Both of these fatty acids have been getting a lot of press lately. They have been added to our food put on both the Canadian and American food guides to healthy eating but have you ever wondered what purpose they serve? Well they are actually very important to overall health in many ways. Firstly are not produced by the body, Secondly help conditions such as: They normalize lipid levels, lower blood pressure and improve glucose metabolism, and help lessen the effects of: Rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and autism. Thirdly: Omega 6 is known to have an anti inflammatory benefit: bloating and pain associated with PMS, also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance. These new findings prove that they should be a very important addition to a healthy diet. Here are some other facts about Omega 3 & 6:

Omega 3

The most important 2 fatty acids in the Omega 3 family are EPA and DHA as these are in limited supply and only found in any real quantities in oily fish and fish oil supplements. Although DHA is important for pregnant and nursing mothers and for young children for healthy development of the brain and vision, EPA can be considered the most important for everyone else as it is necessary for the efficient functioning of the brain and the body at a cellular level.

The Omega 3's have anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties as well as many other important health benefits. They reduce inflammation and can provide protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood-related disorders.

Omega 6

Although Omega 6 is generally classed as pro-inflammatory, paradoxically, GLA, when sourced dietetically, has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help the bloating and pain associated with PMS. It also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 interact with each other so the balance between them is crucial for good health. Together they affect the production of hormonal type messengers called eicosanoids, which has an impact on inflammation in the body and all functions at a cellular level.

Benefits of Omega 3 & 6

Omega fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. They are healthier than saturated fats and have many metabolic functions. There are many benefits of omega 3 & 6 supplementation.

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids (EFA’s). Our bodies cannot manufacture them, and we must consume them in our diets.

Omega 3 fatty acids prevent heart disease and the complications of heart attack. People who take omega 3 fatty acids have a lower mortality rate after heart attack than those who do not.

Omega 3 EFA’s improve cardiac risk factors, and help prevent CHD. They normalize lipid levels, lower blood pressure and improve glucose metabolism.

Omega 3’s may be helpful in a number of other conditions, Rheumatoid arthritis, depression, autism, and many other conditions may be improved by taking omega 3 EFA’s. They are necessary for growth and development, especially in the development of nervous tissue, and may improve cognitive function and emotional health.

Omega 6 fatty acids compete for enzymes with omega 3 EFA’s, so the amounts of the two need to be properly balanced. Less research has been done on omega 6 EFA’s than on omega 3’s. Most omega 6 fatty acids produce an inflammatory response that may be necessary for healthy immune system function. Research is beginning to indicate that one omega 6 EFA is, however, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and may be even more important for healthy hearts than omega 3 oils.

The ongoing information proves that these fatty acids are essential to good health and may ever help to reverse and lessen the effects of certain conditions and disorders. So make sure you are getting enough Omega 3 & 6 and if you aren’t in your normal diet supplement them in pill form or through Omega 3 & 6 enriched food.

Cranberries and cranberry products offer many important health benefits. Historically, Native Americans used cranberries to relieve a variety of ailments. Today's health research points to promising new evidence that cranberries are not only a healthy, low-calorie fruit, they may also help prevent urinary tract infections and reduce the risk of gum disease, ulcers, heart disease and cancer. Research on these areas and on additional health benefits is ongoing.Here's a look at some of the health benefits of adding cranberries to your everyday diet.


Urinary Tract Health
Just 300ml of cranberry juice daily could help prevent urinary tract infections. In the last six years, medical research has indicated that cranberries may play an important role in maintaining urinary tract health. In a study conducted in 1994, elderly women who drank 300ml. of cranberry juice daily reduced their odds of having infection by 58 percent.

A follow-up study published in October 1998, identified a compound in cranberries that prevents micro-organisms and bacteria such as E. coli from sticking to cells of the urinary tract. Researchers call this property "anti-adhesion" and think this is what helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.


Dental Health
In December 1998, a team of researchers determined that the same "anti-adhesion" properties that prevent bacteria from forming in the urinary tract, prevent bacteria from forming in the mouth. In this way, cranberries might reduce the formation of harmful plaque that leads to gum disease.


Heart Health
An ongoing study is researching the cranberry's ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Scientists have found that cranberry extract contains compounds called flavonoids, which may help maintain heart health. In fact, one study has already shown that the properties of cranberry juice that could contribute to inhibiting blood clotting, promoting blood vessel diameter and preventing clogged arteries are equivalent to those found in red wine.


Anti-Cancer
The flavonoid contents of cranberries make cranberries an important cancer fighter. Compared with 20 common fruits tested, cranberries demonstrated the highest fresh-weight content of flavonoids and related phenolic acids, making this berry a powerful source of potentially cancer-preventative phytonutrients and antioxidants. Findings linking the cranberry's components to a decreased risk of cancer are preliminary, but studies are ongoing.


Anti-Ulcer
Research suggests that tannins found in cranberries may help in inhibiting the adhesion of bacteria in the stomach, including the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, which is the bacteria responsible for gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric, duodenal and peptide ulcers as well as gastric cancer.

Source:
http://www.cranberries.com.au/healthyliving.html

Eggs have had a lot of bad press from the health community mainly for their high levels of cholesterol and fat. But who would have know they have the highest levels of digestible protein when cooked which is about 97% . Which is amazing compared to many other foods. While raw eggs have about 50% digestible protein which you would have thought was the opposite. Well i sure did! Anyway some other interesting information that i just found out.Raw eggs may be kept refrigerated in their closed container for several weeks, cooked eggs in the shell will only keep up to 7 days refrigerated, and shelled, cooked eggs kept covered last only 5 days. Cooked eggs should never be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This is why eggs need to be consumed fairly quickly after being consumed. Which is really good to know especially if you like to cook meals for the family in advance at least now you know how long your eggs will last. To continue here are some essential nutrients each egg contains:

· Choline is necessary for healthy cell membranes in all of your body, and will help your body keep homocysteine levels down. Choline is also good for your mental function and memory.
· Selenium is a mineral that your body needs for a strong immune system and it is a powerful antioxidant.
· B vitamins folate and riboflavin are necessary for your body to convert the foods you eat into energy. Folate also reduces homocysteine levels and is important for prevention of birth defects.
· Vitamin A is important for good night vision, general cell growth and for healthy skin.
· Vitamin E is an antioxidant that works well with vitamin C and selenium to prevent damage to your body from free radicals.
· Lutein and zeaxanthin are related to vitamin A and are found in the yellow pigment of the egg yolk. Lutein and zeaxanthin are concentrated in the retina of your eye and will help prevent macular degeneration.

As you can see eggs are stacked full of nutrients and minerals which are necessary to good overall health. Eggs would provide a great post workout meal because of the high nutrient value and high protein which would help to repair those torn tissues and help to build muscle for more calorie burning potential.

Resources:
http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/eggs_protein.htm http://www.davedraper.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/PmWiki/EggsAndDairy http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/eggs_protein.htm