taking other medications and supplements at certain times of the day can increase their health benefits while reducing side effects and other unwanted factors.

For example, blood pressure medications usually work best when they are taken at night, just before bedtime. Studies have found that people who take this type of medication in the evening have a one-third lower risk of having heart attacks and strokes compared to patients who take their medications in the morning. Medications for heartburn similarly appear to work much more effectively when taken in the evening.

Part of this phenomenon is due to the circadian rhythm of disease. Every disease, and even every organ in the body, has a time of day when there is more risk. Heart attacks and strokes, for example, are more likely to occur in the early morning hours when cortisol is high. Taking medications several hours before this time ensures that there will be plenty of active ingredient in your bloodstream at the time when your body is most vulnerable.

Is an Omega-3 Supplement Right for You?

An omega-3 fatty acid supplement is not right for everyone; there are certain people who should talk to their doctor about whether this oily pill should have a permanent place in their medicine cabinet. If you do not regularly eat fatty fish or high omega-3 plant oils, you may want to consider taking a supplement. This essential fatty acid is simply too essential to completely do without.

In addition, you should consider taking an omega-3 supplement if you are concerned about any of the health concerns omega-3 can benefit. People who suffer from osteoarthritis or heart disease, for example, should talk to their doctors about whether this supplement is right for them.

The Western diet is low in fish oils and other healthy fats. However, the science is clear: People need omega-3 oils to thrive. Because they are extremely safe and have few possible side effects, adding one of these supplements to your regimen (and taking it at night!) will likely be a net positive for your well-being.

Diastolic Blood Pressure Reading Just as Important for Predicting Heart Disease Risk

Aug 09 by Ewcopywriting

The heart is a muscle that pumps life-giving blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and important nutrients while removing damaging carbon dioxide and other waste products. When the heart and blood vessels become damaged, this crucial pumping system stops working properly. The host of health problems that ensue are collectively known as cardiovascular disease or heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

High blood pressure is just one of many risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure is expressed in two numbers: one on top (systolic reading) and one on the bottom (diastolic reading). Previously, the medical world considered the systolic blood pressure reading to be the best indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. However, new research indicates that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure influence the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Types of Heart Disease

Several health problems related to heart and blood vessel disease can be traced to a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in artery walls, making it harder for the blood to flow through the arteries. If this plaque breaks loose, a blood clot can form and completely block the flow of blood to the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

If blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing a heart attack, the section of the heart that the artery supplies starts to die. When a blood vessel to the brain becomes blocked, the result is an ischemic stroke. This is the most common type of stroke, and it causes a loss in the functioning of that part of the brain. If a blood vessel in the brain bursts, it causes a hemorrhagic stroke. This type of stroke is most often related to high blood pressure.

Congestive heart failure is a type of cardiovascular disease in which the heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently. The heart doesn’t stop beating, but the body’s supply of oxygen and blood is diminished. It left untreated, this condition will worsen. Another problem that can occur with the heart is that it may begin to beat irregularly, or too fast or slow. This condition is called arrhythmia, and it can also adversely affect the body’s supply of blood and oxygen.

The valves in the heart also play a role in healthy circulation. A condition called stenosis occurs when the valves don’t open wide enough to let the blood flow as it should. When valves don’t close properly, blood leaks through causing a condition called regurgitation. If a valve bulges back into the heart’s upper chamber, it causes a serious condition called prolapse.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Some risk factors for heart disease can be controlled, while others can’t. The risk of developing heart disease goes up with age, and statistics show that men over 45 and women over 55 are at a greater risk. Caucasians are less likely than African Americans to have heart disease. Hispanic Americans are at a lower risk, and East Asians have less of a chance of getting heart disease than South Asians. A family history of heart disease is also a factor, and increases risk.

The risk of heart disease can be controlled by having a healthy lifestyle. High levels of fat in the blood (cholesterol and triglycerides) can clog arteries and lead to a heart attack. These fats in the blood can be managed with diet, exercise and medication if needed. A diet low in sodium, sugar and fats along with exercise lowers fats in the blood and helps control blood pressure. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, stress and inadequate sleep are other risk factors for heart disease that can be controlled. It’s important for those who have diabetes to keep the condition under control as it can also lead to cardiovascular problems.

Systolic Versus Diastolic Blood Pressure

Since high blood pressure is a major risk factor, doctors and researchers place much emphasis on controlling it. Everyone, especially older adults and those who have high blood pressure, should have it checked often. Understanding blood pressure readings is also critical. Systolic blood pressure is the upper number in a blood pressure reading. It measures how hard blood is pumped into the arteries. Diastolic pressure, the bottom reading, shows the pressure during the heart’s rest in between beats. The American Heart Association considers numbers below 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) to be normal. If the systolic reading is consistently greater than 130 mm Hg and the diastolic blood pressure is more than 80 mm Hg blood pressure is considered to be high.

For decades, doctors have usually placed more emphasis on systolic blood pressure considering it to be a major risk. However, results of a new study conducted by Kaiser Permanente run counter to that belief. In the study, which was the largest of its kind, researchers examined more than 36 million blood pressure readings from over a million people. They looked specifically at how both diastolic and systolic blood pressure influenced the occurrence of heart attack and stroke over a period of eight years.

Ultimately, they discovered that while systolic blood pressure is slightly more indicative, both components of blood pressure can predict risk of heart attack and stroke. Lead study author Alexander C. Flint, MD, Ph.D. claims that “Every way you slice the data, the systolic and diastolic pressures are both important.”

Natural Ways to Help Prevent Heart Disease

It has been established that a healthy diet is essential for good heart health. A good diet should include a range of vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, folic acid and certain amino acids. A Western diet high in processed foods can leave the body depleted of these necessary nutrients.

Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, are necessary for biochemical and enzymatic reactions needed for optimal heart health. Studies show that the amino acids L-arginine, L-proline and L-cysteine, taken in ample amounts, can help improve the health of blood vessel tissue. L-cysteine may also act as an antioxidant to prevent damage from toxins and oxidation.

Grapeseed extract and CoQ10 are other natural supplements that protect the cardiovascular system. Grapeseed extract helps protect against inflammation, supports blood vessel health and may help maintain cholesterol levels already within normal ranges. Several studies found that CoQ10 promotes healthy blood pressure and discourages plaque buildup in blood vessels. Another heart-healthy ingredient that many people in the West have never heard of is nattokinase. Derived from the fermented soybean food natto, this supplement has been used to reduce the risk of blood clots for those who take long airline flights.

Since it’s not always easy to get proper levels of these important ingredients in the typical American diet, supplementing with a high-quality product that supports heart health is a wonderful way to gain these benefits.

Study Shows Fruits and Veggies Reduce Death Risk

Jul 31 by Ewcopywriting

Fruits and vegetables are essential sources of the fiber, nutrients and vitamins that our bodies need to thrive. We already know that a healthy plant-based diet can help us maintain healthy blood pressure, improve digestion and reduce our risks of developing certain types of cancer. Now, a new study suggests that fruits and veggies reduce death risk. More specifically, consuming a sufficient amount of each may help stave off heart disease.

Study Finds Fruits And Veggies Reduce Death Risk From Heart Disease

Recently, a group of researchers analyzing records from a past Harvard University health study concluded that fruits and veggies reduce death risk from heart disease. These researchers estimate that by eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, the risk of developing heart disease may be decreased by up to 20 percent. Surprisingly, eating as much as three servings of fruits and veggies daily did not produce these same health benefits.

By way of comparison, let’s look at the guidelines set out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture defining the minimum number of servings of fruits and vegetables people should eat each day. For fruits, a minimum of one-and-a-half to two cups of fresh fruit is recommended. In addition, it is recommended that each individual eat between two to three cups of veggies each day. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) supports these guidelines, but reports that only one in 10 people meet these standards.

A separate study published earlier this year found that eating an insufficient amount of fruits and vegetables could be blamed for as many as one in seven heart-related deaths. The same report also posited that eating too few vegetables may be responsible for one in every 12 heart disease deaths. What’s more, the researchers determined that poor fruit intake was even more deadly than low vegetable intake. While eating an insufficient amount of vegetables caused close to one million deaths from cardiovascular disease, there were two million cardiovascular-related deaths attributed to low fruit consumption.

Victoria Miller, who co-authored the study, said these results shine a light on the need for greater nutrition education. She suggested that more community campaigns are needed to encourage populations to eat more fruits and vegetables.

More Research Highlights the Importance of a Plant-Based Diet

Another study, based out of Jinan, China, confirmed the crucial role that fruits and vegetables play in protecting against cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study was aimed at determining the long-term health consequences of eating a poor diet that lacked sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables. The study involved reviewing the health records and dietary habits of 833,234 subjects and re-evaluating them with follow-up examinations between four and 26 years later.

As the subjects were contacted for follow-up exams, it was found that there had been a total of 56,423 deaths within the time frame of the study. Of those deaths, 11,512 of them could be attributed to cardiovascular disease, while 16,817 deaths resulted from various types of cancer.

The researchers determined that a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was a contributing factor to a lower risk of premature death from all causes. This study also confirmed that five servings of fruits and vegetables per day is the ideal dietary requirement to achieve these health benefits. Fewer servings per day didn’t positively impact the health of the individuals, while eating more than five servings of fruits and veggies daily didn’t seem to increase the health benefits.

The Health Benefits of Eating More Fruits and Vegetables

While reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer are important reasons to increase your intake of fruits and veggies, they’re not the only benefits to your health these foods can provide. Eating more fruits and vegetables has also been credited with the amazing benefits listed below.

Hypertension

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, eating more fruits and vegetables can help you alleviate the condition. In one study, participants were asked to adopt a diet that consisted of plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy and eliminated or reduced the amount of saturated fat. As a result, systolic blood pressure was lowered by an average of 11 mm Hg, while diastolic blood pressure dropped by about 6 mm Hg.

Type 2 Diabetes

Currently, there is only limited research looking into the effects of eating fresh fruits on the development and treatment of diabetes. We already know that drinking fruit juice, which has high amounts of added sugar, is hazardous to those with diabetes and those at risk of developing the disease. However, some new research has found that eating fresh fruit, such as apples, blueberries and grapes, actually lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While fruit juices and fruits preserved in cans are likely to raise the risks of developing diabetes, eating leafy green vegetables and fresh fruit seems to lower those risks for both men and women.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber, which is essential to a healthy digestive system. As fiber is processed, it absorbs the water and moisture in the intestinal tract and this can help alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, more fiber will help the individual experience more frequent bowel movements, so issues with constipation and diverticulosis can be avoided.

Vision Problems

Finally, eating more fruits and vegetables will help keep your eyes in good condition. Typically, people develop cataracts and macular degeneration as they reach their senior years, but increasing the amount of plant-based foods you consume can reduce those risks. In particular, zeaxanthin and lutein, which are nutrients that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors, are especially effective in reducing the risks of developing cataracts.

Little-Known Omega-6 Fatty Acid Benefits Heart Health, Atherosclerosis

Jul 26 by Ewcopywriting

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and is on the rise in the U.S., accounting for approximately one out of every three deaths. Considering the vast number of people affected by cardiovascular disease, it’s no wonder that researchers continue to look for foods, vitamins and medications that will improve the health of the cardiovascular system. While we already know that omega-3 fatty acids provide numerous heart-health benefits, modern science is just beginning to discover some of the ways in which omega-6 benefits heart health.

New Research Discovers Omega-6 Benefits Heart Health

While there’s much research to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids benefit heart health, a recent study looked at the benefits that another fatty acid, omega-6. This new study, led by Professor Dipak Ramji of Cardiff University, sought to determine how omega-6 affects arterial health. More specifically, the objective of the research was to find out if omega-6 fatty acid can protect against the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque build-up in the arteries forms blockages that can inhibit blood flow. A blocked artery can lead to a heart attack or stroke if it’s not treated in time, so finding ways to prevent arterial plaque buildup is a major concern.

Using mice as test subjects, the researchers examined dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), a specific type of omega-6 fatty acid. By examining how DGLA affected the immune cells in the mice models, the team was able to determine that this particular omega-6 fatty acid may have the potential to either protect against or even resolve atherosclerosis.

More specifically, the researchers found that the presence of DGLA positively affected the inflammatory response that’s key to the development of arterial plaque, while also helping cells to better process cholesterol. DGLA was also observed to protect smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells from the process that leads to atherosclerosis.

While more research is needed, Professor Ramji is excited by the results, which clearly indicate that the omega-6 fatty acid DGLA can affect the mechanisms involved in the development of atherosclerosis. This latest study provides a solid basis for the theory that omega-6 benefits heart health.

Helping the Body Create the Omega-6 Fatty Acid DGLA

The body requires many fatty acids to maintain good health, yet our bodies don’t make these nutrients on their own. This means we have to rely on our diet to provide the fatty acids we need to thrive. Since there aren’t many foods that directly provide DGLA, we must eat foods that contain other nutrients that can be transformed into this beneficial substance.

This is where linoleic acid (LA) comes in. As we consume foods that contain LA, this acid is broken down by the body into gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid (AA). GLA is then further broken down into DGLA, which is the essential fatty acid we need to help stave off atherosclerosis.

In addition to certain foods like spirulina and hemp seeds, linoleic acid and GLA can be found in:

evening primrose oil
black currant seed oil
borage oil

Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

While the recent research shows that certain omega-6 fatty acids can benefit the heart, it is important to consume a proper ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. An ideal ratio for maintaining good health might be somewhere between 1:1 and 4:1, while the typical Western diet, which is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, provides a typical ratio of 15:1.

The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil, which can be obtained by including fish in the diet or via supplementation. While omega-6 fatty acids help heart health, omega-3’s also offer a whole host of health benefits. Here are just a few of them.

Multiple Sclerosis

Whether or not omega-3 fatty acid has a positive effect on MS is up for debate. While some research indicates that it has no effect, other research makes an opposite claim. Those with MS who have tried taking an omega-3 supplement have claimed that the nutrient does help by offering protection to the central nervous system and the brain.

Post-Partum Depression

Many doctors advise new moms to add more fish to their diets, specifically because fish is the best source of omega-3’s. While you can get this essential fatty acid in a supplement, eating more fish will also provide your body with more depression-fighting nutrients.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

More commonly referred to as ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be alleviated by consuming a higher concentration of omega-3 rich foods. In a 2007 study, children were given increased levels of omega-3’s through dietary changes. After eight weeks, the children’s parents and their psychologists observed significant behavioral improvements.

Should You Add a GLA Supplement to Your Diet?

Even though you can get GLA through foods like hemp seed, spirulina and through the oils previously mentioned here, it may also be beneficial to add a daily GLA supplement to your routine. Since the body uses omega-3’s to convert GLA to DGLA, taking in a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids can also be advantageous. In general, you can obtain the best benefits by eating foods rich in omega-3’s and also increasing GLA intake. Some ways that supplementing with GLA can affect your health are detailed below.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

In a recent observational study that involved reviewing 22 previous studies, a link was found between GLA and rheumatoid arthritis. The GLA was delivered by an increased consumption of evening primrose oil and fish oil. As a result, inflammation and pain was reduced, while subjects reported increased mobility.

Skin Problems

Some research has found that GLA absorbed topically via evening primrose oil helped treat conditions such as acne, eczema and keratosis pilaris. The results were observed in small children as well as in adults and teens.

Female Hormonal Health

There is little scientific data to back up these claims, but anecdotal reports from patients suggests that omega-6’s help the body adjust to hormonal changes. Women report that depression, cramping, breast tenderness, cyclical acne and labor induction have all been helped by increasing GLA levels.

If you plan on adding a GLA supplement to your daily routine, it’s advisable to consult your doctor ahead of time, especially if you have a medical condition or are already on any medications. Provided you use the supplements under your doctor’s guidance, this can be a worthwhile way to help your body get the essential fatty acids it needs for optimal heart health.