Foods High in Omega 3 Fatty Acids May Reduce Risk of ALS

A new study published in JAMA Neurology suggests eating omega-3 fatty acid foods may cut your risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It’s encouraging to know that incorporating salmon and other fatty fish as well as certain seeds, nuts and vegetables into your diet can decrease your likelihood of contracting this debilitating disease.

ALS is also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous baseball player who developed the condition. It causes the progressive degeneration of nerve cells involved in muscle contraction, leading to a gradual weakening of the muscles and loss of control over volitional movement. Medical science has no cure for the illness, and a majority of patients live only three to five years from the onset of symptoms. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that 5,000 people are newly diagnosed with the illness every year.

Both Fatty Fish and Plant Sources of Omega-3s Proved Beneficial

Not all of the risk factors for ALS are known, but inflammation and oxidative stress have previously been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Studies shows omega-3 fatty acids reduce both of these unfavorable conditions, but no research had been conducted to uncover a possible link between foods containing the nutrients and the specific risk of ALS. For this reason, the scientists undertook the study.

Researchers from Harvard’s School of Public Health examined the food intake of more than one million people through tabulating data from their dietary questionnaires. After reviewing additional feedback from the participants during a follow-up period of nine to 25 years, a reduced risk of ALS was found in those who consumed foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.

They discovered foods with these nutrients that contributed to the link came from both fish and plant sources, indicating it’s important to eat other omega-3 foods in addition to fatty fish. Plant sources include flaxseeds, walnuts and vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and other salad greens. Aside from salmon, good choices for fatty fish include trout, mackerel, herring, halibut and fresh tuna.

“Flaxseeds are the most concentrated source of the plant version of omega-3 fat, referred to as alpha-linolenic acid,” notes Dr. Janet Brill, nutritionist and award-winning author. You can add these nutritious seeds to your diet in several ways, including sprinkling them to cereals, salads or baked goods. Brill shares the following recipe for Live in the Now readers.

Oat-Apple-Flax pancakes

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1/6th of recipe, 152 grams of pancake batter)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup flour
• 1/3 cup ground flaxseeds
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 egg whites, stiffly beaten
• 1 ¼ cup light soymilk
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 cup shredded apple

Directions:

In a food processor, grind oats into a fine flour-like consistency. In a large bowl, combine oat flour, flour, flaxseeds, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy and set aside. In a small bowl, mix together soymilk and oil and add to flour mixture. In the food processor, chop the apple into small pieces and add to flour mixture. Fold in egg mixture and stir all ingredients until just combined. In a hot griddle coated with canola oil, pour in 1/3 cup of batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles appear. Flip pancake and cook until just brown. Serve warm, and garnish with pure maple syrup and chopped almonds if desired.

Nutritional Information per Serving: (152 grams pancake batter or ~ 2/3 cup—2 pancakes):

Calories: 320, Fat: 10 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 667 mg, Carbohydrate: 51 g, Dietary Fiber: 6 g, Sugars: 17 g, Protein: 10 g

Recipe excerpt reprinted with permission from Dr. Janet’s book:  CHOLESTEROL DOWN: 10 simple steps to lower your cholesterol in 4 weeks–without prescription drugs (Crown/Three Rivers, Dec 2006)

Sources:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279573.php

http://www.medicaldaily.com/als-risk-lowered-diets-rich-nuts-fish-and-certain-vegetables-292964

Mary West is a natural health enthusiast, as she believes this area can profoundly enhance wellness. She is the creator of a natural healing website where she focuses on solutions to health problems that work without side effects. You can visit her site and learn more at http://www.alternativemedicinetruth.com. Ms. West is also the author of Fight Cancer Through Powerful Natural Strategies.