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(Source: Statistics Canada). Udo Erasmus is on a mission
to educate Canadians regarding the connection between low
fat diets and cardiovascular disease. Author of the newly
released Choosing the Right Fats, and the groundbreaking books
Fats and Oils and Fats That Heal Fats That Kill, Erasmus'
focus for many years has been to heighten public awareness
of the potential risks of the low fat diet. These diets, popularized
over the last decade, are nutritionally deficient and lacking
in the essential fatty acids (EFAs) needed for optimal health.
As a well-known health advocate, Udo Erasmus has dedicated
over 20 years to researching the subject of EFAs and their
role in human health. "Canadians need an oil change! Our diets
lack the necessary amounts of healthy fats, which may negatively
impact our health, most notably in regards to cardiovascular
functions. EFAs can influence cardiovascular disease by reducing
platelet aggregation, which in turn reduces blood clotting
and lowers "bad" LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and
blood pressure," says Erasmus.
"I am truly concerned about the current health of Canadians,
specifically with regards to the increasing number of people
suffering from cardiovascular disease, which is a preventable
disease in a majority of the cases", states Erasmus.
As the body cannot produce essential fatty acids they must
be obtained from outside sources. The two types of EFAs are
known as omega 3 (found in nuts, seeds, and some cold water
fish), and omega 6 (found in vegetable oils).
An optimum combination of these fats is necessary in order
to regulate many of the body's vital systems. These include
the cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, nervous, and
immune systems. EFAs are also necessary for proper brain development
and function, and are beneficial in maintaining healthy skin
and hair, and a youthful outward appearance.
DANISH CLINICAL TRIAL:
Lending support to his message, Erasmus points to a recent
Danish clinical trial which reveals the significant health
benefits experienced by a group of 61 individuals who added
a high dose of EFAs from natural, unrefined oils to their
daily diets. The participants were instructed to not modify
any other aspects of their diets, including supplements and
medications, for the duration of the study.
Individuals were later measured for risk factors involved
in cardiovascular disease. "The changes were quite significant",
says Erasmus. After eight weeks, 8% increased their "good"
HDL cholesterol levels and 16% improved their overall HDL:LDL
cholesterol ratios. A second sub-group of individuals noticed
even greater improvements after being monitored for an additional
seven weeks:
- Fasting glucose (blood sugar) levels had decreased by
6%
- Triglycerides (blood fats) had decreased by 21%
- Total cholesterol had decreased by 7%
- HDL cholesterol was increased by 16%
- LDL cholesterol had decreased by 15%
- The HDL:LDL ratio had improved by 40%
The observed results experienced by these individuals within
the short time period (49-106 days) suggest that high dosage
essential fatty acid supplementation could positively impact
the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. "Current nutritional
guidelines, including the lack of information regarding essential
fatty acids, does not provide adequate guidance for Canadians",
says Erasmus. "Individuals need to be informed and educated
about the vital role of good fats in a healthy diet. Without
such important information, we will continue to see an increase
in cardiovascular disease in the Canadian population."
VIEW ADDITIONAL COMPANY-SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
http://www.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/inquiry.cgi?OKEY=8360
To book Udo for Press Engagements: Jasmin TamDoo FloraHealth
Inc / Tel: (604) 436-6000 Ext.189 Fax: (604) 436-6060 / Email:
jasmin@florahealth.com
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