Omega fact sheet

Information sheet

There is a common misconception that all fatty acids are bad for you, which some are, but Omegas 3 and 6 are far from that. In fact these essential fatty acids (EFAs) are vital for good health and have to be ingested if you are to stay healthy. Ultimately if you don't have enough EFAs in your diet the results can be fatal.
The reason that Omegas 3 and 6 are so important in your diet is that your body cannot make them, so the only way therefore for you to get them is to ingest them. Omega 9 is made by the body, but is often referred to as the 'third essential fatty acid', as it is only made in very small amounts and is also thought to play an important role in our health.

Omegas 3 and 6

Scientists made one of the first associations between EFAs and human health while studying the Inuit (Eskimo) people of Greenland in the 1970s. As a group, the Inuit suffered far less from certain diseases (coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, psoriasis) than their European counterparts, yet their diet was very high in fat from eating whale, seal, and salmon. Eventually researchers realized that these foods were all rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

The reason that Omegas 3 and 6 play such a crucial role in health is due to their use as building blocks for many cellular structures and functions. For this reason there is a surprisingly large number of conditions that EFAs are thought to be able to help with, and hardly a day goes by without new reports of exciting health benefits associated with them.

Studies have pointed towards EFAs aiding with the following:

◾Hypertension: Studies indicate the more omega-3 fatty acids people consume the lower their overall blood pressure.
◾Inflammatory conditions: In numerous studies participants with inflammatory diseases have reported less joint stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and overall fatigue when taking omega-3s.
◾Mental health problems: The brain is remarkably fatty: In fact, this organ is 60% fat and needs omega-3s to function properly.
◾The discomforts of PMS, endometriosis, and fibrocystic breasts.
◾Eczema and psoriasis: By acting as nutrients for healthy skin cells and helping to prevent inflammation.
◾Acne and rosacea: By helping to keep a healthy hormone balance.
◾Cancer: Preliminary research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help maintain healthy breast tissue and prevent breast cancer.
◾Diabeties neuropathy
◾Increase energy, performance, and stamina: EFAs are thought to enhance thermogenesis, help build muscle, prevent muscle break down, and speed recovery from fatigue.
◾Aid with vitamin uptake
◾Lower Cholesterol
◾Strengthen the immune system and speed recovery and healing: EFAs make hormone-like eicosanoids that regulate immune responses. EFAs are necessary for cell growth and division. They form all cell membranes and regulate vital cell activity.
◾Aid in weight reduction: Through aiding a healthy metabolism and increasing thermogenesis.
◾Regulate organs and glands.
◾Support healthy child development.
◾Improve digestion.
◾Produce healthy skin, hair, and nails: Some of the first signs of EFA deficiency are dry, flaky skin, dull hair, and brittle nails.
◾Strengthen Bones
◾Good for Blood Sugar Levels: (Diabetics) Thought to aid with insulin sensitivity.
◾Improve fertility and conception: By helping maintain a healthy hormone balance.
 

Omega 9

Omega 9, also known as Oleic Acid, is associated with reduced atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), reduced insulin resistance and, thus, improved glucose (blood sugar) maintenance, improved immune system function, and has recently been implicated in possible protective effects from some cancers.

Emu oil

Emu oil is a 100% natural remedy that has been used in Aboriginal medicine for centuries. The oil has now become famous around the Globe for its powerful soothing properties and its popularity as one of the most effective natural remedies available is growing quickly.

Emu oil is known to be a rich source of Omegas 6 and 9, and it also contains Omega 3 in smaller amounts.

The oil can be easily consumed in capsule form and adds the Omegas to the diet. Published studies have also shown emu oil reducing inflammation with topical application (1-4) and a recent study completed at Victoria University, which is awaiting publication, points towards emu oil working to reduce inflammation in capsule form as well as when topically applied. The study involved 120 volunteers in an eight week, double blinded, placebo controlled trial. The trial was split into three groups, a group applying the oil topically (A), a group ingesting the oil (B), and a group both applying the oil topically and ingesting it (C).

It was shown that group C showed a significant increase, of approximately 20%, in grip strength tests, when compared to control groups. Pain recordings were measured on a visual analogue scale and all three groups showed significant reductions in their pain scores, with group A seen to have the biggest reduction in pain when compared to the placebo group. Furthermore a perceived pain relief questionnaire was undertaken, with 69% of emu oil users reporting relief through the use of the oil during the trial and with the perception of pain relief from emu oil users being 2.34 times greater than that of those on the placebo.

It is important to note that several of the studies observed that not all emu oil's reduced inflammation to the same degree, with it appearing that the source of the oil affected its reduction strength.

References

 1. Lopez A, Sims DE, Ablett RF, Skinner RE, Leger LW, Lariviere CM; Jamieson LA, Martinez BJ, Zawadzka GG Effect of emu oil on auricular inflammation induced with croton oil in mice. Am J Vet Res. Dec;1999;60 (12):1558-1561

 2. Whitehouse MW, Turner AG, Davis CKC, Roberts MS Emu Oil(s): A source of non-toxic transdermal anti-inflammatory agents in aboriginal medicine. Inflammopharmacology. March,1998;6(1) 1-8

 3. Snowden JM, Whitehouse MW Anti-inflammatory activity of emu oils in rats. Inflammopharmacology-1997;5(2)127-132

 4. Snowden JM., O'Malley PJ. Ellis TM Emu Oil It's Anti-Inflammatory Properties. A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, October 1999