Disease Proof : Disease Proof : Health & Nutrition News & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman

A new study in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, shows omega-3 fatty acids lower blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid known to raise the risk of heart disease. For the study, 81 diabetics were randomly assigned to groups receiving daily omega-3 supplements or a placebo. After two months, data revealed a 22% reduction of homocysteine in the omega groups, compared to only 1% for the placebo group; Nutra Ingredients explains.

Omega-3s are powerful stuff, found in foods like flaxseeds, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to slower progression of age-related vision loss, reduced inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease, and less likelihood of repeat stroke. Not too shabby!

In March, a study showed fatty acids help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Good thing Dr. Fuhrman sells a DHA supplement that provides essential omega-3 fatty acids.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 5.4% of adults in the United States suffer from depression. In the past, vitamin D deficiency had been linked to depression, but are there any nutritional reasons why? Here’s a quick discussion from Dr. Fuhrman’s member center:

Question: Are their any diet reasons that contribute to depression? The reason I ask is that some days I feel really good and the next day I feel tired and depressed. I am not eating totally healthy. Also, what kind of blood tests should I have to tell if I am low in nutrients that may be causing my depression?

Dr. Fuhrman: Yes, oxidative stress in general, which means low intake of the broad spectrum of plant-derived phytochemicals, can contribute to depression. Vitamin D deficiency and omega-3 deficiencies can also contribute. You should order the following tests: amino acid quantitative, essential fatty acid analysis, B12/ MMA methylmalonic acid, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and Vitamin D 25-hydroxy.

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Go eat some walnuts! Because a new study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology claims diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may slow the development of age-related macular degeneration. An analysis of nearly 3,000 people, randomly assigned to take three different vitamin supplements or a placebo, revealed no matter the supplement, participants with higher intake of omega-3’s were at lower risk for the progression of advanced macular degeneration; Reuters reports.

Flaxseeds are another powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s are amazing! They’ve been linked to improved insulin tolerance, protection against prostate cancer and prevention of repeat strokes. Oh, and citrus fruits also help stave off age-related macular degeneration.

And last year, a report showed antioxidant carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, found in leafy green vegetables—such as collard greens, spinach and kale—promote eye health too.

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