(The following is a guest post by Susan Brown)
Losing weight by using diet pills and weight loss supplements is not enough especially when people tend to combine diet pills with starvation. A diet approach that is not nutritionally balanced can be very harmful. There are some important nutrients needed when losing weight, such as vitamins A, C and E, zinc, calcium and omega 3 fatty acids.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the weight loss and overall health benefits of diets that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of marine Omega-3 has been shown to help people with diabetes control their weight (1). A study by Dr Ramel and his group published last May in the scientific journal Nutrition showed that consumption of salmon (a fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids) three times a week can decrease the diastolic blood pressure in overweight individuals who are on a calorie restricted diet over a period of 8-weeks (2). Another study, showed that Omega-3 intake, when included as part of calorie-restricted diet, reduces satiety in overweight and obese individuals (3)
According to latest research findings, taking omega 3 fish oil can enhance weight loss. Omega 3 are essential fatty acids, which cannot be produced by the human body, but are needed to sustain critical biological functions. Twenty per cent of the fatty content of a human brain is consisted by Omega-3.
These fatty acids can be found in nut oils and fish, like tuna, halibut or salmon. Omega 3 also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids are elemental for normal growth and development and are playing an essential role in brain functions. Nutritionists recommend the intake of fish at least 2 times a week. Actually, fish oil, which is rich in Omega-3, is one of the few supplements recommended by the American Heart Association for people with coronary artery disease. The beneficial effects of omega 3 fatty acids do not end here. It has been proven that they prevent and reduce the risk factors of chronic diseases like cancer, arthritis, heart disease and also reduce inflammation.
The majority of overweight people are suffering from diabetes, poor blood sugar control and high cholesterol level. Clinical research has proven that consumption of fish rich in omega 3 acids (containing docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid) can improve weight loss results, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, lipoprotein and triglyceride levels.
References
1. Marine omega-3 fatty acid intake: associations with cardiometabolic risk and response to weight loss intervention in the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) study. Belalcazar LM, Reboussin DM, Haffner SM, Reeves RS, Schwenke DC, Hoogeveen RC, Pi-Sunyer FX, Ballantyne CM; Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) Obesity, Inflammation, and Thrombosis Research Group.
2. Moderate consumption of fatty fish reduces diastolic blood pressure in overweight and obese European young adults during energy restriction. Ramel A, Martinez JA, Kiely M, Bandarra NM, Thorsdottir I.
Nutrition. 2009 May 30.
3. A diet rich in long chain omega-3 fatty acids modulates satiety in overweight and obese volunteers during weight loss. Parra D, Ramel A, Bandarra N, Kiely M, Martínez JA, Thorsdottir I.Appetite. 2008 Nov;51(3):676-80.