What
is an omega-3?
Also
known as PUFAs (poly unsaturated fatty acids), omega-3s
are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured
by the body. For this reason, omega-3s must be obtained
from food. Omega-3s are typically found in fish and
shellfish, but can also be found in some plants and
marine life (such as kelp), and in nut oils. The omega-3s
contained in fish are considered to be up to 200 times
more powerful in the anti-inflammatory properties
than those found in plants. Omega-3s are known to
play a crucial role in brain function as well as growth
and development. The American Heart Association recommends
eating fish which are rich in fatty acids at least
twice a week. MOXXOR contains the preeminent omega-3
fatty acid of the new zealand Greenshell Mussel in
an easy-to-swallow gelcap.
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How
do omega-3 fatty acids benefit the body?
Research
has shown omega-3s to be critical to joint, respiratory
and cardiovascular health, normal cholesterol, HDL
and triglyceride levels.As the scientific evidence
mounts, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has
cautiously approved the use of the statement, "The
scientific evidence about whether omega-3 fatty acids
may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease is suggestive,
but not conclusive." Omega-3s are known to help
women during their menstrual cycle as well as support
the brain. There have been several studies that have
shown that individuals who suffer from depression
have lower blood levels of omega-3s than normal individuals.
Omega-3s support blood circulation to the body, the
immune system, the gastrointestinal tract and the
kidneys.
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Is
there a deficiency of omega-3 in our diets?
Many
scientists and government institutions around the
world agree that the average western diet is very
high in a group of fatty acids known as omega-6s.
As a result, our cell membranes are unusually rich
in precursors associated with inflammatory processes,
which can lead to arthritis, asthma, and psoriasis.
Scientific research has concluded that the general
public needs to reduce omega-6s and increase omega-3s
to improve their health. It has even been suggested
in the scientific literature that government policy
should establish guidelines for consumption of these
essential fatty acids.
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What
is correlation of Omega-3 and inflammation?
The
process of inflammation is highly complex and is
defined as the body's reaction to physical, chemical
or biological injury, which, in a normal healthy
individual, results in the localization of the problem
and regeneration or repair of the damaged tissue.
The inflammatory process occurs as a natural immune
response to infection or injury in a healthy individual.
In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, however, the immune
response becomes erratic and unrestrained. As white
blood cells begin to target self-tissues, the inflammation
becomes acute and out of control. Autoimmune diseases
where the body attacks itself, such as rheumatoid
arthritis and the hypersensitive state leading to
asthma and anaphylactic shock, are examples of uncontrolled
inflammatory responses.
Scientific studies have determined that omega-3s
have strong anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting
qualities. Articles reviewing the research in this
regard have concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplements
reduce tenderness in joints, decrease stiffness,
and allow for a reduction in medication for people
suffering from arthritis. |
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What
are the symptoms of inflammation?
Inflammation
is characterized by:
* Redness
* Swollen joint that's warm to the touch
* Joint pain
* Joint stiffness
* Loss of joint function
Often,
only a few of these symptoms are present. Inflammation
may also be associated with general "flu-like"
symptoms including:
* Fever
* Chills
* Fatigue/loss of energy
* Headaches
* Loss of appetite
* Muscle stiffness
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What
are the benefits of DHA and EPA and what are the differences
between MOXXOR and other raw sources of DHA and EPA?
Perna
canaliculus (New Zealand green-lipped mussel) oil
extract contains two of the most important omega-3
fatty acids -- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA). Both DHA and EPA are "essential
fatty acids," meaning that they are necessary
for good health, but because they are not synthesized
in the human body they must be consumed in the diet.
DHA and EPA are not found in any plant or vegetable
material, or in any terrestrial animal product.
DHA is a major component of the human brain. Public
awareness of the importance of these two compounds
is growing rapidly, especially DHA. DHA is now known
to reduce heart and artery disease, reduce the incidence
of cancer, depression and infection. It has been
proven to reduce inflammation and is necessary for
the proper development and function of both the
brain and the eyes.
Children consuming DHA have been shown to have higher
IQ and reduced anti-social behavior. Adequate DHA
nutrition is considered very important for both
the fetus and for children. DHA also improves sports
performance and endurance. Experts are divided as
to what constitutes adequate nutrition of DHA. Recommendations
for minimum daily consumption range from 250mg/day
to 1200mg/day, with 500mg/day being an average recommendation
for an adult.
Average daily consumption in the US (and probably
in most western countries) is 100mg/day, meaning
there is a daily deficit of at least 400mg/day (to
achieve minimum consumption). Because the perna
canaliculus oil extract is more bioavailable and
concentrated than other alternatives, it is a very
cost effective means of delivering concentrated
DHA and EPA. As a result, daily dose requirements
are reduced. For example, to obtain sufficient DHA
from regular "18:12" soft gel capsules,
an adult would have to take at least 5 large capsules
each day to meet average daily requirements. Pregnant
and breast-feeding mothers would need more.
Using MOXXOR, one or two smaller capsules suffice. |
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What
causes inflammation and what are its effects?
When
inflammation occurs, chemicals from the body's white
blood cells are released into the blood or affected
tissues to protect your body from foreign substances.
This release of chemicals increases blood flow to
the area of injury or infection, and may result
in redness and warmth. Some of the chemicals cause
a leak of fluid into the tissues, resulting in swelling.
This protective process may stimulate nerves and
cause pain. The increased number of cells and inflammatory
substances within the joint cause irritation, wearing
down of cartilage (cushions at the end of bones),
and swelling of the joint lining. |
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Can
inflammation affect internal organs?
Yes. Inflammation can affect
organs as part of an autoimmune disorder. The types
of symptoms depend on which organs are affected. For
example:
* Inflammation of the
heart (myocarditis) may cause shortness of breath or
fluid retention.
* Inflammation of the small tubes that transport air
to the lungs may cause an asthma attack.
* Inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis) may cause
high blood pressure or kidney failure.
* Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis) may
cause cramps and diarrhea.
Pain may not be a primary
symptom of an inflammatory disease, since many organs
do not have many pain-sensitive nerves. Treatment of
organ inflammation is directed at the cause of inflammation
whenever possible.
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