There's Nothing Fishy About Omega-3s Fat is an essential part of any healthy diet. But before you start adding wheels of cheese to your grocery list, make sure you know which fats are the healthiest. Omega-3s are some of the best!
Omega-3 fats, a form of polyunsaturated fat named for its multiple pairs of double-bonded carbons, are unsaturated fats. This type of fat is found predominantly in cold-water fish such as salmon, as well as flaxseed, walnuts, and almonds.
Like monounsaturated fat, omega-3 fats improve heart health by keeping cholesterol levels low. They can also aid in stabilizing an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and reducing blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids act as natural blood thinners, reducing the "stickiness" of blood cells (or platelet aggregation), which can lead to blood clots and stroke.
In numerous studies over the years, participants suffering from inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Raynaud's disease have reported less joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and overall fatigue when taking omega-3s.
This fat may inhibit the production of carcinogens within the body, thus aiding in cancer prevention and treatment. It turns out that even your brain — which is 60 percent fat — needs omega-3 to function properly. This wonder fat has even been shown to improve depression and symptoms of other mental illness!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Resolving to Break an Addictive Habit?
12/30/2008 12:00:00 AM
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TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- No matter the addiction -- drugs, gambling, shopping, smoking, alcohol or more -- people who want to kick their habit in the new year might find help in a new Harvard University publication.
"Overcoming Addiction: Paths toward recovery" offers guidance for breaking unwanted addictive habits. The advice applies universally, because what all addictions have in common, the Harvard experts say, is the way the brain responds to pleasurable experiences.
To break the pattern, they recommend the following steps to increase the chances of success:
Seek help and create a support network. Get input, advice and support from peers as well as professionals. Start with your doctor or a community mental health center for advice, a plan and -- if necessary -- medication to help with the break. Ask family, friends and co-workers for encouragement and backup.
Set a quit date. Some people find it helpful to choose a significant date -- a birthday or anniversary, perhaps.
Change your environment. Removing reminders and temptations from your home and workplace can make the break easier. For example, ridding the home of alcohol, bottle openers and wine or drink glasses might help a person trying to stop drinking. Don't let others bring reminders into the home. And, if necessary, break relations with people who enable your condition.
Learn new skills and activities. Find something to replace the addiction and help conquer urges. Many people find that exercise is a good substitute activity to help fight temptation.
Review your past attempts at quitting. Note what worked, what didn't and what might have led to falling back into old habits. Then, make appropriate changes.
More information
12/30/2008 12:00:00 AM
Print E-mail
TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- No matter the addiction -- drugs, gambling, shopping, smoking, alcohol or more -- people who want to kick their habit in the new year might find help in a new Harvard University publication.
"Overcoming Addiction: Paths toward recovery" offers guidance for breaking unwanted addictive habits. The advice applies universally, because what all addictions have in common, the Harvard experts say, is the way the brain responds to pleasurable experiences.
To break the pattern, they recommend the following steps to increase the chances of success:
Seek help and create a support network. Get input, advice and support from peers as well as professionals. Start with your doctor or a community mental health center for advice, a plan and -- if necessary -- medication to help with the break. Ask family, friends and co-workers for encouragement and backup.
Set a quit date. Some people find it helpful to choose a significant date -- a birthday or anniversary, perhaps.
Change your environment. Removing reminders and temptations from your home and workplace can make the break easier. For example, ridding the home of alcohol, bottle openers and wine or drink glasses might help a person trying to stop drinking. Don't let others bring reminders into the home. And, if necessary, break relations with people who enable your condition.
Learn new skills and activities. Find something to replace the addiction and help conquer urges. Many people find that exercise is a good substitute activity to help fight temptation.
Review your past attempts at quitting. Note what worked, what didn't and what might have led to falling back into old habits. Then, make appropriate changes.
More information
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