Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty layers of cold-water fish and shellfish, plant and nut oils, English walnuts, flaxseed and algae oils. You can also get omega-3s as supplements.
 
There are the two main types of omega-3 fatty  acids:  Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are plentiful in fish and shellfish. Algae often provides only DHA.  Short-chain omega-3 fatty acids are ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). These are found in plants, such as flaxseed. Though beneficial, ALA omega-3 fatty acids have less potent  health benefits than EPA and DHA. You'd have to eat a lot to gain the same benefits as you do from fish.
 
Studies indicate that Omega-3s may provide some benefits to a wide range of diseases such as cancer, depression, asthma, cardiovascular disease, ADAD and autoimmune diseases. It is theorized that these benefits are due to the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3s.
 
The other fatty acids, Omega-6s, are proinflammatory and may contribute to the diseases mentioned previously.  Omega-6s are found in crackers, cookies and beef.   A good ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 is 1:2 but unfortunately most people diets the ratio is about 1:20 which is way too high.
 
DHA is the most common fatty acid in the brain which might explain why research shows that by increasing consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids improve cognitive function and reduce to risk of strokes.
 
When choosing a Omega-3 fish oil product look for a cold processed and stabilized  product like Standard Process’s Tuna  Omega-3 Oil or Calamari Oil.  Some cheaper products are produced using heat which can destabilize the oil and cause it to go rancid.  All the benefits are lost if the oil has become rancid.  Standard Process also thoroughly tests each batch to insure that there are no impurities such as mercury.

Catalyn was developed in 1929 by Dr. Royal Lee of Standard Process. It was created to fill in the gaps in nutrition He chose the name Catalyn to reflect the product’s catalytic effects, since the vitamin, mineral, and enzyme complexes found in Catalyn work as organic catalysts. 

Catalyn is the complete opposite of the “mega-dose” theory of vital nutrient supplementation.  Instead of providing large doses of fractionated vitamins or minerals, Dr. Lee chose the more wholistic approach.  

When nutrients are kept in their complete form during processing, they are not isolated from their natural synergists.  For example, vitamin C contains ascorbic acid, but ascorbic acid is only part of vitamin C complex.  It was known over a half-century ago that attempting to separate nutrients greatly reduces their strength. “Natural forms of vitamins may lose up to ninety-nine percent of their potency when separated from their natural synergists.
(Annual Review of Biochemistry, p 381. 1943)

Catalyn is a great choice to start any nutritional program.

Soy has become popular lately due to some reported benefits but there are some problems associated with its use.  The soy we consume in this country is different then the soy in Asia.  In asia the soy is naturally fermented at low
temperature. In the west it is produced at a high temperature. The high temperature breaks down some of good compounds that provide some benefit.  Also, the average consumption of soy is about a teaspoon per day in Asia, many americans are consuming much more than that.  This can lead to problems.   Soy has high levels of phytic acid.  Phytic acid reduces the assimilation of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc.  High phytic diets have been shown to cause growth problems in children too.  Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine gland function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer. Soy foods also increase to body's requirement for Vitamin D and B12. Soy phytoestrogens are potent antithyroid agents that cause hypothyroidism and may cause thyroid cancer. In infants, consumption of soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease. Go to
westonprice.org for more information.

Welcome to my blog! 
I will be posting once or twice a week giving my thoughts on the latest health and nutrition news and research. 
Hopefully you’ll find it helpful in sorting through the confusing information and misinformation out there. If you find my thoughts interesting tell your friends.