Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Health and Disease


Book Description

A report from research in the MIT Sea Grant College Program. Discusses the relationship between particular fatty acids found only in fish oil, and human health. Presents and evaluates information on the health effects of dietary fats generally; evidence that fish oil consumption affects the incidenc




Omega-3 Fatty Acids


Book Description

This volume argues for the importance of essential nutrients in our diet. Over the last two decades there has been an explosion of research on the relationship of Omega-3 fatty acids and the importance of antioxidants to human health. Expert authors discuss the importance of a diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids for successful human growth and development and for the prevention of disease. Chapters highlight their contribution to the prevention and amelioration of a wide range of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, obesity, mental health and bone health. An indispensable text designed for nutritionists, dietitians, clinicians and health related professionals, Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Keys to Nutritional Health presents a comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge about the nutritional effects of Omega-3 fatty acids and their delivery in foods.




Omega Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health


Book Description

Research has clearly established a link between omega fatty acids and general health, particularly cardiovascular health. Omega Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health, Second Edition, illustrates the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in longevity, cognitive impairment and structure and function of the brain's neurons and also the adverse effects of omega-6 fatty acids on neurological function. This book encompasses some of the most recent research on the links between omega fatty acids and the developing brain, aging, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, including the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on hippocampal neurogenesis, substantia nigra modulation, migraine headaches, the developing brain in animals, sleep and neurodegenerative diseases. This completely updated second edition focuses on the counterbalancing dietary and tissue omega-6 fatty acids as well as it studies the effects in pregnancy and early infancy, animal model studies and autoimmune neurological diseases. - Provides a comprehensive introduction to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in neurological health and directions for future research - Features novel focus on the adverse effects of omega-6 fatty acids on neurological function and the counterbalancing of dietary and tissue omega-6 - Illustrates the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in longevity and cognitive impairment - Features new chapters on early effects in pregnancy and early infancy, animal model studies and autoimmune neurological diseases - Discusses links between omega fatty acids and the developing brain, aging, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, including the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplements







Lipids in Health and Disease


Book Description

Lipids are functionally versatile molecules. They have evolved from relatively simple hydrocarbons that serve as depot storages of metabolites and barriers to the permeation of solutes into complex compounds that perform a variety of signalling functions in higher organisms. This volume is devoted to the polar lipids and their constituents. We have omitted the neutral lipids like fats and oils because their function is generally to act as deposits of metabolizable substrates. The sterols are also outside the scope of the present volume and the reader is referred to volume 28 of this series which is the subject of cholesterol. The polar lipids are comprised of fatty acids attached to either glycerol or sphingosine. The fatty acids themselves constitute an important reservoir of substrates for conversion into families of signalling and modulating molecules including the eicosanoids amongst which are the prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leucotrienes. The way fatty acid metabolism is regulated in the liver and how fatty acids are desaturated are subjects considered in the first part of this volume. This section also deals with the modulation of protein function and inflammation by unsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives. New insights into the role of fatty acid synthesis and eicosenoid function in tumour progression and metastasis are presented.




The Fats of Life


Book Description

Omega-3s, trans-fats, polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acidùresearch facts about fatty acids and their relationship to heart disease and atherosclerosis, obesity, cancer, and neurological disorders abound. Chemical names appear on every nutrition label. But, just what do these terms mean in health and disease? The Fats of Life delineates the importance of essential fatty acids, with a focus on distinctions between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid variants. The chemical and biochemical characteristics of these fatty acids and their metabolism to a vast array of potent bioactive messengers are described in the context of their potential effects on general health and impact on various diseases and neurological disorders. Glen D. Lawrence addresses in detail the capacity for polyunsaturated fatty acids to influence asthma, atherosclerosis, heart disease, inflammation, cancer, and immunity. Lawrence makes clear that our understanding of the biochemical and physiological effects of dietary fats has advanced tremendously as a result of careful research, but he also stresses that this knowledge has not easily translated into sound dietary recommendations.




Food Enrichment with Omega-3 Fatty Acids


Book Description

Omega-3 fatty acids provide many health benefits, from reducing cardiovascular disease to improving mental health, and consumer interest in foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids is increasing. Formulating a product enriched with these fatty acids that is stable and has an acceptable flavour is challenging. Food enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids provides an overview of key topics in this area.Part one, an introductory section, reviews sources of omega-3 fatty acids and their health benefits. Chapters in part two explore the stabilisation of both fish oil itself and foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. Part three focuses on the fortification of different types of foods and beverages with omega-3 fatty acids, including meat products, by the modification of animal diets and other methods, infant formula and baked goods. Finally, part four highlights new directions in the field and discusses algal oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids and labelling and claims in foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.Food enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids is a standard reference for professionals in the functional foods industry involved with research, development and quality assessment and for researchers in academia interested in food lipids, oxidation and functional foods. - Provides a comprehensive overview of formulating a product enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that is stable, provides many health benefits and has an acceptable flavour - Reviews sources of omega-3 fatty acids and their health benefits and explores the stabilisation of fish oil and foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids - Focuses on the fortification of different types of foods and beverages with omega-3 fatty acids and highlights new directions in the field




Omega-6/omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid Ratio


Book Description

Studies on the evolutionary aspects of diet and molecular studies included in this volume indicate that human beings evolved on a diet that was balanced in the essential fatty acids (EFA). In fact, the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 EFA was 1/1 whereas present day diets in both developed and developing countries have a much higher ratio, between 5/1 and 50/1. Additional studies show that a high ratio of omega-6/omega-3 EFA is detrimental to health and may lead to the development of chronic diseases. Improving the dietary ratio by decreasing the omega-6 fatty acids and increasing the omega-3 fatty acids is essential for brain function and for the management of cardiovascular disease, arthritis and cancer. A ratio of 4/1 or less leads to lower dosage and to the reduction of adverse effects of drugs. This volume should be of interest to a large and varied audience of researchers in academia, industry, and government; cardiologists, geneticists, immunologists, neuroscientists, and cancer specialists; as well as nutritionists, dietitians, food scientists, agriculturists, economists and regulators.




Fatty Acids in Foods and their Health Implications,Third Edition


Book Description

Since the publication of the bestselling second edition, mounting research into fatty acids reveals new and more defined links between the consumption of dietary fats and their biological health effects. Whether consuming omega-3 to prevent heart disease or avoiding trans fats to preserve heart health, it is more and more clear that not only the quantity but the type of fatty acid plays an important role in the etiology of the most common degenerative diseases. Keeping abreast of the mechanisms by which fatty acids exert their biological effects is crucial to unraveling the pathogenesis of a number of debilitating chronic disorders and can contribute to the development of effective preventive measures. Thoroughly revised to reflect the most resent research findings, Fatty Acids in Foods and their Health Implications, Third Edition retains the highly detailed, authoritative quality of the previous editions to present the current knowledge of fatty acids in food and food products and reveal diverse health implications. This edition includes eight entirely new chapters covering fatty acids in fermented foods, the effects of heating and frying on oils, the significance of dietary ?-linolenate in biological systems and inflammation, biological effects of conjugated linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, and the role of fatty acids in food intake and energy homeostasis, as well as cognition, behavior, brain development, and mood disease. Several chapters underwent complete rewrites in light of new research on fatty acids in meat, meat products, and milk fat; fatty acid metabolism; eicosanoids; fatty acids and aging; and fatty acids and visual dysfunction. The most complete resource available on fatty acids and their biological effects, Fatty Acids in Foods and their Health Implications, Third Edition provides state-of-the-science information from all corners of nutritional and biomedical research.




Free Fatty Acid Receptors


Book Description

This book highlights the important role free fatty acids (FFA) play as potential drug targets. While FFA have long been considered byproducts of cell metabolism, they are now recognized as ligands that regulate cell and tissue function via G-protein-coupled receptors. At least three receptors have been identified for which FFA appear to be the endogenous ligands.