Omega 3 fish oils have received some negative publicity recently. There were scares over potential contamination in fresh oily fish by mercury, though this has been refuted as an overly exaggerated issue. And more recently, a meta study, which is a 'study of studies', was published online that seemed to suggest that omega 3 benefits for heart health and cancer were not true.
But Dr Ray Rice, a food scientist, dismissed the results. He said that despite the claim that 48 studies were reviewed, only 12 actually were, and of that 12, 3 or 4 should not have been included. He described the report as being "conceptually flawed", having a faulty technique, and being misleading to the public.
There is an abundance of scientific data to support the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils, from oily fish such as salmon, and of course, good quality (non rancid) fish oil supplements.
General omega 3 benefits include:
* protecting against cardiovascular disease and improving heart health
* improving joint health
* improving moods and behaviour, including ADHD
* good development of the fetus during pregnancy
* the inhibition of some cancer cells
The Omega 3 Benefits For Heart health
The omega 3 benefits for heart health have been well documented. The Food Standards Agency and the British Nutrition Foundation recommend that people eat 2 servings of fish a week, one being an oily fish like salmon that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
A small study of 18 white men, from ages 68 onwards, who had a heart attack from 3 months to 5 years previously, found omega 3 fish oils benefited their hearts and potentially reduced the risk of further heart attacks.
These men took a supplement containing 810mg of fish oil a day for 4 months, and those taking a placebo took a mixture of corn oil and olive oil. The participants didn't know whether they were taking a placebo or not.
Their resting heart rate at rest and after exercise was measured. It was found that those taking the omega 3 fish oils had a lower resting heart rate, and their heart rate returned to normal more quickly after exercise. Those men that have a high heart rate when resting have a greater chance of having a heart attack, and dying from one.
A study designed to assess the combination of 3 supplements that have been found to individually protect against cardiovascular disease found that when used together, the benefit was much stronger. The 3 supplements were omega 3 fish oils, niacin, and vitamin E. Niacin, due to side effects at high doses, was a low dose component. Despite this low dose, the study found that those taking the niacin, fish oil, and vitamin e combination had a greater benefit than those taking fish oil and vitamin e alone.
The study was a double blind, placebo controlled study, with a control group taking none of the supplements. 57 volunteers took the supplements over a 4 month period. After this period, it was found that the total antioxidant capacity of the volunteers taking either 2 or 3 of the supplements increased, with the greatest increase being in the group taking the omega 3, niacin and vitamin e combination. This third group also had significantly higher levels of vitamin e, whereas those not taking niacin did not have this benefit. This is because niacin, and another component of that supplement, gamma-oryzanol, preserve vitamin e in the body.
The study also found that cellular agents that are involved in inflammation, were reduced in both of these groups taking the supplements. In particular, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) was reduced for both, but only in the group taking the additional niacin and gamma-oryzanol component was the reduction of the inflammatory agent interleukin 1-beta (IL 1-beta) significant.
Combination Omega 3 Supplements
It's not just omega 3 fish oils with the benefits however. For specific conditions, a combination of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are very helpful.
A study recently published found that teenagers aged 12 to 15 years taking a supplement containing both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids had a remarkably improved attention span. These teenagers had been clinically diagnosed with moderate to severe ADHD and had persistent problems with both impulsiveness, and attention and concentration.
At the start of the study, the inattentiveness of these students was measured at an average of 94%. After 3 months of taking a supplement containing a high quality omega 3 fish oil and the omega 6 fatty acid, evening primrose oil, the inattentiveness of the students had fallen to an average of 17%.
With regards to impulsivity, there were similar benefits. From an average score of 89%, impulsivity scores fell to an average of 28% by the end of the trial.
The evening primrose oil was also a high quality one, being made from virgin evening primrose oil. And the study participants were aware they were taking the supplements, so it was not a double blind study. But the results are still excellent. The EPA content of the fish oil component was 500mg taken per day, which in this case was the equivalent of 6 capsules, though this will vary according to different formulations. EPA simply means eicosapentaenoic acid, and is a kind of active constituent in fish oil essential fatty acids.

References:
1. nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=66694&m=1NIU328&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
2. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=66816&m=1NIE403&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
3. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=67062&m=1NIE413&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
4. foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=66658&m=2FNE329&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
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A simple effect and safe way to get a good night's sleep.
Why is it sometimes just so hard to get a good, restful night's sleep'
For many of us, every evening can frequently be one of "tossing and turning", where we are just unable to settle and get off to sleep.
Some of this grueling sleep deprivation is voluntary. But with "Too much to do'" "Too much to see'", "Too many responsibilities'" - All this can lead to not sufficient sleep.
For many people, sleep is a desperate requirement. People toss and turn, but the sleep does not come. Others get to sleep only to awaken later in the middle of the night. The following morning, millions of people head off to work bleary-eyed, trying to be productive. It's a vicious cycle.
In due course exhaustion can get bad enough that a person seeks help from their doctor, who obligingly writes a prescription for some pills. At first, they work well and the insomniac person gets some much needed relief.
However, the real nightmare is all to often about to start. After a while, the sleeping pills just stop working. Unfortunately, by then, the person is addicted. The doctor has been told the drugs are not addictive by the drug manufacturer. Anecdotal proof, often hidden from us however, suggests drug manufacturers aren't telling doctors the whole story. There's big money in having a 'non-addictive' sleeping pill. As the saying goes, 'Money Talks.'
It turns out that there is alternative way, but not one health insurance or the National Health Service will pay for. Because there are no large drug companies established behind this alternative, health insurance companies or even your own health care provider just don't recognize it as a health-giving alternative choice.
Contrary to what doctors almost always are taught , both in medical schools and from drug companies, nutrition plays a large part in getting a good night's sleep.
There are a number of vitamins and minerals that strengthen sleep. An Internet search for 'insomnia vitamins' and 'insomnia minerals' provides a wealth of information about these nutritional supports.
Staying off nicotine, caffeine and alcohol helps in obtaining a good night's sleep, as does having a good diet and obtaining regular exercise
Amino acids are lesser known for their worth in being able to get sufficient sleep, but they are just as vital. L-Tryptophan, for example, is called 'essential' for a reason. Individuals can't survive without it.
Without adequate L-Tryptophan, or its easier-to-get cousin, Solgar 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy Tryptophan), human beings are not able to calm down. Sound familiar' Generally, about 100 mg of Solgar 5-HTP provides enough relaxation that sleep becomes an option for an average adult.
(5 HTP might not be commonplace in some health food store, but it can be bought on-line here -
http://www .solgar .co.uk/modules/shop/view .asp'catid=18&Prodcode=5-HTP2 )
Experimentation to find an proper dosage is safe and easy.
Sleep becomes an opportunity with enough L-Tryptophan in the brain. This is where L-Theanine, another commonly available amino acid, comes in. It's a sleep time amplifier, providing more rest in less time. A dose of 100 mg at bed time is a good starting place.
Finally, GABA (yet another amino acid) works for some people. Most sleeping pills work on the same part of the brain that uses GABA . Sadly, for technical reasons, just taking GABA does not always work that well. Trying 200 mg at bed time is a good starting place. It may or may not work.
Anyone having trouble getting a good night's sleep can leave the sleeping pills in the cabinet. Instead, trying some Solgar 5-HTP, as an economical option. This supplement is a safe and non-addictive substitute.
For more information on Insomnia, please visit:-
http://www .solgar .co.uk/healthnotes/healthnotes.asp'org=boots&ContentID=1222004



Keith Woolley is the Technical Director of Boots Herbal Stores Ltd.
Boots Herbal Stores distribute Solgar Vitamins & Herbs online from http://www.solgar.co.uk


Youch! Hair Removal Trends, Types And Costs
Unwanted hair removal is on the rise big-time. Studies indicate that about eighty percent of women and a surprising fifty percent of men have unwanted hair that they'd like to get rid of. Hair removal has been around for thousands of years and in each culture you'll find varying socially acceptable amounts and areas of body hair.
People desiring hair removal all want 3 things:
1. To get rid of their unwanted hair with less pain.
2. Remove the hair without spending an arm and a leg, pun intended, (:--).
3. Diminish hair regrowth.
Now there are several processes for hair removal and each comes with its advantages, side effects and associated costs as well.
For decades, electrolysis and shaving had been the normal practice for removing hair, with the downsides being very painful and time consuming. Recently, modern techniques such as laser hair removal have given the world a better way to remove unwanted hair.
Here are the methods available for hair removal:
Temporary: Tweezing, Shaving, Epilators (mechanical and electrical), Chemical Depilatories
Dwindling Amounts Of hair: Waxing and Sugaring (tends to reduce hair growth with time)
Permanent: Electrolysis (Hair Electrology), Laser Hair Removal
Depending on the specialist involved and the type of treatment you desire, the price fluctuates.
Here's a general costs guideline associated with the most popular types of hair removal:
1. Shaving: from $1-$25 for razors and supplies. Barbers or professional shaves are about $5-$30.
2. Waxing: now more popular than sugaring will run about $25-$75 for a home use kit and around $20-$200 for professional waxing in salons depending on how much of the body is to be done.
3. Laser: generally running several thousand dollars after repeated treatments and varied according to how much of the body is to be treated.
Overview and further information on the various types of hair removal: Shaving is and may always be the quickest and most painless form of short term or temporary hair removal.
Hair removal creams like Ultra Hair Removal, Emjoi Hair Removal System and Tend Skin are available in stores and can be ordered online. But be careful while buying the products on line and consult an expert to know which product is suitable for your skin type and location of hair removal. An excellent resource for looking into scams and products is a website called www.HairFacts.com.
Epilators are good if you have delicate skin. They are compact in size, portable and easy to use. Put bluntly an epilator pulls the hair out from the root and like any of the other methods has its advantages and disadvantages.
Waxing, although temporary is the other effective way for hair removal and can easily be done in the privacy of your own home. It does have many cautions though so if your not familiar with waxing make sure to consult with a dermatologist first. For best results with waxing let the hair grow out for 2-3 weeks.
General waxing tips and guidelines:
1. Wash skin to remove any lotion and natural skin oils.
2. Let your body dry completely.
3. Test over a small area first to ensure your skin doesn't have any adverse effects.
4. Do not over heat the wax or it may burn.
5. Pain reducing gels can be used to avoid the pain.
6. The wax should be applied in the direction of hair growth.
7. Pull the wax backward from the direction of hair growth rather than pulling upward or out.
8. Wipe the skin with a moist towel to remove excess wax.
9. Use a good sunscreen lotion to avoid exposure to direct sunlight after waxing.
Laser hair removal is another way to get rid of unwanted hair permanently. These lasers destroy the pigment of the hair follicle preventing it from regrowth. It can be used to remove hair from a small area of a person's upper lip to full body back hair for men. Blisters or reddening of skin, dark spots and bumps on skin are to be expected after a laser removal treatment, but will heal quickly with almost no cause for concern. The major downside to laser is the associated costs. Repeated visits will be needed for complete coverage. Consult a laser hair removal salon in your area for further details.
For further information to hair removal consult a dermatologist in your area or stop in and visit one of the hair removal salons, I'm sure they'll be glad to give you more information considering your a potential client.

Submitted by Chad McDonald for people desiring laser hair removal or trying to find salons that do laser hair removal in Maryland.