Imbalance in consumption of omega fats - ?6: ?3, can cause both current obesity and future genetic variations

Rate it!

Currently 3 /5 Stars.
1
2
3
4
5

13 comments View Comments Post a Comment

The healthy ratio for the Omega fats are 1:5 but for the last 3-4 decades it has shifted anywhere from 15:1 in Europe, and up to 40:1, in the US. In breast milk of American women alone the ratio has gone from 6:1 to 18:1. Though there have been innumerable studies which have shown the link between an imbalance of the 2 PUFA and the Heart, this is the first instance when the effect of this imbalance has shown that it can be transferred to the next generation. "Omega six is like a fat-producing bomb," according to lead researcher- Gerard Ailhaud, a biochemist at the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis.

Among many debates by experts and researchers on Obesity and its probable causes, one of it is whether it is due to the percentage of fat in one's diet or more due to the amount of calories consumed. (Journal of Lipid Research.US) Another feature is that morbid obesity seen in certain families may not just be genetic in origin and may not be entirely due to environmental factors either. Dr Ailhaud *suggests that the link between omega imbalance and obesity "is probably epigenetic," where in the information in genes is translated into chemical activity, i.e. the environment can influence the way the genes are expressed.

NutritionVista

Previous Page Next Page

User Comments

27 August, 2010 | Geetanjali Kelkar | Reply

Metabolic syndrome has a cluster of risk factors as obesity, high blood pressure, high blood fats. Adding a little fish oil to a diet low in saturated fats, and high in complex carbohydrates may improve cholesterol levels suggests a new study. The study was published in Journal of Nutrition September issue. The presence of the omega 3 fatty acids in fish oils does the magic

04 August, 2010 | Geetanjali Kelkar | Reply

A deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids is correlated with over 50 diseases and dreadful illnesses as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis. Also cancer, cardiac ailments, hyperactivity, autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s. The list goes on http://www.omega3sealoil.com/Chapter3_2.html. Hence, it appears vital to watch our daily diets and include foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids as flax seeds, nuts and oilseeds, the right blend of oils(combination oils as rice bran + groundnuts, soybean + groundnut) to prevent these ailments along with hereditary obesity.

27 July, 2010 | Manjula B, North Carolina | Reply

Yesterday I crushed and ground about 20 cloves of garlic - and I left them out in a small bowl covered overnight by mistake.
This morning they had turned green? it was really weird and I hadnt seen that before.
I threw it out of course - but I was curious about why that happened.

27 July, 2010 | Poonam Vaswani | Reply

When garlic is not completely ripe and dry, it can turn green in the presence of heat or sunlight, due to the synthesis of a chlorophyll like compound. A similar reaction can occur in presence of acidic medium like, vinegar and lemon juice or with copper based vessles . It is harmless.

27 July, 2010 | Manjula | Reply

I threw it out as it had turned green.
Poonam, by harmless do you mean it is still edible, or not. Could I still have used it in cooking.

It wasnt really in the heat or the sun- it was sitting covered near the back on my counter.

27 July, 2010 | Poonam Vaswani | Reply

Yes, Manjula, you could have still used it in cooking.

27 July, 2010 | Manjula S | Reply

Thanks Ms Vaswani.
I am feeling bad I threw it out.
I should have put it in the fridge right away.
I didnt.
Live and learn.
Thanks
Manjula

27 July, 2010 | Mrinal | Reply

Couple of questions -
Do nuts such as almonds and flax seeds lose some of their nutritional value during cooking.
Or
Are they best had fairly fresh.
Also what is the shelf life of nuts. I mean how long can or should you keep them in jars before they have lost a lot of value.
Are raw / green almonds better then the regular dried ones we are used to?

27 July, 2010 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

Hello Mrinal
Flax seeds and most nuts are eaten for their healthy fat content which is not affected by roasting or cooking. With regard to the shelf life of almonds since it has a high fat content, which unless it is stored properly in a tightly sealed container in a cool dark place away from sunlight, will get rancid. This way it can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 months and for a year in the refrigerator.
Raw or green almonds are fresh almonds available only for a short time around April –May.Their nutritive value is more or less the same as mature almonds but they taste different.

27 July, 2010 | Poonam Vaswani | Reply

Cooking almonds can lead to a loss of some nutrients. Flaxseed is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids which can be destroyed on heating. Infact, flaxseed should be stored in the refrigerator .
Nuts have a shelf life of about 4/5 months if kept in airtight containers. It can be extended by 3-4 months when refrigerated.
Green almonds provide similar health benefits as dried ones, although they do have a higher Vitamin C content and provide lesser calories.

27 July, 2010 | Kamini Pradeep | Reply

Hi I just want to know if I add a ½ -1 tsp of flax seeds per person, in the salad or any dish everyday will I be able to improve my family`s intake of omega 3 fatty acids? Will it alter the taste of the dish?

31 July, 2010 | Sangeetha Narayana Swamy | Reply

Dear Kamini,

If you are not used to taking flax seeds and are planning to include them now, then take care to drink plenty of water. The soluble fiber present in flax seed needs water to work well, which otherwise can result in constipation. Start by including about 2 tsp a day, slowly increasing it to about 5-6 tsp per day if you are not used to taking high fiber diet.

27 July, 2010 | Poonam Vaswani | Reply

An adult can take upto 2 tbsp of ground unroasted flaxseed per day. However for children 1 tsp per day is good enough.

Post Comments

Contact Name:

E-mail:

(Will show your Gravatar icon)

Comments:

Notify me when new comments are added

User Rules

Dear User,

This is to inform you that this part of the site is moderated, and your comments will be published after the approval of the moderators. Your text comments can be modified or deleted at any time. All comments that are posted are moderated by paid employees to ensure appropriate behavior and monitor and prevent abuse and disrespect of users and readers. The moderators also ensure that all questions asked are forwarded to and responded by employees in a timely manner and by the appropriate and qualified employees. The moderators are the dietitians listed under "The NV Dietetic Team"

All users are by default considered as non medical professionals, unless explicitly stated. If you are a health professional giving medical information as a platform user, please list your status as a medical professional so as to be clearly identified.

Please note - We recommend you not include any personal data and will remove all advertising for a site or product.

All platform users and moderators must behave at all times with respect and honesty. If comments are inappropriate moderators may intervene and if a platform users is banned they will be warned or notified before being banned.

Please note regarding response time - The moderator’s is notified automatically with details the instant a comment is posted.

'The information provided on the NutritionVista.com website is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician.' The minimum age for the use or participation in these platforms is 18 years of age and is strictly adhered to. By posting a comment all users of this platform undertake to disseminate only information that is true and correct in light of their knowledge.

Tags: Diet, Eat Healthy, General health, Healthy Lifestyle, Metabolic Syndrome, Nutrition, Obesity / Weight Loss, Sedentary Lifestyle

© 2007 - 2024 NutritionVista.com. All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. All articles and content written by the Nutritionvista.com team for NutritionVista.com are the sole property of J.L.S Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. Content may not be copied without express permission to do so. If you want to link back to an article, please ensure a working link to the article title is used and is functioning at all times.