The Health Benefits of Omega Oil

You want to increase your overall health and energy level. You want to prevent heart disease, cancer, depression and Alzheimer's. Perhaps you also want to treat rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, Raynaud's disease and a host of other diseases. One of the most important things you can do for all of these is increase your intake of the omega-3 fats found in Krill Oil and cod liver oil, and reduce your intake of omega-6 fats.

These two types of fat, omega-3 and omega-6, are both essential for human health. However, the typical American consumes far too many omega-6 fats in their diet while consuming very low levels of omega-3. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is 1:1. Our ancestors evolved over millions of years on this ratio. Today, though, our ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 averages from 20:1 to 50:1! That spells serious danger for you, and as is now (finally!) being reported throughout even the mainstream health media, lack of omega-3 from Krill Oil is one of the most serious health issues plaguing contemporary society.

According to the American Heart Institute, it is recommended that we eat fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week to get the appropriate amount of Omega Oils. Fish is a good source of protein and doesn’t have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

If you don’t enjoy fish, the AMA also recommends eating tofu and other forms of soybeans, canola, walnut and flaxseed, and their oils. These contain alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), which can become omega-3 fatty acid in the body.

By far, the best type of omega-3 fats are those found in that last category, fish. That's because the omega-3 in fish is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA - low DHA levels have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Researchers are now also linking inadequate intake of these omega-3 fats in pregnant women to premature birth and low birth weight, and to hyperactivity in children.

Sadly, though, eating most fresh fish, whether from the ocean, lakes and streams, or farm-raised, is no longer recommended. Mercury levels in almost all fish have now hit dangerously high levels across the world, and the risk of this mercury to your health now outweighs the fish's omega-3 benefits.

Routine consumption of Krill Oil is another highly recommended method of increasing your omega-3 intake and improving your health, and is also the most convenient for today's busy lifestyles. Krill Oil contains high levels of the best omega-3 fats - those with the EPA and DHA fatty acids - and, as it is in pure form, does not pose the mercury risk of fresh fish.

The ways that omega-3 fatty acids reduce cardiovascular disease risk are still being studied. However, research has shown that they

* decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
* decrease triglyceride levels
* decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
* lower blood pressure (slightly)

So what do you have to lose? Watch what you eat and enjoy better and healthier living.

R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.

Muscle Building Supplements

You are at the gym nearly every day and you have accomplished your initial bodybuilding goals - but now you want to take your workout to the next level. And if you're like many interested in their body, you have looked into muscle-building supplements.

To begin, supplements aren’t magic in that they will turn you into Mr. or Ms. Universe overnight, but most are safe and can help you gain an edge.

Educating yourself about the different types of supplements will help you narrow down your plan.

Creatine - One common option body builders have been using for years that's now mainstream is Creatine. A substance that's manufactured in the body during protein metabolism, Creatine is a fuel source for explosive sports movements or bursts of activity that typically last one to six seconds. Loading muscles with Creatine can help people perform better and recover faster.

It is recommended that you pair Creatine with carbohydrates 45 minutes before a workout. Carbs can increase the absorption rate of the supplement into your muscles. Pairing Creatine with a glass of juice also will do the trick.

Although creatine’s role in the energy production process is its most notable trait, there is evidence that creatine can stimulate muscle growth. It does this in a couple of different ways. By allowing you to perform more work as a result of additional energy, increased protein synthesis is stimulated. Secondly, when an abundance of creatine phosphate is stored n the muscle, the muscle will hold more water in its cells and become what is known as “volumized” or “super-hydrated.” The more volumized a muscle is, it will promote the synthesis of protein as well as deter the breakdown of protein. Volumizing the muscle will also create an environment where an increased level of Glycogen synthesis will take place. Increased protein synthesis along with training will lead to muscle growth. There is also scientific evidence that shows supplementation with creatine causes muscle tears to repair themselves quicker.

L-Glutamine – This amino acid is most common and is found in your muscles. Over 61 percent of skeletal muscle is Glutamine. Glutamine consists of 19 percent nitrogen, making it the primary transporter of nitrogen into your muscle cells. During intense training, Glutamine levels are greatly depleted in your body which decreases strength, stamina and recovery. It could take up to six days for Glutamine levels to return to normal. Glutamine also plays a key role in protein synthesis. Studies have shown L-Glutamine supplementations can minimize breakdown of muscle and improve protein metabolism.

D-Ribose – Ribose is the super muscle building supplement – the significant other of creatine. Like creatine, Ribose helps the production of ATP (energy) but in different ways. Creatine recycles ADP into ATP by release of phosphate and Ribose is actually a building block of ATP.

Prohormones – Andro, (Nor) Androstenedione, Androstenedio – Andro is a prohormone that aids in testosterone production and it’s a direct hormone precursor of testosterone. Androstenedione and Androstenediol are the 2 only compounds that convert directly into testosterone, which is why you’ll hear that Andro is one step away from testosterone. DHEA converts directly into these two andro compounds.

R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Met-Rx, Pioneer Nutritional Formulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.