Fish oil for better health; Importance of sleep

FISH oil is made up of fat and oil cells extracted from fish tissue. The fat and oil are condensed into liquid or capsule form for consumption. Fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel, tuna, herring and anchovies are used for this purpose. Fish oil is known to be an effective way to help reduce the risk of heart-related conditions.

According to Health benefits and potential risks related to consumption of fish or fish oil published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, the consumption of omega-3rich fish oil has the potential to reduce the risk of several cardiovascular ailments, including coronary heart disease, mild forms of hypertension, certain cardiac arrhythmias.

This is likely because fish oil has been linked to more sustainable levels of both cholesterol and blood pressure when used as a dietary supplement.

Cholesterol

Most people assume that having high cholesterol is an inherently bad thing. However, there is a distinction between ‘good’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and ‘bad’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

HDL is typically considered good for your body given its ability to absorb cholesterol and carry it back to the liver before being flushed out. Fish oil is a nutrient that is suggested to increase HDL cholesterol levels as stated in An Improvement of Cardiovascular Risk Factors by Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research.

Adding fish oils to one’s diet is a great way to keep one’s heart healthy.

Blood pressure

According to Blood pressure response to fish oil supplementation: metaregression analysis of randomized trials by Journal of Hypertension, a high intake of fish oil helps with lowering blood pressure. It also finds this antihypertensive effect to be particularly present among older and hypertensive subjects.

This is important as blood pressure is what helps transport our blood, alongside oxygen and nutrients, across the circulatory system. It plays a crucial role in ensuring our body’s everyday functions continue to work properly.

When high blood pressure (otherwise known as hypertension) is left unmanaged, it can lead to several health complications that include an increased risk of potential heart attack, stroke, kidney diseases and more. - Star2

■ For more information, call 03-7490 2138.

Importance of sleep

 

STRESS is one of the main factors for poor sleep as it can keep your mind active and disrupt your slumber. Other factors include an irregular sleep schedule, poor sleeping habits, illnesses and pain, certain medications and sleep disorders.

A good night’s sleep is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It allows your body and mind to recharge and recover from exertion. The average adult needs between seven and nine hours of snooze a day.

Here are eight reasons you should call it an early night.

Boosts concentration Improves athletic performance Promotes skin health Enhances mood Relieves stress Regulates blood pressure Strengthens immunity Maintains healthy weight

A few hours of sleep loss each night puts a major damper on your quality of life beyond daytime drowsiness. Regularly skimping on sleep can have cumulative impacts which can be far more severe than you would have thought. It can interfere with your cognitive abilities and eventually cause reduced concentration, impaired memory and anxiety. Being sleep deprived will put you at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and diabetes.

Synthetic sleeping pills may seem like a quick band-aid. They can help you fall asleep but can cause several side effects, including prolonged drowsiness the next day, nausea and dry mouth. Other risks include drug dependence, withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia.

For a sustainable solution, consider trying herbal remedies to calm your racing thoughts and ease into a restful sleep. Unlike synthetic pills, these herbs are non-habit forming and do not cause any unpleasant side effects.

Sedating herbs like Chinese dates, passion flower, hop and valerian root have been used since ancient times to promote tranquillity and improve sleep. These herbs work by increasing the levels and activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger which reduces the activity of the neurons in the brain and central nervous system, helping your body and mind to relax and sleep. Together, they may help you fall asleep faster, reduce night-time awakenings and sleep for longer.

Getting adequate sleep is essential for your health and wellbeing. Nonetheless, the quality of your sleep is just as important. Sleep better and start each day afresh and energised.-Star2

This informational article is brought to you by Vitahealth. For more information, call 1800 183 288.

 

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