Omega fatty acids
 

I just finished a very interesting book describing a lot of the research (in readable form) regarding the effects of Omega fatty acids on health. The title is "Queen of Fats" by Susan Allport subtitled "Why Omega-3's Were Removed from the Western Diet and What We Can Do to Replace Them".

This isn't a diet book but the results presented make a very convincing case for the book's thesis: It isn't just how much (or little) fat you eat - it's what kind you eat.

I first heard of the book while listening to NPR's Science Friday program. The focus of the discussion was how today's rush to eliminate trans-fats may lead to an even worse nutrition problem. The data presented in this book help explain why that is likely to happen.

One sobering example was a study done in the 70's on the Inuit natives of Greenland. They were studied because they had very low incidences of cardiac problems, diabetes, and arthritis even though they ate a diet very heavy in fats from whale blubber and other fish. Their blood was found to contain higher amount of Omega-3 fatty acids than Europeans of the time which was concluded as the reason for their good health. The real kicker was that 15-20 years later they had developed all of the above health problems. Subsequent studies found that they still ate lots of fishy fats and still had high levels of Omega-3's; however, they had also adopted many processed/convenience foods from modern societies and now had Omega-6 fatty acids in their blood much higher than before.....

Anyway it's a very interesting read.

George

Welcome, George.

Thanks goodness our mrsd has been educating us about the need for Omega 3 for years. And thank goodness again, the information is now hitting the mainstream. :)

This subject is so important that another mention and resource is always a good thing.

rose

Thank you George...
 

I'll have to check that book out! Queen of fats? That is a great title.
Here is one description of the book:
http://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/10264.html

Many indigenous peoples do poorly with western dietary habits.
You might find the PIMA Indian studies interesting:
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pub...ty/obesity.htm

There is another book that discusses genetics and diet quite well:
"Your Body Knows Best" by A.L. Gittleman

This book is fascinating and goes into genetic heritage and blood type as well.

Thanks for posting that book.