Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health - Tapa dura

The evidence that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human development and most helpful to achieve good health throughout life is clearly documented by Dr. Joyce Nettleton in her new book Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health. Omega­ 3 fatty acids are produced by the plants of the land and sea. The tissues of the body require the omega-3 fatty acids for their proper functioning just as they also need the omega-6 essential fatty acids. It is probable in man's evolutionary development that there has always been the proper balance between these two groups of essential fatty acids, but in the modern era with the provision of inexpensive vegetable oils it is possible that the pendulum for increased dietary omega-6 fatty acids in the form of linoleic acid has swung too far and the intake ofomega-3 fatty acids has actualIy declined. In particular, the 22 carbon omega­ 3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid, which has six double bonds, is important in the membranes of brain cells, heart muscle cells, the rods and cones of the retina and spermatozoa. Docosahexaenoic acid is found only in foods such as fish and other sea life, having been synthesized by the phytoplankton of the waters. An outright deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids has led to a number of distur­ bances in animals and human infants such as impaired vision, abnormalities of the electroretinogram, of the eye and various behavioral aberrations.

There has been an explosion of research on the relationship of Omega-3 fatty acids to human health over the past two decades. This authoritative volume gathers information from the research literature to provide a current, single-volume resource. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health brings a nutritionist's perspective to understanding the recent developments in fish oil research. The book goes beyond a summary of the research literature. It discusses the limitations, points of agreement, and areas of conflicting or inconclusive data. Readers will gain a current understanding of issues such as the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids to health; the ways in which they are essential to human growth and development; their contribution to the prevention or amelioration of heart disease; as well as the role Omega-3 fatty acids play in immune/inflammatory responses, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancer; and where Omega-3 fatty acids are found in food. With its comprehensive review and discussion of current research, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health is an invaluable resource for all researchers working to understand the relationship between nutrition and health. The book will be a unique reference for nutritionists, dietitians, and health educators. Food scientists and technologists will also find important information for their work in developing healthier food products.