Living Well March 12, 2008

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

By Teresa Griswold

Health fads vs. healthy foods
Jackson Hole, Wyo.-If you’ve ever pondered the “healthy” food options available in the supermarket, asking what the benefits are compared with the expense, you’re not alone. After spending nearly $15 on a dozen omega-3 eggs, a single serving sized bottle of açai juice and a 32-ounce container of live yogurt recently, I wondered if the price was equal to the healthy hype. There is research that supports these products’ claims, but not all of it is based on rigorous scientific proof. Here is what you should know:

- Omega-3 eggs
Many health-conscious consumers are buying omega-3 eggs, because they contain higher levels of the polyunsaturated fatty acid they’re named for. Polyunsaturated fatty acids play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease and help lower blood triglyceride levels, but is eating omega-3 eggs more beneficial than eating the “classic” variety?
Omega-3 eggs are produced by altering the diet of laying hens to include 10-20 percent ground flaxseed, a grain higher in omega-3 fatty acids and lower in saturated fatty acids than other grains, resulting in eggs that are higher in omega-3 fatty acids. However, the total fat content and the cholesterol level of an omega-3 egg remain very similar to a “classic” egg.

So if you want to add omega-3 to your diet, it makes better sense to include more common sources in your diet such as fish, canola oil, soybeans and flaxseed in lieu of omega-3 eggs.

- Açai juice
Açai (ah-sigh-EE) juice, a fruit juice sensation made from the açai berry, boasts an impressive array of health benefits, primarily as an antioxidant, and it is gaining notoriety. The little berry from South American rainforests is said to be one of the most nutritious foods in the world and is purported to have twice the antioxidant content as a blueberry. It is known to support a healthy immune system, rejuvenate the mind, increase energy, and promote healthy skin. It’s often found in juice, and it is pricey.
Açai may be rich in antioxidants, but until further research is done, Dr. Andrew Weil recommends opting for organically grown blueberries. On his website (drweil.com), he says, “blueberries are easily obtainable in fruit form, are much less expensive and give you fiber as well as plenty of antioxidants. And don’t forget black raspberries and pomegranates, both of which have good scientific evidence for their health benefits.”

- Yogurt
Probiotics are known as “friendly” bacteria that promote digestive tract health and overall wellness. While playing a critical role in digestion and nutrition, they may also aid the immune system.

Most of these friendly bacteria occur naturally in cultured milk products, such as yogurt with active cultures or acidophilus milk and kefir, as well as natural pickles and sauerkraut. Many doctors recommend live yogurt for patients on antibiotics to replenish good bacteria. Yogurt live cultures may also reduce the occurrence of colds, allergies and hay fever, according to Dr. Nicholas Perricone.

He says on oprah.com that research shows people whose diet is rich in probiotics enjoy enhanced immune function. “It appears that probiotics normalize immune responses, inhibit chronic sub-clinical inflammation, and may improve inflammatory conditions with an autoimmune component, such as asthma, eczema and Crohn’s disease,” he said.
“Today there is an alarming emergence of disease-causing agents (viral, bacterial, etc.) that are resistant to antibiotics. These dire and potentially life-threatening circumstances have prompted urgent research into the use of probiotic bacteria to battle infections,” said Dr. Perricone. “We now know that probiotics can raise antibody levels in the body. This immune-system boost reduces the risk of infections taking hold in the first place, thus avoiding the need for antibiotics.”

By increasing your intake of probiotic foods everyday, you can restore balance to the body.

Courtesy photo
Omega-3 eggs look like the “classic” egg, but they are laid from hens fed with flaxseed.

PERMALINK:
Living Well March 12, 2008 | Planet JH News Article: Living Well

Leave a Comment