OMEGA‐6

Omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids: They are necessary for human health but the body can' t make them -- you have to get them through food. Along with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function, as well as normal growth and development. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), they help stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and maintain the reproductive system.

There are several different types of omega-6 fatty acids, and not all promote inflammation. Most omega-6 fatty acids in the diet come from vegetable oils, such as linoleic acid (LA). Be careful not to confuse this with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. Linoleic acid is converted to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in the body. It is then further broken down to arachidonic acid (AA). GLA is found in several plant based oils, including evening primrose oil (EPO), borage oil, and black currant seed oil.

GLA may actually reduce inflammation. Much of the GLA taken as a supplement is converted to a substance called DGLA that fights inflammation. Having enough of certain nutrients in the body (including magnesium, zinc, and vitamins C, B3, and B6) helps promote the conversion of GLA to DGLA.

Fat is a major source of fuel energy for the body. Fat is a nutrient that is an important source of calories. One gram of fat supplies 9 calories - more than twice the amount we get from carbohydrates or protein. Fat also is needed to carry and store essential fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A and D. There are two basic types of fat. They are grouped by their chemical structure. Each type of fat is used differently in our bodies and has a different effect on our health.

When we eat a lot of high fat foods, we get a lot of calories. With too many calories, we may gain weight. Eating too much fat may also increase the risk of getting diseases like cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure or stroke. Health experts recommend that we should get no more than 30% of our calories from fat to reduce our risk of getting these diseases.

Fat is found in many foods. Some of the fat that we eat comes from the fat we add in cooking or spread on breads, vegetables or other foods. A lot of fat is hidden in foods that we eat as snacks, pastries or prepared meals.

We can reduce the amount of fat we eat by cutting down on the fat that we add in cooking or spread on foods. We can eat skim milk and low fat cheeses instead of whole milk and cheese. We can also use less fat, oil, butter, and margarine. Another way to cut down on fat is to drain and trim meats and take the skin off poultry. We can also read labels and compare the amount of fat in foods to make lower fat choices.

Why do we need fats?

Although fats have received a bad reputation for causing weight gain but still some fat is essential for survival. According to the Dietary Reference Intakes published by the USDA 20% - 35% of calories should come from fat. We need this amount of fat for:
Body to use vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning that the fat in foods helps the intestines absorb these vitamins into the body.

Brains development:Fat provides the structural components not only of cell membranes in the brain, but also of myelin, the fatty insulating sheath that surrounds each nerve fiber, enabling it to carry messages faster.

Energy: Gram for gram fats is the most efficient source of food energy. Each gram of fat provides nine calories of energy for the body, compared with four calories per gram of carbohydrates and proteins.

Healthier skin: One of the more obvious signs of fatty acid deficiency is dry, flaky skin. In addition to giving skin its rounded appeal, the layer of fat just beneath the skin acts as the body's own insulation to help regulate body temperature.

Healthy cells: Fats are a vital part of the membrane that surrounds each cell of the body. Without a healthy cell membrane, the rest of the cell couldn't function.

Making hormones: Fats are structural components of some of the most important substances in the body, including prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that regulate many of the body's functions. Fats regulate the production of sex hormones, which explains why some teenage girls who are too lean experience delayed pubertal development and amenorrhea.

Pleasure: Besides being a nutritious energy source, fat adds to the appealing taste, texture and appearance of food. Fats carry flavor.

Protective cushion for our organs: Many of the vital organs, especially the kidneys, heart, and intestines are cushioned by fat that helps protect them from injury and hold them in place.

Types of Fat

Dietary fats are classified by their structure. Different types of fats react differently inside the body. Saturated fats (found mostly in animal products) increase blood cholesterol, which is a risk factor in coronary heart disease. Mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats tend to lower blood cholesterol.

Dietary fats and blood cholesterol

There are two types of blood cholesterol: low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. LDL is considered the ‘bad’ cholesterol because it contributes to the narrowing and silting up of the arteries, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. HDL cholesterol is considered to be the ‘good’ cholesterol because it actually carries cholesterol from the blood back to the liver, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Groups of fats

Each group of fats behaves differently inside the body. Dietary fat can be classified into three groups:
• Saturated
• Un-Saturated Fats
• Trans Fats or Hydrogenated Fats

Saturated Fats

Saturated fats are the animal-derived 'hard' fats such as butter, lard and fat in meat (and used in many processed foods). But they are also found in some plant-based sources such as coconut, palm and palm kernel oils. These fats are solid at room temperature. Saturated fats directly raise total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. These are the fats to reduce in the diet.

Unsaturated fats

Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are two types of unsaturated fatty acids. They are derived from vegetables and plants.

Monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature but begin to solidify at cold temperatures. This type of fat is preferable to other types of fat and can be found in olives, olive oil, nuts, peanut oil, canola oil and avocados. Some studies have shown that these kinds of fats can actually lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and maintain HDL (good) cholesterol.

Polyunsaturated fats are also liquid at room temperature. These are found in safflower, sesame, corn, cottonseed and soybean oils. This type of fat has also been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, but too much can also lower your HDL cholesterol.

Trans Fats or Hydrogenated Fats

Trans fats are produced when liquid oil is made into a solid fat. This process is called hydrogenation. Trans fats act like saturated fats and can raise your cholesterol level. Trans fats are listed on the label, making it easier to identify these foods. Unless there is at least 0.5 grams or more of Trans fat in a food, the label can claim 0 grams. If you want to avoid as much Trans fat as possible, you must read the ingredient list on food labels. Look for words like hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oil. Select foods that either does not contain hydrogenated oil or where liquid oil is listed first in the ingredient list.

Sources of Trans fat include:

Processed foods like snacks (crackers and chips) and baked goods (muffins, cookies and cakes) with hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oil
Stick margarines
Shortening
Some fast food items such as French fries

What is Myasthenia-Gravis(MG)?

Myasthenia Gravis (pronounced My-as-theen-ee-a Grav-us) comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning "grave muscular weakness”. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular autoimmune disease that affects the use of muscles - normal communication between the nerve and the muscle is interrupted, leaving the muscle weak and fatigued.

The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often, but not always, involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected.

Myasthenia Gravis occurs in all races, both genders, and at any age. MG is not thought to be directly inherited nor is it contagious. It does occasionally occur in more than one member of the same family.

The voluntary muscles of the entire body are controlled by nerve impulses that arise in the brain. These nerve impulses travel down the nerves to the place where the nerves meet the muscle fibers. Nerve fibres do not actually connect with muscle fibres. There is a space between the nerve ending and muscle fibre; this space is called the neuromuscular junction.

When the nerve impulse originating in the brain arrives at the nerve ending, it releases a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine travels across the space to the muscle fibre side of the neuromuscular junction where it attaches to many receptor sites. The muscle contracts when enough of the receptor sites have been activated by the acetylcholine.

In MG, there can be as much as an 80% reduction in the number of these receptor sites. The reduction in the number of receptor sites is caused by an antibody that destroys or blocks the receptor site.

Antibodies are proteins that play an important role in the immune system. They are normally directed at foreign proteins called antigens that attack the body. Such foreign proteins include bacteria and viruses. Antibodies help the body to protect itself from these foreign proteins.

For reasons not well understood, the immune system of the person with MG makes antibodies against the receptor sites of the neuromuscular junction. Abnormal antibodies can be measured in the blood of many people with MG.

The antibodies destroy the receptor sites more rapidly than the body can replace them. Muscle weakness occurs when acetylcholine cannot activate enough receptor sites at the neuromuscular junction.

Symptoms of Myasthenia-Gravis (MG)

• Difficulty in Breathing; due to weakening of chest wall muscles
• Difficulty to chew and swallow
• Difficulty in climbing stairs, lifting objects
• Difficulty in talking
• Sagging head position
• Facial paralysis
• Fatigue
• Hoarseness or changing voice
• Weakness of the eye muscles causes Double vision and drooping of eyelids

Myasthenia Gravis Causes

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is all about muscles failing to contract.

Every time your body moves, whether you're walking, talking or breathing, a muscle contracts. There are three general types of muscles

In muscular system there are three different groups
These are three different groups.:
1. SMOOTH MUSCLES - The smooth muscles are muscles that we don't have control of. They include muscles that surround organs including the stomach, lungs, and intestines. Because we cannot control them, they are called "involuntary muscles"

2. SKELETAL MUSCLES - Skeletal muscles are muscles that are directly attached to bones. These muscles are responsible for all of the movement our body can accomplish. When most people think of muscles, they think of skeletal muscles.

3. CARDIAC MUSCLES - Cardiac muscles are only found in one place in your body...your heart. This involuntary set of muscles make up the chambers of your heart. They pump all day and night transporting blood throughout the body.

The muscles work by transforming chemical energy into mechanical energy, which moves the human body. In summary, for a muscle to contract, the following must happen:

• An electrical impulse travels from the brain, through the spinal cord down a nerve (the nerves that command the muscle are called motor neurons)

• The nerve ending releases a neurotransmitter substance called acetylcholine (ACh)

• The acetylcholine travels through a small gap between the nerve and the muscle (at the neuromuscular junction) and binds to a protein (receptor) on the surface of the muscle (the muscle membrane) to which the nerve is attached

• Resulting in the contraction of that muscle.

It is at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) where MG does its damage.

Understanding of how the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) works and what makes up the acetylcholine receptor may help in understanding Myasthenia-Gravis (MG).

In Myasthenia-Gravis (MG), the receptors at the muscle surface are destroyed or deformed by antibodies that prevent a normal musclar reaction from occurring.

Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight infection and disease. With autoimmune diseases such as MG, the body mistakenly sends out antibodies to attack healthy tissue.

In Myasthenia-Gravis (MG) specifically, the immune system gets triggered to attack an otherwise healthy neuromuscular junction. The antibodies bind to the muscle's membrane and initiate a series of events that destroy the membrane and prevent ACh from binding.

ACh plays a critical role in muscle contraction. When a nerve sends a message telling a muscle to contract, a large amount of ACh is released. If ACh can't bind to the muscle, the muscle won't contract.

Nobody quite knows what triggers Myasthenia-Gravis (MG), but around 70% of all myasthenics show evidence of a particular kind of abnormal immune response that is believed to be caused by an abnormal thymus gland (an organ in the chest that plays an essential role in the development of the body's immune system).

Around 15% of all myasthenics have tumours in their thymus , although the tumours are usually benign.

Breast Cancer Linked with Bra Size

Breast cancer is a leading cancer among women accounting for one-third of all cancers. Increasingly, age group affected by breast cancer is becoming younger. Forty-eight per cent of incidences are in between 25-50 years of age.

Researchers with a commercial DNA company have linked a larger breast size with seven genetic factors that raise the risk for developing breast cancer.

A study of 16,000 women found genetic mutations associated with breast size were also linked to the disease.

Dr Nicholas Eriksson of the California-based genetics firm 23andMe said it was the first substantial link between breast size and cancer, but added much more research was needed before it could be considered concrete.

He said: ‘Our results identify genetic variants that have an effect on both breast cancer and natural variation in breast size.

‘While the precise relationships between breast size, density, obesity and breast cancer remain difficult to untangle, understanding the biology . . . may aid in the development of novel screening tools.’

He said one of the three mutations regulates the activity of the female sex hormone oestrogen, which can trigger the growth of both breasts and tumours.

While research has linked breast density – the amount of non-fat tissue – to an increased risk of cancer, there has been little evidence of a link with breast size before.
Another is located in a region of a woman’s genome that often shows abnormalities in those with certain types of breast cancer.

The link was seen regardless of the women’s age, pregnancy and breastfeeding history and genetic ancestry, according to the study published in the journal BMC Medical Genetics.
Little is known about the biology of breast size, which scientists believe is only half hereditary, but high oestrogen levels are known to be a risk factor for breast cancer.

There are many different forms of breast cancer, which scientists believe could be treated as ten different illnesses. Weight, alcohol consumption and a strong family history are all risk factors.

A 2006 study by the Harvard School of Public Health on 90,000 pre-menopausal subjects found larger breast size in slim young women gave them a higher risk of breast cancer in later life.
Those with a body mass index of 25 or less and a bra size of D or larger had a significantly higher risk of breast cancer than those of the same weight with a cup size A or smaller, they found.

However, the study’s lead author, Karin Michels, said the findings did not mean those with small breasts could assume they were safe and urged all women to go for breast cancer screening.

Click here to Find More about "Tips For Preventing Breast Cancer"

1. Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI less than 25) throughout your life. Weight gain in midlife, independent of BMI, has been shown to significantly increase breast cancer risk. Additionally, and elevated BMI has been conclusively shown to increase the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer.

2. Minimize or avoid alcohol. Alcohol use is the most well established dietary risk factor for breast cancer. The Harvard Nurses' Health study, along with several others, has shown consuming more than one alcoholic beverage a day can increase breast cancer risk by as much as 20-25 percent.

3. Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Eat seven or more servings daily. The superstars for breast cancer protection include all cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower) ; dark leafy greens (collards, kale, spinach) ; carrots and tomatoes. The superstar fruits include citrus, berries and cherries. Note: it is best to eat cruciferous vegetables raw or lightly cooked, as some of the phytochemicals believed to offer protection against breast cancer are destroyed by heat.

4. Exercise regularly the rest of your life. Many studies have shown that regular exercise provides powerful protection against breast cancer. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking) five or more days a week. Consistency and duration, not intensity, are key!

5. Do your fats right! The type of fat in your diet can affect your breast cancer risk. Minimize consumption of omega-6 fats (sunflower, safflower, corn and cottonseed oils), saturated fats and trans fats. Maximize your intake of omega-3 fats, especially from oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, lake trout and herring). Consume monounsaturated oils (canola, olive oil, nuts/seeds, avocados) as your primary fat source, as these foods have potential anticancer properties. Specifically, canola oil is a good source of omega-3 fats; extra virgin olive oil is a potent source of antioxidant polyphenols, including squalene; and nuts and seeds provide you with the cancer protective mineral, selenium.

6. Do your carbs right! Minimize consumption of the high glycemic index, "Great White Hazards" - white flour, white rice, white potatoes, sugar and products containing them. These foods trigger hormonal changes that promote cellular growth in breast tissue. Replace these "wrong" carbs with whole grains and beans/legumes. Beans/legumes because of their high fiber and lignan content are especially special.

7. Consume whole food soy products regularly, such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, roasted soy nuts, soy milk and miso. Only consume organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) soy. Epidemiologic studies have shown a positive association between soy consumption and reduced breast cancer risk.

8. Minimize exposure to pharmacologic estrogens and xeno-estrogens. Do not take prescription estrogens unless medically indicated. Lifetime exposure to estrogen plays a fundamental role in the development of breast cancer. Also avoid estrogen-like compounds found in environmental pollutants, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals. Buy organic produce if you can afford it; otherwise, thoroughly wash all non-organic produce. Minimize exposure to residual hormones found in non-organic dairy products, meat and poultry.

9. Take your supplements daily. A multivitamin, 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C in divided doses, 200-400 IUs of vitamin E as mixed tocopherols, and pharmaceutical grade fish oil. Also take 200 mcg of the mineral selenium or eat one to two Brazil nuts as an alternative. If you have a chronic medical condition or take prescription drugs, consult your physician first.

10. Maintain a positive mental outlook. Engage in self-nurturing behaviors regularly. Develop rich, warm and mutually beneficial relationships with family and friends. Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night). The mind-body associations with breast cancer are significant.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a group of naturally occurring proteins.

In nature, it is found exclusively in animals, especially in the flesh and connective tissues of mammals. It is the main component of connective tissue, and is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content.

Collagen, in the form of elongated fibrils, is mostly found in fibrous tissues such as tendon, ligament and skin, and is also abundant in cornea, cartilage, bone, blood vessels, the gut, and intervertebral disc.

In muscle tissue it serves as a major component of endomysium. Collagen constitutes 1% to 2% of muscle tissue, and accounts for 6% of the weight of strong, tedious muscles. Gelatin, which is used in food and industry, is collagen that has been irreversibly hydrolyzed.

Collagen has great tensile strength and functions in a manner that is very different from many other types of proteins. For example, it can be found both inside and outside of cells. Collagen fibres are important in contributing to the external structure of cells. However, they are present on the inside of some cells as well.

Collagen works hand-in-hand with elastin in supporting the body’s tissues. Basically, it gives body tissues form and provides firmness and strength; elastin gives the same body tissues much need flexibility. This combination of collagen and elastin is very important in many parts of the body, including, but not limited to, the lungs, bones, and tendons. Even the blood vessels rely on both collagen and elastin.

Often, collagen is discussed in relation to the skin. It works with keratin to provide the skin with strength, flexibility, and resilience. As people age, however, collagen degradation occurs, leading to wrinkles. As such, it is an important substance for those looking for ways to fight the visible effects of aging on the skin. Some skincare professionals actually advise people on ways to stimulate the production of collagen in skin cells.

In addition to being so important in the body, collagen also has many medical uses. It is used in some cosmetic surgery procedures and is sold as a supplement created for joint mobility. It is even used in treating and managing serious burns. For this purpose, it is used in creating man-made skin substitutes.

Since collagens are so important within the body, it stands to reason that collagen deficiencies can be problematic. In fact, there are some genetic diseases that are associated with collagen deficiencies. For example, osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly referred to as brittle bone disease, results from a significantly decreased level of collagen. It can also result from the presence of collagen that is of lower quality than normal.

Types of Collagen

A variety of types of collagen exist in varying quantities in almost all of our organs. When using collagen to enhance the appearances of our skin, we must thus take into consideration not only the amount, but also the type of collagen we choose.

Types I and III collagen are the most prevalent in our skin, controlling most of our skin’s mechanical properties. Though other types of collagen are less abundant in our skin, and often play a less clear, more supportive role to types I and III collagen, each type serves an important function in the maintenance of our skin.

Uses of Collagen

Collagen is one of the long, fibrous structural proteins whose functions are quite different from those of globular proteins such as enzymes. 

Tough bundles of collagen called ''collagen fibres’' are a major component of the extracellular matrix that supports most tissues and gives cells structure from the outside, but collagen is also found inside certain cells. As you age, your body is less able to manufacture a sufficient amount of collagen. Collagen can help maintain your body's repair process.

• IMPROVE CIRCULATION

  Collagen can strengthen blood vessels and improve their elasticity. Collagen fortifies your blood vessels to improve circulation throughout the body. Blood and nutrients are delivered to your skin, resulting in healthy, radiant and youthful-looking skin.

• PROMOTE HEALING OF INJURIES

  Collagen is needed to repair and rebuild connective tissue to encourage strong muscles, skin and joints. Collagen also strengthens the structure of bones, tendons, cartilage and ligaments. Collagen can encourage muscle mass to regenerate and help athletes recover from sports-related injuries faster.

• RELEIVE ARTHRITIS PAIN

  Arthritis is an inflammation in the joints that can cause limited and painful mobility in your hand, arm, shoulder, hip and knee joints. Collagen  may increase your joint mobility and reduce arthritis pain.

  Collagen helps to keep joints fluid and mobile, but the protein gradually disappears from joints as you age. Taking collagen supplements may help treat joint pain associated with arthritis or aging. Increased levels of collagen could improve your joint's mobility while reducing the pain associated with joint movement.

• REDUCE APPEARANCE OF CELLULITE

  Cellulite occurs when fatty tissue pushes upward through fibers into the upper layer of skin. The result is a dimpled appearance of the skin.

  Collagen work from the inside of your body to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Collagen promotes your body to rebuild and repair the fibers that cause cellulite to appear.

• REDUCE WRINKLES

  As collagen depletes, wrinkles and lines form in those places where the skin moves most--such as joints, forehead and lips. Wrinkles and skin blemishes benefit the most from collagen. Aging is the main cause of wrinkles. However, environment, pollutants and rays from the sun all contribute. Regularly taking collagen encourages your skin to become soft and supple.

• IMPROVE HAIR

  Collagen is a major component in hair growth, because it fights off free radicals that can affect your hair's texture, growth and thickness. Restoring collagen in the hair shaft can improve hair growth. Collagen strengthen hair and increase the diameter of individual hairs, giving your hair an overall fuller appearance.

• SCAR TREATMENTS

  Collagen injections are sometimes used in a treatment called "tissue fillers." These injections place a pocket of collagen underneath a depressed scar that may result from acne.

  This raises the depressed skin up to the same level as the rest of your skin, minimizing or eliminating the appearance of the scar. The downside to this benefit of collagen is the temporary nature of tissue fillers—the collagen's effect will wear off after six months.

  Collagen injections are sometimes used in a simple lip-plumping procedure. Contrary to the claims made by some topical skin products, though, collagen is not beneficial when applied to the skin—the molecule is too large to penetrate the selective membrane of your epidermis.

• NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT

  Because collagen is a protein, it is made up of different amino acids. These small acid chains are strung together in various sequences to form all proteins necessary to your body's health.

  Collagen contains eight of the nine amino acids critical to your body's health—from these amino acids, your body can form all proteins essential to your functioning.

  There are 20 amino acids in total, but not all are necessary for your health. Because of this protein benefit, collagen is sometimes featured in bodybuilding or muscle-gain supplements to give your muscles the fuel needed to grow in mass.

Other Uses
Gelatin is produced from collagen and is used in many industries. The most common use of gelatin is in food. Gelatin is used in photographic film and to bind the abrasive particles and the paper in sandpaper. Because it is readily accepted by the body, gelatin is often used in pharmaceutical production.

Tips
Gelatin is the most pure protein available and contains all the amino acids needed by body cells and tissues.
Add gelatin to the diet to improve the condition of hair and nails.