The physical-chemical properties of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) enable it to facilitate rapid biochemical processes in the membrane. This effect has numerous benefits, including those involved in the growth of bacteria, rapid energy generation, human vision, brain impulse, and photosynthesis, to name a few. Yet DHA also carrie
Studies with bacteria and other systems suggest that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA confers great benefits to neurons in maximizing both speed of neural impulses and energy efficiency. Unfortunately, studies also show that DHA’s ease of oxidation damages membrane integrity. Exploring this duality, Neurons and the DHA Principle proposes a new model for the causes of neurodegeneration, in which DHA-enriched membranes of neurons become dysfunctional and energetically wasteful, triggering the premature death of neurons. The challenge of this book is to digest how DHA acts as an essential building block of neurons while also conspiring for their assassination during aging. As the book reviews the extraordinary properties of DHA in life forms from deep-sea bacteria to human neurons, it asks: Is there a trade-off between speed and efficiency of brain function enabled by DHA versus longevity or life span? Has modern medicine advanced significantly in the treatment of the body but not necessarily of the brain? What are the molecular explanations for the decline in brain health during the age of longevity? A full accounting of the roles of DHA in neurons requires balancing the enormous benefits of these molecules against the risks. Introducing the dual chemical personalities of DHA from an evolutionary perspective, Neurons and the DHA Principle explores DHA from the standpoint of benefit–risk analysis, opening new perspectives for understanding how DHA functions in neurons.
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
By the bestselling author of Four Fish and American Catch, an eye-opening investigation of the history, science, and business behind omega-3 fatty acids, the "miracle compound" whose story is intertwined with human health and the future of our planet Omega-3 fatty acids have long been celebrated by doctors and dieticians as key to a healthy heart and a sharper brain. In the last few decades, that promise has been encapsulated in one of America's most popular dietary supplements. Omega-3s are today a multi-billion dollar business, and sales are still growing apace--even as recent medical studies caution that the promise of omega-3s may not be what it first appeared. But a closer look at the omega-3 sensation reveals something much deeper and more troubling. The miracle pill is only the latest product of the reduction industry, a vast, global endeavor that over the last century has boiled down trillions of pounds of marine life into animal feed, fertilizer, margarine, and dietary supplements. The creatures that are the victims of that industry seem insignificant to the untrained eye, but turn out to be essential to the survival of whales, penguins, and fish of all kinds, including many that we love to eat. Behind these tiny molecules is a big story: of the push-and-pull of science and business; of the fate of our oceans in a human-dominated age; of the explosion of land food at the expense of healthier and more sustainable seafood; of the human quest for health and long life at all costs. James Beard Award-winning author Paul Greenberg probes the rich and surprising history of omega-3s--from the dawn of complex life, when these compounds were first formed; to human prehistory, when the discovery of seafood may have produced major cognitive leaps for our species; and on to the modern era, when omega-3s may point the way to a bold new direction for our food system. With wit and boundless curiosity, Greenberg brings us along on his travels--from Peru to Antarctica, from the Canary Islands to the Amalfi Coast--to reveal firsthand the practice and repercussions of our unbalanced way of eating. Rigorously reported and winningly told, The Omega Principle is a powerful argument for a more deliberate and forward-thinking relationship to the food we eat and the oceans that sustain us.
The physical-chemical properties of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) enable it to facilitate rapid biochemical processes in the membrane. This effect has numerous benefits, including those involved in the growth of bacteria, rapid energy generation, human vision, brain impulse, and photosynthesis, to name a few. Yet DHA also carries risks that can lead to cellular death and disease. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the DHA Principle explores the roles of omega-3 fatty acids in cellular membranes ranging from human neurons and swimming sperm to deep sea bacteria, and develops a principle by which to assess their benefits and risks. The DHA Principle states that the blending of lipids to form cellular membranes is evolutionarily-honed to maximize benefit while minimizing risk, and that a complex blending code involving conformational dynamics, energy stress, energy yield, and chemical stability underlies all cellular membranes. This book lays the groundwork to understanding this code. It examines the evolution of DHA and the membrane and explores the general properties of omega-3s and other membrane lipids. It then focuses on cellular biology before shifting to a practical discussion on applications. The authors discuss the DHA Principle as applied to petroleum degradation, winemaking, global warming, molecular farming, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and the prevention of colon cancer. Reflecting the increased public interest that has emerged over the years, this volume uses an integrative approach to explain the complex roles of omega-3s in the membrane. Incorporating principles from chemistry, cellular biology, evolution, and ecology, this work gives researchers in a variety of fields the building blocks to stimulate further study.
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paleo Approach and The Healing Kitchen comes the most comprehensive resource to date for those seeking a scientifically founded nutritional approach to optimal health. In her signature approachable yet comprehensive style, Sarah Ballantyne, PhD, has laid a complete foundation for understanding the principles of the Paleo template in order to inform and empower people’s day-to-day choices. Combined with an unprecedented collection of practical strategies, tips, and visual guides, plus more than 200 delicious recipes and twenty meal plans for a variety of health goals, this book is a one-stop-shop for nutrition nerds, health nuts, and gourmands alike. The Paleo diet is a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory whole-foods diet based on eating a variety of quality vegetables, meats, seafood, fruits, eggs, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, herbs, and spices. It is clinically proven to improve health by providing complete and balanced nutrition while omitting most processed and refined foods and empty calories. Far from being a historical re-enactment, the Paleo framework is derived from thousands of scientific studies that illuminate our understanding of which foods support health and which foods undermine it. Combined with attention to essential lifestyle factors like physical activity, sleep, and stress, the Paleo template is quite simply the most robust approach out there for optimal health, performance, and longevity! With the perfect balance of detailed explanations, accessible summaries of actionable information, and visual guides, Paleo Principles provides everything readers need to achieve their best health. Beyond a set of rules, this book teaches precisely why some foods are better choices than others while providing indispensable resources like food lists, shopping guides, and cooking how-tos. Health comes from more than just the foods on our plates, however, which is why Dr. Ballantyne also incorporates a focus on lifestyle factors known to improve health, including being active, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and connecting with community. People needn’t worry that following a Paleo-style diet will leave them feeling hungry or deprived. Healthy re-creations of family-friendly favorites, from pizza to pancakes, prove that you can regain your health and love every bite! Paleo Principles contains more than 200 nutritious Paleo recipes that are free of gluten, grain, dairy, legumes, and refined sugar—including kitchen basics, breakfasts, soups and salads, main dishes, side dishes, baked goods, and desserts—all labeled for the top eight allergen ingredients as well as other common food sensitivities, like FODMAPs and nightshades, and the Autoimmune Protocol. Adapt the Paleo template to serve your specific needs and health goals by using Paleo Principles’ guides on customizing macronutrient ratios, navigating gray-area foods, troubleshooting chronic illnesses and food sensitivities, transitioning to a Paleo-style diet, understanding your body’s individual response to different foods, and balancing Paleo priorities with competing interests for lifelong success. Combine these resources with twenty meal plans reflecting the most common health objectives, and you have the know-how to personalize your plan to fit your life. Join the millions of people taking back their health by following a Paleo lifestyle. Whether your goal is to lose weight, increase performance, reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors, prevent cancer, mitigate autoimmune disease, reverse diabetes, or simply achieve your best health, Paleo Principles gives you answers and a veritable toolkit to make lasting, positive change toward better health.
The aim of this Special Issue is to publish high quality papers concerning poultry nutrition and the interrelations between nutrition, metabolism, microbiota and the health of poultry. Therefore, I invite submissions of recent findings, as original research or reviews, on poultry nutrition, including, but not limited to, the following areas: the effect of feeding on poultry meat end egg quality; nutrient requirements of poultry; the use of functional feed additives to improve gut health and immune status; microbiota; nutraceuticals; soybean meal replacers as alternative sources of protein for poultry; the effects of feeding poultry on environmental impacts; the use of feed/food by-products in poultry diet; and feed technology.
Seafoods covers selected but vital topics of fish processing with an emphasis on quality, technology and nutraceutical applications in an up-to-date survey. The aspects of seafood quality covered range from the impact of slaughter procedures, through protein functionality, texture, flavour, histamine toxicity to the practical evaluation of quality and measurement. Technological aspects concentrate on automation in processing, waste-water treatment and reuse of scraps. Marine nutraceuticals/functional foods are discussed in detail. This book is highly recommended for scientists and technologists in the seafood industries, plus fish processing professionals, quality managers, and nutritonists..
More than 7 billion people inhabit the earth and all of them are subject to aging. This book is aimed at persons interested in a molecular explanation of how our cells age. Human Longevity: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Bioenergetics, Molecular Biology, and Evolution is built on the proposition that we age as our mitochondria age. It suggests a revised vers
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
