(ARA) – There’s been a big buzz lately in the medical community about all the positive effects omega-3 fatty acids have on a person’s health, but did you know that not all omega-3s are created equal?

There are several omega-3 fatty acids that help your heart. However, only one is also critical to the development and optimal functioning of your brain -- docosahexaenoic acid or DHA.

How much is enough? Most North Americans don’t get enough DHA in their diet. An expert panel from the National Institutes of Health and the International Society for the Study of Fats and Lipids recommends that healthy adults consume a minimum of 220 mg of DHA a day.

Getting more DHA into your diet
The developing fetus is completely dependant upon the mother’s dietary sources of DHA, while the infant’s best source is breast milk. One abundant source of dietary DHA is fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna. However, there are some drawbacks to turning to that source. Both fish caught in the wild and farmed fish run the risk of being contaminated with chemical compounds known as PCBs, including dioxin and mercury, among others. Some fish oil capsules sold as supplements may NOT be any safer. For example, in a recent British study of cod-liver-oil capsules, investigators found that they contained flame retardant. As a result, experts have cautioned pregnant and nursing women to limit their fish consumption.

So how do you get the benefits of DHA without the risk of contamination? Go straight to the source. Fish get their DHA from algae. Scientists have derived an all-natural vegetarian source of DHA from the same microalgae, the only vegetarian source of DHA. Courtesy of ARA Content

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(ARA) - Weight control is top of mind for many Americans. While most dieters keep tabs on calories, fat and even carbohydrates, one thing that’s often missing from weight management plans is fiber.

According to the new “FiberChoice Fiber Facts” survey, almost two out of three adults say they would take steps to increase their fiber intake if they thought it would help them control their weight. Unfortunately, most Americans just aren’t getting enough of this essential nutrient in their diets. “People think fiber may simply aid in digestive health, but it also can help you lose weight because it helps you feel full longer and curbs cravings,” says Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., R.D., L.D.N., author of the American Dietetic Association Guide to Better Digestion and co-author of Total Fitness for Women. “Increasing fiber might be that extra boost you need to stay on track and lose those extra pounds.

The recommended adult intake of fiber is 28 to 38 grams per day. Yet, government studies show that the typical American eats less than half of what they need -- about 12 to 15 grams of fiber per day. According to the survey, most Americans (86 percent) admit they do not keep track of daily fiber intake, yet more than nine out of 10 believe it’s either very important or somewhat important to get enough fiber in their diets.

Natural sources of soluble fiber: (partially dissolves in water)
oatmeal, oatbran, nuts and seeds, legumes, dried peas, beans, lentils, apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries.

Courtesy of ARA Content.

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(ARA) – So you’ve made a commitment to eat more fruits and vegetables. But do you know the best way to wash the produce you chose so carefully?

Chances are, like most people, you’ve never given much thought to washing your fruits and vegetables. While research shows that 80 to 90 percent of consumers do wash their produce before they use it, the majority of people use a quick rinse with tap water. While that’s a good start, it doesn’t protect you against chemical residue and people-handling residues that are found on fruits and vegetables. The problem starts with crops in the field. Crops are treated with petroleum-based pesticides and other agricultural chemicals that are specifically engineered to be waterproof so they won’t wash off due to rain or irrigation. Then, once it’s harvested, produce from grapes to broccoli is treated with a wax coating, both to make it look nice and shiny in the grocery store and to prolong its shelf life. The wax coating traps chemicals and other contaminants such as soil. Even organic produce may still carry a light coating of water-resistant wax.

Water alone doesn’t break down that wax coating to reach the underlying contaminants. And here’s another unappetizing thought: as many as 20 strangers may have handled your produce before you put it in your cart, from field workers to the person stocking the shelves at your local supermarket to other shoppers. Armed with information like this, some consumers resort to using soap or even bleach to clean their produce. The intention is good, but using non-food grade products on food you’re going to eat could be potentially harmful. However, there are products formulated especially for use with produce, such as Veggie Wash. This all-natural product uses ingredients from citrus, corn and coconut to remove harmful substances.

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"It has been said that our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength."

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Dear Flabby,
After my sister passed away in a car accident last year i was so depressed, couldn't do anything. now is better but i'm needing to feel alive again, any physical activity you think would help, let me know.

Gwenna S. - Cleveland, OH

Dear Gwenna ,

Condolences on your loss. There's no magic bullet but a great starter to renewed vigor is a morning cardio oriented class: try aerobics: it's active and there's a beat/music to lose yourself in. The endorphins released from your exertion will make you feel peaceful afterwards. If things get bad try it twice a day.

( send your question to dearflabby@prosnack.com )

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