The Omega Cure Blog

 On Saturday mornings I set up our booth at the local farmers’ market and talk with customers about the benefits of taking omega-3 fish oil. And, every Saturday, I invariably hear the same response. “Oh yeah, I already take omega-3, but I don’t really feel or see any difference when I take it.”

 With new research studies appearing daily, confirming that omega-3s helps improve people’s heart, joints, brain, eyes, skin, sex organs and metabolism, you’d think that this country would be healthier than ever.  So, why don’t people experience the benefits they hear about on the news?

The simple truth is that most people are not taking the same kind of omega-3 sources and doses that are used in the promising research studies. So, the next time you head down the supplements’ aisle, ask yourself the following questions:

 What’s the source?

While fatty fish is the most common source of omega-3, flaxseed, walnuts and other plant products also are popular omega-3 sources. Whether the omega-3 is marine based or plant based makes a tremendous difference for the consumer.

The main workhorses of the omega-3 family are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are found predominantly in fatty fish. The vegetable source of omega-3s (ALA or alpha linolenic acid) does not have the same molecular structure as the long-chained fatty acids, meaning that the body has to convert the ALA into the more effective EPA and DHA. In that conversion process only a few percent of the ALA ever changes into the EPA and DHA, so you’d have to consume about a cup of vegetable-based omega-3 to equal the nutritional power of about a teaspoon of fish-based omega-3. 

 The American Heart Association states that only the omega-3s from fish are effective in reducing elevated triglyceride levels and lowering the risk of heart disease. Flaxseed and walnuts contain wonderful nutrients, but it is only marine-based EPA and DHA that have the right molecular flexibility and anti-inflammatory muscle to give you the real bang for your buck.  

 How much, Doc?

Many people take one capsule containing 1,000 mg of fish oil, and think they are getting enough omega-3. However, the dose used in almost all worldwide research studies is 2000 to 3000 mg of EPA/DHA per day. That is equivalent to 7 to 10 capsules of fish oil. Be aware that fish oil and omega-3 is not the same thing. Fish oil contains omega-3, so the only way to be sure of the dose you are taking is to investigate the EPA and DHA levels.

Doses also vary depending on gender, age and genetics. Rheumatologists recommend that patients take at least 3000 mg of EPA/DHA for reducing joint stiffness.  Reducing elevated triglyceride levels may take between 2 to 4 grams of omega-3. 

How fresh is it really?  

In the omega-3 business freshness equals potency. Yet, many omega-3 companies cover up the smell and taste of rancid oil by encasing their oil in thick gelatin capsules, or adding substantial amounts of flavoring to their products. 

Remember, fresh fish doesn’t smell or taste fishy.  So open up your capsules and see what the product is really like. If your omega-3 sends you urpy reminders throughout the day, you can be sure it isn’t fresh.

Are you ready to commit?

Experiencing omega-3 benefits is more like a long-term relationship than a one-night stand. Omega-3 takes about four to six months to work its magic, although you may notice subtle changes in your mood, skin, and hair within the first few weeks. More dramatic results, like reduced joint pain and stiffness, can take up to two months.

Real change takes time and commitment.

 Omega Cure. The real deal.

By: Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers M.D.

It is hard not to let the words, “I told you so” bubble up inside me as I read the latest results from Harvard’s Nurses’ Health Study II.

The findings concur with what we have been trying to get across to our customers for several years: rethink counting calories and look at the kinds of calories you’re eating.    Dr. Mozaffarian, lead author in the study, makes the distinction between good and bad foods and I want to shout ‘Hallelujah”.

This follow-up study analyzed weight, exercise and the detailed eating habits of 121,000 health professionals over 12 to 20 years. The results show, using real-life experience, that certain foods contribute to greater weight gain.  It is not adequate to just look at the number of carbs, fat or calories.  Instead you need to read the list of ingredients.

FYI

You may actually be slowing your metabolism down more by eating a 100 calorie serving of potato chips than munching on a 220 calorie fiber and fat rich Omega Cookie.  This is especially true since beta gluten fibers from oatmeal and EPA/DHA omega 3 fatty acids slows the return of hunger, levels off blood sugar spikes and ramps up your mitochondrial energy-burning engine.

As to be expected, french fries lead the list of bad foods, followed by potato chips, sugar-sweetened drinks, red meats and processed meats.  Next comes other forms of potatoes; sweets and desserts; refined grains; other fried foods; 100-percent fruit juice and butter.

The only foods that resulted in weight loss or no gain were fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Conclusion

Yes, be concerned about calories, but be more concerned about what kind of calories you are consuming.

Healthy Travel Made Easy: Omega Cookie Summer time is travel time.  Having nutritious food on hand plays a big role in making your special trip a positive experience.  Make it easy to eat well by packing a simple and wholesome food like Omega Cookie.

1. Individually Wrapped Cookies – Slip one or two into your carry-on directly from the freezer.  Don’t worry; even airport security is no match for their goodness.
2. Highest Quality Omega 3 Available – Each cookie contains the equivalent of a four oz. salmon dinner.  They also keep for two weeks at room temperature thanks to good packaging, not preservatives.
3. Heart Healthy Fiber – The combination of soluble fiber and 7 capsules worth of fish oil banishes grumpifying hungries.  As an added bonus, the rest of the cookie is full of proven nutrients that help reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
4. Digestive Help for Your Seated Body – The synergistic interplay between our unique omega 3 fish oil and our all natural beta-gluten fibers keeps your digestive system moving even though you may be tied to your plane, car or train seat for hours on end.
5. Reduces Blood Sugar Spikes – Soluble fibers from oats help ward off blood sugar spikes that cause micro-damage to blood vessel walls.  This is especially important for anyone with, or at risk of, diabetes.

The American Heart Association (AHA) just released a breaking news statement about managing high triglyceride levels in the blood. One third of all Americans suffer from elevated triglycerides, making them more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease, which is the number one cause of death and disability in the United States.

Prevention or treatment should include using 2-4 grams of a marine based omega-3.  This amount equals the oil found in a full salmon dinner or swallowing 7 to 14 capsules of fish oil every day. In addition, the AHA recommends increasing intake of fibers, as well as reducing fructose, trans fats and saturated fats. With this approach patients can expect to lower triglyceride levels by 20-50%.

Considering that it is nearly impossible to get enough marine based omega-3 by diet alone,   Ambo Foods, LLC, a physician-directed company based out of Venice, Florida, has succeeded in manufacturing an award-winning, tasty breakfast or travel cookie that contains the AHA recommended amount of 2g of EPA/ DHA (equivalent to 7 capsules of omega-3 from fish), 5g of whole fibers from oats, 800 IU of Vitamin D, and no added sugar or preservatives.

“The Omega Cookie is the healthiest little meal you can eat. Regular consumption can literally change the health of millions of Americans,” says CEO Bo Martinsen, MD of Ambo Foods.“Our preliminary clinical test results support the AHA statement and show that most people can now cover their omega-3 needs by just eating one Omega Cookie per day. The combination of fiber and fish oil seems to make Omega Cookie more potent than taking omega-3 supplements alone.”

What is not in the cookie is equally important to the physician founders. Ambo Foods eliminated all processed ingredients, such as trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup and preservatives from the baking process.  In addition, the cookie is gluten-free, a huge bonus for those who suffer from gluten intolerance. Moreover, the Omega Cookie comes in four delicious flavors to satisfy every palate: chocolate chip, cranberry, ginger raisin, and tropical fruits.

In the late 1990s research studies from Norway and the U.S. pointed out that fatty acids from fish, like EPA and DHA, played a crucial role in the neurological development of unborn babies.  It is now speculated that these fishy fats can also reduce the risk of allergies. (1)

The mechanism of action is still not well understood, but it is thought our Western diet with its high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids may be the culprit in promoting allergic tendencies.  EPA and DHA, found in fatty fish, help to modulate our immune system and adjust an overactive immune response. (2)  Less food allergies were observed in infants when their mothers took a fish oil supplement during pregnancy and for the first months of breast-feeding. (3) In addition, a positive correlation was found between high levels of these fishy, fatty acids in breast milk and less allergic disease in children at 18 months. (2)

Furthermore, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 2009 by Swedish researchers examined 145 pregnant women who either personally had allergies, or had a husband, or previous child with allergies.  Fish oil supplements or a placebo were given to them from the 25^th week of pregnancy through the first few months of breast-feeding. Results?  Babies of mothers taking the omega-3 fish oil had less food allergies and itchy eczema compared with the placebo group. (4)

Presently only 20% of pregnant women in the U.S. are using a prenatal marine–based supplement. Since introducing EPA and DHA into the diet before the age of nine months could reduce the incidence of allergic related diseases in babies, it seems it would be a wise recommendation for pregnant women to increase their intake of these fishy fats. Ultimately, the promotion of easier, nutrition-based intervention should help us make real strides in the most important goal—healthier babies.

1. Alm B, Åberg N, Erdes L, et al. Early introduction of fish decreases the risk of eczema infants. Arch Dis Child. 2009;94(1): 11-15.

2. Duchén K,  Casas, R, Fageras-Böttcher M, Yu G, Björkstén B. Human milk polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids and secretory immunoglobulin-A antibodies and early childhood allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2000;11 (1): 29-39.

3.  Birch EE. Khoury JC, Berseth CL, et al. The impact of early nutrition on incidence of allergic manifestations and common respiratory illnesses in children. J Pediatr. 2010;156 (6): 902-906.

4. Furahjelm C, Warstedt C, Larsson J, et al. Fish oil supplementation in pregnancy and lactation may decrease the risk of infant allergy.  Acta Paediatr. 2009;98 (9): 1461-1467.

The deranged actions of Jared Loughner in the Tucson tragedy have sparked new debate about better treatment for the mentally ill. While America asks tough questions about how to prevent history from repeating itself, one of the most effective means of combating mental illness and violence is right in front of our noses: diet improvements.

Scientists from around the world have studied the dwindling amount of brain boosting fatty acids in our diet and the parallel rise in mental disability and violence. Epidemiological studies show that people who consume little marine-based omega-3 (brain boosting fatty acids) have up to 65 times greater rates of depressive illnesses and greater risks of anger and aggressive behavior (Hibbeln et al., 2007; Hibbeln et al., 2006; Tanskanen et al., 2001a; Tanskanen et al.2001b). Reduced intake of omega-3 fatty acids may also be linked to the decreased metabolism of serotonin.  Lower levels of serotonin markers such as 5-HIAA are repeatedly linked to impulsive, violent behavior, including self-harm, suicide, and aggression (MANN et ala., 1999).

While studies show omega-3 fish oil is important for optimal brain function, Americans consumption of omega-3 is one of the lowest in the Western world.  At the same time, up to 10 percent of all of our calories comes from soybean and seed oils, rich in omega-6 – the fatty acid that counteracts the benefits of omega-3.

If our society wants to prevent violence, one of the answers may be to take a hard look at the dinner plate. While we debate the viability of stricter gun laws, we also have to address the deeper-routed problems. Could senseless and unconscionable acts of violence like the Tucson tragedy have been avoided with something as simple as a change in diet?  Perhaps not, but it is clear that omega-3 fatty acids, especially the long-chain marine-based ones, are essential for good mental health.  And while it may be too late for Jared Loughner, treating dietary deficiencies may be an important key for helping the millions suffering mental disabilities.

As the ultimate “melting pot,” the U.S. has adopted holidays and customs from across the globe, with Thanksgiving being one of the purely American traditions that is recognized throughout the country. Thanksgiving celebrates the importance of friends and families, who take time out of the chaos of daily life to come together and reflect on their blessings and even for just a day or two, return to basic values – the “wholesomeness” of American life.

It is this spirit of wholesomeness that also guides us in creating Ambo products. At Ambo we encourage a philosophy of thankfulness and sense of purpose, and we strive to have those qualities reflected in all that we do. Our omega-3 oils are consistently fresh and pure, as are our Omega Cookies, which also offer a high level of nutritional value, along with the additional “yum” factor that we all crave —an impressive feat considering the Omega Cookie represents the same nutritious, but not necessarily “glamorous,” breakfast of oatmeal, cod liver oil and fruit juices that our forefathers depended on to start their day for hundreds of years. 

 Now even in the 21^st century, science and research have proven that this simple combination of ingredients and nutrients still offers top health benefits, and in keeping with that tradition of nourishing and restorative ingredients and foods, we continue to offer wholesome products with a proven track record.

 At Ambo Health and Ambo Foods we are also thankful for the inspiring attitude of the many people who work with us.  While we will always strive to improve our products and service, we are thrilled to have a stellar staff of optimistic and energized people who always go above and beyond,  providing top quality products for all of us. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we at Ambo Health and Ambo Foods want to express our gratitude to our loyal customers who enjoy the wholesome benefits our products provide and spread the word to their friends and families. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season.

Teaspoons, tablespoons, milliliter and milligrams: the world of measurements can be confusing to say the least, especially when it comes to swallowing the right dose.  Then there are moments of doubt like:  “Did I take my omega-3 oil this morning?” Getting the right amount and getting it done on a daily basis is a challenge for many people.  However, to achieve important health benefits like heart protection or joint relief, make sure you use the correct number of teaspoons or tablespoons.

For example one woman told me, “For several months I poured what I thought was a good ‘shot’ of fish oil into my glass of orange juice every morning.  But then my fastidious husband decided to measure out our Omega Cure® oil for everyone in our family. It was amazing how much better I felt in my joints.  That little extra really made the difference.”

There are other ways we may be cheating ourselves.  How reliable is your average teaspoon or tablespoon in giving you an accurate measurement?  In my silverware drawer there are at least three or four different sizes when it comes to what is classified as a teaspoon.  Then there is the balancing act of maneuvering that teaspoon filled with oil up to your mouth without making a mess.

If you do take your daily oil with a teaspoons or tablespoon, measure out precisely how much is 10 or 15 ml and then pour that amount out on your teaspoon or tablespoon.  Are you able to get it up to your mouth without spilling on the counter or on your clothes?  When I tried this exercise myself, I found I was only getting ¾ of the recommended dose.  This may sound negligible, but it adds up when you do it day in and day out.

The moral of the story? Find out if your ‘shots’, ‘swigs at the bottle’ or Grandmother’s silver teaspoon really pans out to be the right dose.  At least initially, use a measuring spoon, or a calibrated measuring cup to get the proper dosage for your needs.  Those extra drops make the difference over time.

Vitamin D – the fat-soluble vitamin primarily obtained through sun exposure – is getting superstar attention.

The beneficial results from recent research and testing of vitamin D are astounding. Originally prescribed only by nutritionists for maintaining bone health and overshadowed by recent health fads like pomegranate juice and the açai berry, recent research suggests vitamin D can decrease the risk of common killers that include cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pneumonia. In fact, one Finnish study followed 1200 children for 30 years and found the children who took a 2000 IU vitamin D every day had an 80% reduced risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.

Who is at risk and what is the health cost? Despite the many benefits, an estimated 75% of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Populations close to the equator appear less deficient than those further away and darker skin requires more sun exposure to synthesize vitamin D.

Prolonged deficiency of this nutrient can have serious consequences. A report from Canada found the cost in human mortality would fall by 37,000 deaths annually if Canadians increased vitamin D levels.

What is the optimum vitamin D dosage? Scientists still can’t agree on an optimum vitamin D dose. For years, the Federal Drug Administration has recommended 200 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day from infancy to age 50. Most researchers agree this number is outdated and speculate between 1000 and 2000 IU per day would be a beneficial daily dose.

For more detailed information about vitamin D research and links to vitamin D-related articles, visit https://omegacookie.com/omega-cookie-vitamind.php.

Sources:

Brody, Jane E. “What Do You Lack? Probably Vitamin D.” The New York Times – Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 26 July 2010. Web. 28 July 2010.

Elina, Hypponen. “Intake of Vitamin D and Risk of Type I Diabetes: A Birth-Cohort Study.” Search Journal. The Lancet, 3 Nov. 2001. Web. 28 July 2010.

Grant, W. B. “An Estimate of the Economic Burden and Premature Deaths Due to Vitamin D Deficiency in Canada.” PubMed.com. U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 29 Mar. 2010. Web. 28 July 2010.

“Vitamin D ‘reduces Risk of Diabetes’” BBC News – Home. 2 Nov. 2001. Web. 28 July 2010.

A new study boosts the evidence that omega-3 fish oil just might be the most important supplement on the market. In addition to providing cardiovascular protection and pain relief, omega-3 may reduce the risk of breast cancer, suggests a study from the National Cancer Institute.

Following 35,016 post-menopausal women for six years, the study found that women who took omega-3 supplements had a 32 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer.

The research does not provide enough conclusive evidence that omega-3 can ward off cancer. Yet, the findings are intriguing in light of earlier omega-3 research.

According to an article published in the journal Anticancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, scientists found that omega-3 slowed the growth of cancer cells and killed cancer cells in a variety of human cancer strains, including colonic, pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancer. Other research found that substituting fish oil for corn oil in the diet slowed the growth of tumors in rodents.

Anne-Marie Chalmers, MD, an omega-3 expert and co-founder of Ambo Health, believes that men and women do not need to wait to introduce omega-3 fish oil into their diet.

“With 10,000 studies already suggesting that omega-3 fish oil is essential for managing and preventing heart disease, arthritis pain, and even helping improve mood and focus, we know omega-3 is a vital part of any healthy diet,” Dr. Chalmers said.

Still, she acknowledges that there needs to be more research on omega-3 and cancer prevention, especially focusing on the optimal omega-3 dose for benefiting the body.

More research is underway. Harvard University has launched a new study to investigate whether fish oil and other vitamin supplements prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke in older men and women.

Sources:

Clarke, Suzan. “Breast Cancer: Can Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Really Reduce the Risk? – ABC News.” ABCNews.com – Breaking News, Politics, Online News, World News, Feature Stories, Celebrity Interviews and More – ABC News. 8 July 2010. Web. 12 July 2010.

Wendel, M., and A. Heller. “Anticancer Actions of Omega-3 Fatty Acids–current State and Future Perspectives.” PubMed.gov. Web. 12 July 2010.

We have all heard about the importance of flossing to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Did you know that omega-3 fish oil might also hold a key to preserving that great smile?

Periodontitis is the number one reason for adult tooth loss. Common symptoms include bad breath, space between teeth, oral pockets and receding gums. Scientists also note a clear association between cardiovascular disease and periodontitis.

A newly released study from the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology in Egypt reports the impact of omega-3 and aspirin on chronic periodontitis, a gum disease that affects many adults in the United States every year.

Researchers supplemented the diets of study participants who had advanced chronic periodontitis with omega-3 and a low dose of aspirin. After 6 months, the omega-3 and aspirin group showed a significant reduction in the number of oral pockets. Because omega-3 appears to ameliorate and prevent the mouth’s inflammation reaction to the periodontitis-causing bacteria, researchers believe the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fish oil promote healthier gums. They concluded that omega-3 and a low dose aspirin regiment would be a sustainable, affordable way of managing and preventing the gum disease.

This is not the first time researchers have linked omega-3 to promoting oral health. Numerous studies from research institutions around the world have analyzed the effects of omega-3 on periodontitis and gingivitis, a milder form of the gum disease. Research reports consistently reveal that intake of omega-3 help prevent and manage periodontitis.

Of course, taking omega-3 fish oil is not enough to keep gum disease at bay. Dentists suggest that daily brushing, flossing and regular professional cleaning are the easiest ways to prevent periodontitis.

But for those who are disposed to gum disease, omega-3 can be a determining factor for managing the infection. So keep chugging your two teaspoons of omega-3 fish oil every day. It will give you something extra to smile about.

Sources:

Bendyk, A. “Effect of Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Experimental Periodontitis in the Mouse.” Diss. University of Adelaide, 2009. Abstract.  PubMed.gov. 6 Feb. 2009. Web. 29 June 2010.

El-Sharkawy, H. “Adjunctive Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis with Daily Dietary Supplementation with Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Low-Dose Aspirin.” Diss.  Mansoura University, 2010. Abstract. PubMed.gov. 23 June 2010. Web. 29 June 2010.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Gingivitis – MayoClinic.com.” Mayo Clinic Medical Information and Tools for Healthy Living – MayoClinic.com. 18 Nov. 2008. Web. 29 June 2010.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Periodontitis: Symptoms – MayoClinic.com.” Mayo Clinic Medical Information and Tools for Healthy Living – MayoClinic.com. 22 Nov. 2008. Web. 30 June 2010.

Even for the toughest of health nuts, it can be tricky to stay wedded to good eating habits during summer travels; especially when hotel personnel, conference organizers, and airport fast-food menus dictate our food choices.

After a one week business trip to Kentucky, featuring a steady diet of fried chicken, trans-fatty donuts, and nutrient-free iceberg salads, my joints ached from all the omega-6s and junk food. I knew I needed to plan my travel diet before I attended any more of these conferences.

So from one traveler to another, here are some suggestions for keeping healthy and happy during the summer season:

Bring Your Own Food: The easiest way to control your diet when you are traveling is to bring your own food. With fast-food joints crowding the terminals, airports can be the doom of health-conscious travelers. Instead of succumbing to the burrito and fries snack, be proactive and bring something from home. A piece of fruit, a bag of nuts, a homemade sandwich, or an Omega Cookie goes a long way to tide you over until the next destination. Not only are the options inexpensive compared to the airport prices, but much better for your body. Packing a healthy snack doesn’t require more than a few seconds of planning.

Drink Enough Water: At the airport, getting enough water can be tricky – especially when security limits the liquids you can bring through the gates. Instead of letting the flight attendants regulate your drinking schedule, bring an empty water bottle through security. Once you’ve passed the screening, fill the bottle with water and enjoy the luxury of making a healthy choice.

Use the Local Resources: If you are discontented with the hotel breakfasts, check out the local grocery stores. Grocery stores usually have a wide variety of healthy foods that can be eaten without preparation – fruits, individual-sized milk cartons, sushi, and power bars. Grocery stores are also a good way of sampling the local cuisine and seasonal fruits and vegetables, instead of the generic hotel fare.

It’s OK to Indulge: When you are out traveling, some pleasures are better to enjoy than pass up for the sake of health. I must admit I bought a box of Bourbon Balls during my stay in Lexington, KY, and never regretted eating the delicious, pecan-topped chocolates.

The next time you hit the road, consider a few quick and easy ways to stay healthy. Then you won’t be at the mercy of prepared foods, refined sugar, and bad fats.

“How many calories does this contain?”

Every day, the question crops up at dinner tables and grocery stores. It seems I can scarcely put food in my mouth without someone scanning the label for the calorie count.

We live in a calorie-obsessed nation, where even children are taught to fear calories as the agents of obesity.

A friend and dietician told me about her experience teaching nutrition to 5^th graders. She said, “Most of the kids thought calories were something bad. I had to explain that calories were a way of measuring the energy needed to make their bodies function properly.”

She raises an excellent point. Rather than thinking all calories are “bad” or something to avoid, we have to understand the nutritional value behind the calories we consume.

Consider a Twinkie® and a health bar made with oatmeal and pieces of dried fruit. The two foods could contain the same number of calories, but their nutritional values are drastically different.

The supposedly simple strategy of losing weight – eat less and exercise more – turns troublesome when we automatically assume all low-calorie foods are good for us.

I remember my friend Susan carefully monitoring her weight, and counting every calorie she put in her mouth. During one of our morning walks, she proudly explained that she had eaten a bagel for breakfast that contained only 150 calories.

What Susan didn’t consider was that her 150-calorie bagel contained a tremendous amount of trans fats. Studies now suggest that a person who consumes a lot of calories from trans fats may be more likely to gain weight compared to those who consume the same amount of  calories from other types of fats, carbohydrates or proteins.

To start solving the obesity epidemic, we have to ask the right questions: not only how many calories, but what’s in those calories?

Next time you head to the grocery store and see a package advertising 100-calorie cookies, turn over the label and look at the ingredients. If you read trans fats, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, or high fructose corn syrup on the list, drop it like a hot pan – no matter how few calories it contains.

What if a supplement could make exercising easier and more efficient? Well, the long-kept secret of the horse world is out, and it’s good news for athletes, morning joggers, and couch potatoes alike. The omega-3 benefits seen in horses produce similar results for their human counterpart.

As many Omega Cure customers may know, Ambo Health’s sister company, Wellpride, creates a fish oil supplement for competitive sports horses. How does omega-3 fish oil give horses a leg up on the competition?

Horse owners have reported improved athletic performance when they supplement their horses’ feed with Wellpride, citing improved endurance, increased stride, and a decrease in recovery time. Whether sprinting in the Kentucky Derby or jumping over stone walls in competitions, these horses face a demanding physical routine that requires optimal fitness.

US Olympian Gina Miles and her horse McKinlaigh are an example of improved performance from omega-3 fish oil. One year after using Wellpride as a feed supplement, Miles and McKinlaigh took the gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games.

“McKinlaigh was not only the fastest of the U.S. horses, but he also recovered the fastest and was one of only three clean show jumping rounds,” said Miles to Wellpride following her Pan American victory.

Studies show that omega-3 regulates the heartbeat, which means a steadier pulse during a long run. Omega-3 also acts as the body’s natural anti-inflammation agent. Because omega-3 eases the joint pains and muscle soreness after working out, less inflammation means a faster recovery time.

If you are not convinced to put on your running shoes just yet, listen to this heartening study: according to the American Society for Nutrition, consuming omega-3 fish oil alongside a regular exercise routine significantly reduces body fat, more so than exercise alone.

With all the good news about omega-3 fish oil and exercise, you’ll probably want to do an extra lap in celebration. But make sure your swig contains 2-3 teaspoons of fish oil – the dose necessary to kick your personal best up a notch or two.

Lately, many of our customers have asked about krill oil.
Is it more powerful than fish oil or just more expensive?
Here are some facts:

For 30 years, omega-3 from fatty fish has been extensively researched by universities and research centers around the world. Information on krill oil has only been available for the past few years. There are more than 10,000 individual clinical trials analyzing the efficacy and safety of omega-3 fish oils, while krill oil can only credit a handful of studies, all of which have been paid for by companies manufacturing krill oil.

Krill oil comes from a small shrimp-like creature – the favorite food of whales, seals, dolphins and penguins. There are only modest amounts of omega-3 in krill oil compared to fish oil, but krill oil does contain a small amount of powerful anti-oxidant and chemical substances called phospholipids, which are not present in fish oil. Krill oil sellers claim ‘better absorption’ because EPA and DHA are connected to these phospholipids. However, there are no peer-reviewed reports that substantiate these claims. At the same time, krill oil might contain proteins that can be dangerous for people prone to allergic reactions.

The anti-oxidant, astaxanthin and the phospholipids make krill oil interesting, but the lack of long-term safety studies and clinical effects warrants caution. In addition, the price is easily 10 times that of fish oil.

In Norway, one krill oil manufacturer states that krill oil increases the omega-3 index by 59% in six weeks or 100% when using four times the recommended dose. One Omega Cookie® per day increases the same index 100% in the same time. So if this is the measure of efficacy, krill oil doesn’t seem all that impressive.

Ambo Foods and Ambo Health have two guiding principles: Safety and clinical potency. At this point, krill oil lacks documentation for both. Down the road, when and if krill proves to be a cost-effective way of improving our customers’ health, we will be happy to add it to our products. But it has to earn its place.

Reference:
Aker Bio Marine: Superba Krill, Brochure
(Superba Krill is used by Dr Mercola and MegaRed ®)

Last weekend I attended a wedding. After the ceremony, I happened to talk with a specialist at a large fertility clinic in Oslo, Norway. She had heard about my expertise in the area of omega-3 fish oil, and of course I took the opportunity to extol the virtues of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in terms of increased sperm quality. Just last month a report came out from the Urology Research Center of the University Hospital in Tehran, Iran, analyzing the omega-3/omega-6 status of fertile and infertile men. There were more than eighty men in both groups, and the researchers found that there was a significantly lower level of omega-3 fatty acids (including DHA and EPA) in infertile men.¹

Continue reading Making Babies

Ok, I admit it. I’m a fish oil junkie. My addiction became evident when I had a minor surgery and had to ease up on my heavy-handed use of Omega Cure^TM. Normally I use 3 teaspoons a day, and it does the trick for the myriad of health issues that come with being a middle-aged woman. Now with reduced omega-3 consumption, I had to face on my own the nemesis of womanhood: hot flashes.

On behalf of the 80% of women who experience hot flashes during menopause, let me tell you: it feels like the thermostat on your inner furnace has been screwed up. The body floods the skin with sweat in an effort to cool down. One girlfriend lamented, “I feel like a cooked lobster.”

Continue reading Hot News about Hot Flashes

This past Sunday, scientists announced the results of two research studies regarding omega-3, cognitive health, and aging. In both studies, DHA was the omega-3 of choice, because it plays a crucial role in brain function.

I’ll start with the bad news: Continue reading The Good and Bad News about Fish Oil and Alzheimer’s

If you’re new to Omega Cure and a little baffled by this fish oil thing, I know how you feel. I started working at Ambo Health – the makers of Omega Cure – about two and a half years ago, with only the vaguest sense of what I would be doing and whom I was working for. As it turned out, part of my job was transcribing customer comments that had been jotted down on paper (honestly! real paper!) into our computer database, so we could know more about our customers and more about Omega Cure’s reception by the public.

Many of these comments turned out to be much more interesting than “Wow, it really doesn’t taste like fish!” Instead the things I was transcribing seemed increasingly hyperbolic: Continue reading My experiences with Omega Cure, Ambo customers, and Stockholm syndrome

While millions of people mourn the passing of Michael Jackson, his death may be an eye opener into understanding a frequent killer.