Choosing The Best Omega 3 Supplement

What You Need To Know About Essential Fatty Acids

 

There has been a great deal of positive press about the health benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), also called n-3 fatty acids. There are a baffling number of fish or krill oil products on the market today. Choosing the best omega-3 supplement for your particular needs can be challenging if you don't know what to look for.

As with virtually anything so popular, there are the good, the bad, and the downright ugly when it comes to omega-3 products. So, how do you discern the best from the rest? This article will offer some insights on omega-3 as well as tips to narrow down your search and hopefully zero in on the right supplements for you.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids (healthy fats). They come in three forms essential for maintaining good health:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Both DHA and EPA are commonly derived from krill or cold-water fatty fish (they are also referred to as marine omega-3s). ALA is found in plants such as walnuts and flaxseeds. When it comes to health benefits, plant and animal omega-3 are not equal.

While vegans and vegetarians often opt for ALA, they may not be getting the full benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. ALA, while still beneficial, has less potent health benefits than DHA and EPA.[1]

Moreover, ALA must be converted into DHA and EPA for the human body to utilize them. Unfortunately, the human body is terribly inefficient in processing this and a lot of it goes to waste.[2] Vegans and vegetarians may be better off taking algae-based supplements.

 

Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Today, we know that omega-3 fatty acids are essential to a number of bodily functions, such as:

• Muscle growth and maintenance: Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have a positive effect on muscle mass.[3]
• Fertility: The fatty acids are essential to both male and female fertility. They may help facilitate pregnancy in women with infertility problems by increasing uterine blood flow.[4] Studies also indicate that DHA may help promote male fertility.[5] Not surprising, as semen consists of a significant portion of DHA.
• Cardiovascular health: Essential fatty acids may reduce risk of heart disease while promoting lower blood pressure and triglycerides (blood fats). Omega-3s may help reduce plaque that can clog your blood vessels and lead to heart disease and atherosclerosis.
• Blood clotting: The fatty acids have blood-thinning properties, which may be beneficial in preventing coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke.[6]
• Brain activity and development: A significant portion of the human brain consists of DHA. Studies indicate that omega-3, particularly DHA, may help improve cognitive function. Reduced DHA has been linked to impairments in cognitive and behavioral performance.[7]
• Inhibiting breast cancer: There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may be effective at inhibiting certain types of breast cancer.[8]
• Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is a major cause of various illnesses (see video below) including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and even heart attacks, among others.[9] Inflammation is often caused by an unhealthy diet as well as a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids. This is why balancing omega-3 and omega-6 (through increasing omega-3 intake) is so important. Not only that but, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.

The above are just a few of the already known benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. There are many more and new ones get added to the list quite frequently.

Video: The Omega Balance: Getting Smart about Inflammation

 

Obtaining Omega-3: Eating Fish vs. Taking Supplements

 

While eating fish regularly is recommended as it provides other important nutrients beside omega-3, for many people it is not always feasible. It can be expensive and it comes with some risk.

Fresh wild fish, while costly for most people, may also expose you to toxins such as mercury, lead, and dioxins. Toxic fat-soluble compounds containing arsenic have been found in fish.[10] Farmed fish, while offering less nutritional value, may expose you to pesticides and antibiotics.

For most people, supplements are perhaps the only viable option. They offer DHA and EPA fatty acids in concentrated doses, without exposing you to unsafe levels of contaminants. This is presuming you get a good quality supplement, as they are not all made the same way.

Choosing the Right Supplement

It is not difficult to choose the right omega-3 supplement if you know what to look for. Here are some tips on what to look for:

• DHA and EPA: These are the two most important compounds in omega-3. While animal sources contain these, plant sources do not. Therefore vegetarians and vegans may have to take products made from sea algae. Read the product label to ensure optimal levels of these two fatty acids.
• Purity: Look for a product that has been purified to remove toxins, through low-heat processing methods that do not negatively impact the active compounds. Currently, the best method known is molecular distillation.
• Naturally preserved: Vitamin E is a natural anti-oxidant and preservative that is added to fish oil to prevent oxidation and rancidity. Krill oil naturally contains vitamin E and therefore needs no addition.

The closer the processing plant is to the source of the fish (or krill) the better as this ensures freshness. You should always avoid a supplement with color added to it. Another reason "color added" farmed fish is inferior to wild. It may look natural, but it offers no biological value.

Click Here to view top-rated omega-3 supplements.

Krill Oil or Fish Oil

While there are a number of krill based products available today, there has been no significant evidence to indicate that krill oil provides a better or more balanced quality of omega-3 fatty acids.[11] Most research on essential fatty acids has been done using fish oil.

Krill oil has less EPA and DHA than fish oil, but some health experts say it is more readily absorbed given that it is bound in phospholipids.[12] However, some experts disagree with this assertion. The claim that krill are more sustainable has been challenged as well. As krill oil gets more popular, over-harvesting is becoming a real concern.[13]

So, should you take krill or fish oil? This is a personal choice. Some users claim that krill oil does not cause fishy aftertaste, heartburn, or burps. But it also costs significantly more, and you still need a good quality product. If you experience no problem after taking fish oil, it may be better to stick with this.

 

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

Omega-3 supplements can be taken safely by most people. However, there are some cases in which you should not take them without consulting a doctor. One such case is if you are pregnant or nursing.

You should also consult a healthcare provider If you’re actively taking blood thinners or medications for high blood pressure.

Of course, if you are allergic to fish you may want to stay away from fish oil. Likewise, if you are allergic to seafood or shellfish you should avoid krill oil.

Mild gastrointestinal discomfort including bloating, belching and diarrhea have been reported. Choosing a good quality omega-3 supplement can make a great difference as some products contain rancid oils or low quality additives. Also, some people find switch from fish oil to krill oil to be helpful.

Finding the best omega-3 supplement, whether krill oil or fish oil, can often be the difference between beneficial and negative effects.[14]

 

Dosage: How Much Should You Take?

 

Currently, there is no Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for EPA or DHA. Dosage can differ according to individual needs. However, most health nutrition professionals recommend that adults consume a minimum of 220 mg of EPA and 1000mg of DHA.[15]

If you do elect to use these fatty acids as a therapeutic measure, work closely with your physician. According to the American Heart Association, supplemental omega-3 may be used to treat the following:

• Elevated Triglycerides (2000-4000 mg per day of EPA and DHA combined)
• Heart Disease (1000 mg per day of EPA and DHA combined)
• The American Psychiatric Association has also supported the therapeutic use of omega-3s to treat psychological disorders and imbalances, such as:
• Mood, Impulse-Control, and Psychotic Disorders (1000 mg per day of EPA and DHA combined)
• Mood Disorders (1000-3000 mg per day of EPA and DHA combined)

While the Mayo Clinic carefully notes that the results of current studies are, as yet, clinically inconclusive, there are still many benefits to incorporating these fatty acids into your diet, especially if you don’t consume fish on a regular basis.[16]

Remember that not all omega-3 supplements are created equal, and some may even cause harm. This is why you should choose the best supplements with high DHA and EPA levels. To find out more please click here. The author is chief editor of Vitamins and Health Supplements website.
 

Resources:

[1] WebMD: What to Know About omega-3s and Fish
[2] FAO: The role of poultry in human nutrition (PDF)
[3] Science Daily: Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids Have Positive Effect On Muscle Mass
[4] NCBI: Women and omega-3 Fatty acids
[5] ACES: Illinois scientists link dietary DHA to male fertility
[6] Rochester: Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Coronary Heart Disease
[7] Journal of Nutrition: Dietary (n-3) Fatty Acids and Brain Development
[8] Fox Chase Cancer Center
[9] Yahoo Health: Inflammation: The Root Cause of All Disease?
[10] Stanford: Surprising Facts About Food, Health, and the Environment
[11] UCSD: Choosing an Omega-3 Supplement (PDF)
[12] University of Washington: The Health Benefits of Krill Oil versus Fish Oil (PDF)
[13] New York Times: Team Tracks a Food Supply at the End of the World
[14] NCCAM: Omega-3 Supplements: An Introduction
[15] SFGate: Recommended Amounts of DHA & EPA Daily
[16] Mayo Clinic: Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid

Contents on this webpage are provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. The contents and/or products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should consult appropriate healthcare professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being.

BioTrust IC-5 Review: Can This Supplement Help You Lose Weight?

Lose Fat While Eating Carbs: Too Good to Be True?

So, is BioTrust IC-5™ an effective weight loss fat loss supplement or just hype? In the unending search for health supplements that can improve your quality of life, it can be a challenge to pick the right ones. Therefore the question, "Does IC-5 work?" is a sensible one to ask. Well, let's take a closer look at this fat loss supplement.

Can You Trust BioTrust?

 

BioTrust is a company that claims to be honest nutrition for your ultimate body. Do they live up to their motto? Opinions vary, but let's look at just a couple of facts:

• GMP stamp: Their products carry the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification. Many supplements companies don't have this as the guidelines can be costly and complicated to follow.
• Organic certification: If they say their product is natural and organic, and most of them are, they will have organic certification on the label.

Add to the above that random tests from each batch of products are done to verify that they meet label claims. For quality of their products, BioTrust goes beyond what is to be expected.

BioTrust IC-5: Making Carbohydrates Your Friend

 

Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight knows that carbohydrates are considered a no-no. Yet, we forget that we actually need carbohydrates for a balanced diet. Nay, we need carbs for energy:

The roles of carbohydrate in the body includes providing energy for working muscles, providing fuel for the central nervous system, enabling fat metabolism, and preventing protein from being used as energy. Carbohydrate is the preferred source of energy or fuel for muscle contraction and biologic work.[1]

Some diets run to the extreme, completely cutting carbs out of the daily diet and emphasizing proteins. If you're a person who loves your bread and pasta, you know how hard it can be to avoid these favorites in your diet.

The problem with carbs is primarily due to the fact that people indulge in too many and the wrong type of carbohydrates, such as processed foods. Each time that you eat carbohydrates, the insulin in your body is supposed to effectively take care of the increased levels of blood sugar in your body.

The goal is to avoid storage. However, if you are like most people, your body has been unable to handle your high intake of carbohydrates on a regular basis. In the end, you gain weight and you're not as healthy as you should be because your insulin levels are not up to par.

What Makes BioTrust IC-5 Effective in Combating Fat?

 

BioTrust claims IC-5 can actually aid your body to process carbs in a way that it benefits from them rather than simply converting them into fat. How?

The supplement contains a blend of five ingredients, including Cinnamomum Burmannii, Berberine, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, Pterocarpus Marsupium, and R-Alpha-Lipoic-Acid. This carefully selected combination is intended to increase the level of insulin sensitivity.

Your body may then be able to manage blood sugar levels properly and help you to avoid weight gain.

Click Here to Check Out IC-5

Video: Insulin Resistance and Belly Fat

Resources:
[1] Iowa State University: Role of Carbohydrates


This information not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease nor substitute advice from your healthcare professional. Consult a licensed medical practitioner before starting on a new supplement especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or have a medical condition.

The Benefits of Natural Protein Powder for Your Health And Fitness Goals

Protein shakes: Natural or not?

The addition of a protein supplement is an excellent idea for anyone wishing to build muscle, lose body fat, and increase overall health. However, not all protein powders are created equal. It is important to find a natural protein powder that provides you with the protein your body demands without the health risks from artificial additives.

There are a few marketing pitfalls you should be aware of before purchasing a natural protein powder. We shall look at some of these in this article.

Truly Natural Protein Powder

Unfortunately, a lot of companies are misleading when they market their protein powders. They may use words like “natural” and “nature” even if they do not meet the standards of true naturalness. Such companies intend to draw you in, rather than give you a product that truly fulfills your wishes. A genuinely natural protein powder should always meet the following criteria.

• Specifically says “100% All Natural”. Beware of so-called protein powders that say something along the lines of “Made with Natural Ingredients.” When a product is simply made with natural ingredients, and does not specify percentages, it may still contain synthetic or unnatural components.
• Hormone-free. Farmers often use growth hormones as a cost-effective means to increase their yield, but these hormones may have harmful side effects.
• No artificial colors. Coloring is often added to make the powder’s color match the flavor. For example, chocolate-flavored powders may be artificially colored to look brown. While this is aesthetically appealing, it is not natural.
• No artificial sweeteners or flavors. Often, companies market “light” or “low carb” protein powders without stipulating whether artificial sweeteners were added in place of sugars. Natural protein powders may have natural sweeteners, but should never have artificial sweeteners or flavors.

A truly natural protein powder will fulfill each of the above conditions. Always read the label including ingredient list on protein supplements before purchasing.

Beware of some "low calorie" artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners are fine for adding flavor. Also be on the lookout for ingredients with FCF (For Coloring Food) in the name, as these are artificial colorings.

Harmful Side Effects of Unnatural Protein Powder

While you may know that natural protein powder is best, you may be questioning why unnatural ingredients are shunned.

First, growth hormones known as recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) or recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) are typically commonly found in popular milk-based protein powders such as whey and casein. , is strongly linked to cancer. Even though the link has been well-established, many protein powders still contain bovine growth hormone.

Artificial sweeteners are linked to cancer and atherosclerosis. Some are also correlated with fatigue and memory loss. Artificial sweeteners are not readily absorbed by the body, which is the reason behind their low calorie content. Therefore, high intake of artificial sweeteners may result in abdominal discomfort, gas, and diarrhea.

Other Important Qualities of Protein Powder

The proper ratio of macronutrients will increase muscle mass and decrease body fat. A high-grade protein powder should contain at least 20 grams of protein and a few grams of fiber per serving. It should also be low in carbohydrates and sugar. Avoid protein powders with excessive calories (more than 200 calories per serving).

A lot of protein powders boast a very high number of protein grams, even though the human body can only absorb a certain amount at a time. A time-released protein blend of fast-acting and slow-acting proteins maximizes the efficiency of your protein powder. It works by slowly releasing the protein into your system overtime while giving you the dose you need right away.

Another very helpful component found in select protein powders is the addition of an enzyme blend that enhances protein absorption and digestion. You do not want to buy a protein supplement, only to have your kidneys working overtime to filter out most of the protein. An enzymatic addition, along with a time-released blend, combats this concern.

Protein powders are not created equal. Finding one with all the right ingredients can work by itself. But we have done the work for you. Check out this premium protein blend now.

References for this article:

Wikipedia: Bovine somatotropin
Harvard Health Publications: Artificial sweeteners: sugar-free, but at what cost?

Statements made on this page have not been evaluated by Food and Drug Administration. The product(s) featured or linked is/are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or have a medical condition, consult a licensed medical practitioner before starting on a new supplement.

The Truth About Xtend Life Total Balance

Best Natural Multivitamin or Second Best?

One of the biggest challenges that most people face is not getting enough proper nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals within their diet. Even if you are a health nut and you have a well balanced diet filed with nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables and meats; there is still a strong likelihood that you are missing vital nutrients.

Consequently, many people as a result go out and buy a whole range of supplements, multivitamins and other herbal remedies to make up for the lack essential nutrients.

With that being said, not all multivitamin supplements are created equal. Some are made with synthetic ingredients and even petrochemicals that can actually do harm while really trying to improve your health.

You want a multivitamin made with natural ingredients. A very popular and highly recommended supplement on the market right now is Xtend-Life Total Balance.

This popular supplement is an enhanced multivitamin that contains properties that may facilitate hormonal balancing, speedy healing and recovery, brain health, and even fat loss.

What Are The Active Ingredients?

There is a variety of formulas of Xtend-Life Total Balance. And unlike some of the multivitamins out there that are made from petrochemicals and other synthetic ingredients, Xtend-Life Total Balance formulas are all are made from natural sources.

There are seven varieties that are suited for different populations of people such as men, women, children, older adults, etc. The ingredients will range depending on which version of the supplement you purchase.

Nonetheless, the ingredients facilitate optimization of healthy hormones, regenerative processes and most importantly - anti-aging properties. Xtend-Life Total Balance contains green tea extra which is a natural energy enhancing and fat burning ingredient that is perfect for all individuals regardless of sex and age. This popular supplement also contains a blend of amino acids which is key to muscle recovery, growth and fat loss.

Are There Any Side Effects?

There have been no reports of side effects from taking Xtend-Life Total Balance. Of course, individuals differ and you never really know about all the allergies you have or may develop. However, this product is simply a very well-formulated multivitamin made from the finest natural ingredients.

Obviously, before taking any new supplement, if you have any allergies, are pregnant or nursing, consult with a physician.

Why Should I Choose This Over Other Multivitamins?

For starters, many supplement companies often do not disclose the full list of active ingredients and other compounds on the labels of their popular lines of vitamins and supplements. However, Xtend-Life Total Balance gives a complete list of active ingredients, co-factors and amino acids along with the role they play in helping the body.

Secondly, if you frequently exercise, understand that your body is being constantly depleted of amino acids (the building blocks of protein), electrolytes and other minerals necessary for growth and recovery.

While no multivitamin can offer everything in a single pill, Xtend-Life Total Balance is a complete multivitamin and mineral supplement that contains top quality ingredients from natural sources. The nutrients in these product may help in preventing skeletal and muscular degeneration, oxidative stress and other cellular breakdowns associated with aging.

And if you are not 100% satisfied with the product, you are covered with a 6 months guarantee. Just return the unused portion for a full refund.

Check Out Xtend-Life Total Balance Now

Leptin Supplements and Fat Loss

Why  It Is So Hard To Lose Weight When Dieting

When it comes to weight loss and transforming one's body - dieting at times can become very frustrating. Initially, many people who begin a dieting and exercise regimen experience great results until eventually they experience the dreadful "plateau".

Many individuals employ different dieting strategies, try different workout routines, and unfortunately waste money on fat loss supplements to break out of their plateau. However, what most people fail to realize is that the hormone leptin regulates fat loss and understanding its role in fat loss is key to shedding unwanted body fat.

What is Leptin?

Leptin is one of the most important hormones produced by your body's endocrine system. It is classified as an "adipose-derived" hormone and regulates important human bodily functions such as appetite, hunger and most importantly fat loss. Leptin is found primarily in the fat cells of white adipose tissue. Leptin is also found circulating in brown fat tissue, the placenta, ovaries, muscle, stomach, bone marrow, liver and pituitary gland.

Leptin and Fat Loss

When individuals begin dieting and exercising, leptin directs the body to use body fat reserves as a fuel source in place of calories derived from food consumption. Once leptin becomes depleted, usually after seven consecutive days of calorie-restricted dieting - individuals will begin to see a plateau in fat loss. Depletion of leptin signals the brain to hinder the utilization of body fat for energy. This is dominant reason why individuals experience a plateau in their weight loss efforts.

Supplements to decrease Leptin Resistance

When individuals begin to experience a plateau in their weight loss efforts, many are often told to : increase the intensity of their exercise routines, start taking various fat burners, and or change dieting strategies. However, what most personal trainers, fitness coaches, nutritionists and others fail to recognize is that leptin plays a powerful role in fat loss. If an individual has been consistently dieting for some time, their body will become increasingly insensitive to leptin. The body will learn how to adapt to a calorie-restricted diet and will make the necessary metabolic adjustments in order to prevent further fat loss. It will become an utmost necessity to begin researching various leptin supplements and begin incorporating them into one's diet in order to improve leptin sensitivity and break out of a frustrating fat loss plateau.

Ingredients within Leptin Supplements

There are a variety of leptin supplements on the market, however BioTrust Nutrition's Leptiburn supplement contains the right combination of ingredients in order to improve the body's ability to process leptin, delivering excellent fat loss results. This product contains

• Irvingia Gabonensis: a key ingredient that helps improve leptin sensitive by inhibiting the production of C-reactive protein (CRP).
• Oleanolic Acid: a compound derived from olive tree leaves that aids in the healthy production of leptin.
• Modifilan: a powerful ingredient found in seaweed that stimulates the adrenals to increase the production of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Increased stimulation and production of TSH leads to greater production of leptin in adipose tissue.

Click Here to Check Out Leptiburn

Agel PRO - Agel Products, Nutritional Supplements, Diet Products

agel PRO Nutritional Supplements

Agel PRO packs a protein punch in a convenient, single-serve package. PRO is perfect for a between-meal pick-me-up, without the hassle of mixing powders, swallowing a pill, or consuming a pasty, tasteless bar. And the protein in PRO is absorbed quickly—which means faster impact on your body.

Hunger doesn't always coincide with proper mealtime.
For those times when you need a healthy, quick snack solution or extra protein for your training regimen, PRO is ideal. Its 10 grams of protein help build muscle and maintain overall body conditioning, all from an inexpensive and easily carried package.

Our bodies use protein every day to support our health and well-being.
Protein increases metabolism and helps produce healthy muscle, organ tissue, and bones. It also plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system.

Agel PRO is a balanced protein gel that serves a wide variety of nutrition needs for a large number of people. Most people associate protein products with body builders or severe athletes. But, on the contrary, this balanced protein gel can be beneficial to practically everybody. In effect, it is useful for athletes who want to engage in severe muscle building, for individuals concerned with weight management, or simply for anybody who wants a mini-meal replacement or in-between meal snack.

Our protein is a complete source for all nine essential amino acids.
It's an easy-to-digest, incredibly rich source of the critical amino acids that give athletes an edge by metabolizing directly into muscle tissue. It also is an excellent source of leucine, an essential amino acid that helps build lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss.

What can PRO do for you?
Here are just a few of the many potential benefits:
Provides convenient access to protein then you need it
Gives you a healthy snack option
Helps build muscle
Can assist in weight loss

Agel HRT - Agel Products, Nutritional Supplements, Diet Products

agel HRT Nutritional Supplements

Agel HRT puts your heart in the right place.
A well-functioning heart is essential for good health, and the unique blend of nutrients in HRT can help you achieve the best heart possible. This scientifically formulated and technologically advanced gel is designed specifically to help protect your heart, fuel your myocardial system, and maintain healthy levels of cholesterol.

HRT can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Bad news is that elevated levels of certain kinds of cholesterol can lead to heart attack or stroke. Good news is that, in conjunction with diet and exercise, HRT can help you keep your cholesterol in check.

HRT can fuel and protect your heart.
With its blend of antioxidants and other nutrients, HRT offers the heart energy and protection. Taurine, for example, can reduce damage done to the heart, while carnitine helps increase myocardial energy production—and these are just two examples of all the heart-oriented components found in HRT.

Get to the heart of the matter.
The condition of your heart can have a big impact on your life. So eat right and exercise. And to augment your healthy heart lifestyle, consider the unique blend of nutrients found in HRT.

Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Oyster Mushroom Powder, Taurine, L-Carnitine, Coenzyme Q10, Policosanol

What can HRT do for you?
Here are just a few of the many potential benefits:
Helps to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol
Gives your heart energy
Helps to reduce damage to the heart
Supplements a heart-healthy life