Hi ,
While on the subject of Omega 3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (GLA).
I thought some of the List, those who have calcium problems.
Might be interested in the post below..
Health News Naturally is copyright1996 by Keats Publishing, Inc.
Osteoporosis affects both men and women. Although we normally think
of osteoporosis as a women's disease, one in four hip fractures
occur in men. The following thus applies to both men and women.
Dietary calcium has one of two fates. Either it is absorbed into
the bloodstream for potential utilization by bone, or it is
excreted in feces. Fecal excretion of dietary calcium runs a wide
range from 20 to 80 percent of ingested calcium. Obviously, the
more calcium that moves out of the GI tract into the blood-stream,
the more beneficial the effect. When calcium is absorbed into the
blood it again has one of two fates. Either it is deposited in
bone, or it is excreted by kidneys and urination. Here, both
Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids help prevent osteoporosis each in a
different way.
Omega-6 fatty acids (GLA) seem to improve calcium absorption from
the gastrointestinal tract. This is the first important step in
ensuring strong bones. Calcium needs to be absorbed from dietary
calcium in the GI tract into the bloodstream for it to be
accessible in building strong bones. On the other hand, arachidonic
acid (AA), an essential fatty acid derived only from meat and dairy
fats, speeds up urinary calcium excretion. Omega-3 EFAs, mainly
from fish oils, are antagonistic to arachidonic acid and
metabolites made from arachidonic acid. It is therefore no surprise
that the Omega-3 EFAs prevent calcium excretion, thus insuring
strong bones.
In this age of fat-obsession, the take-home message is loud and
clear. It not just the quantity but the quality of the fats we eat
that impact on our health. A small amount of healthy fat derived
from high quality vegetable, seed or nut oils plus regular
consumption of fish and leafy green vegetables is essential to good
health. On the other hand, for those at risk for or suffering from
such health problems as diabetes or osteoporosis, supplementation
with these essential fats is definitely worth considering.
Neil S. Orenstein, Ph.D., one of the nation's most prominent
biochemists in the field of essential fatty acids, practices
nutritional biochemistry in Lenox, MA. He is the author of The
Immune System, a Good Health Guide published by Keats Publishing,
Inc. For a list of references to this article, write to Health News
Naturally, Box 876, New Canaan, CT 06840.
Q. - Is there a list-file on the benefits of Omega 3 and Omega-6
fatty acids (GLA) along with a low-carb/gluten/dairy/free/diet. It
would be a great help to people like my-self.
Don Wiss has a very good link.
http://www.panix.com/~donwiss/paleodiet/
The Paleolithic Diet Page
What the Hunter/Gatherers Ate
Interesting read.
Happy reading
Helen
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