Udo Erasmus, pioneer of essential fatty acids, EFA's, omega-3, omega fats, Udo's Choice, Udo's Oil, cold-pressed flax-seed oil, trans-fats, Trans Fatty acids


  SECTION: DOMESTIC NEWS
DISTRIBUTION: Attention News Editors
LENGTH: 713 words
HEADLINE: Aggressive dosing with essential fatty acids may help reduce cardiovascular risk factors
DATELINE: VANCOUVER, Feb. 12, 2002
   
 

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is the leading cause of death in over one-third of the Canadian population. It is the third leading cause of premature death under age 75

(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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