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: 774 words
HEADLINE: Plant based essential fatty acids safer than fish oils
DATELINE: VANCOUVER, June 17, 2002
   
 

Many Canadians today think of seafood as being a safer and healthier alternative to meat and chicken. However, a recent television report on Global's Health Matters supported by an advisory from Health Canada warns Canadians not to eat more than one weekly serving of certain fish to avoid toxic levels of mercury. "Seafood contains dangerous pollutants, such as dioxins, PCBs, and mercury, which can put a person's health at risk", claims Udo Erasmus, Canada's foremost authority and expert on fats and oils in human health.

"Canadians are becoming more health conscious and are aware of the need for better nutrition and they understand the importance essential fatty acids for health, energy, motherhood and brain function. However most are generally unaware of the dangerous toxins in seafood. Shellfish from inland waters and coastal bottom fish (cod, halibut) consume industrial deposits, sewage, and fish excrement in their diet and as a result become toxic.

As an example, fish oils can be contaminated with mercury and organochlorines. Incorporating them into the human diet has been cited as a cause for many outbreaks of gastroenteritis, hepatitis epidemics, and typhoid fever. "Cold open water fish are sources of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which alleviates heart conditions and lowers triglyceride levels", states Erasmus. "But if you're concerned about the effects of pesticides, toxins and environmental pollution and their effects on health, then organically grown seeds and nuts may be a safer option", claims Erasmus.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are most abundant in oils from flax, sesame and sunflower and are the main structural component of every cell membrane required by all tissues, glands and organs of the body. EFA's are necessary for cell growth and division, and regulate vital cell activity through their conversion into hormone-like "eicosanoids". Their effects on our genes and our cell-to cell signaling mechanisms are vital to the human body.

As a result of increasing environmental concerns, Udo Erasmus in cooperation with Flora Manufacturing and Distributing Ltd. of Burnaby, BC have combined their efforts to provide alternatives to fish oils and have embarked on extensive studies and research in the area of EFA supplementation. To this end, Udo Erasmus and Flora have developed an Oil Blend with an optimum ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 (2:1) similar to that of fish oil.

The oil is pressed from organically grown seeds, and contains non-GMO soy lecithin, which improves oil digestion along with antioxidants to keep the oil fresh. The Oil Blend is low temperature pressed, filtered and bottled under protection from heat, light and oxygen. It is nitrogen flushed and packaged in amber glass bottles and must be refrigerated for optimum freshness. Although proponents of fish oil claim that most people need to incorporate EPA and DHA into their diet, Erasmus points out that the plant- based omega-3 and omega-6 EFA's can be converted to EPA and DHA by the body. According to Erasmus the use of omega-3 and omega-6 plant based essential fatty acids is sufficient for all Canadian's needs.

"The plant based essential fatty acids are an excellent source for increased health", says Erasmus. Seed oil omega-3 and omega-6 are more stable, less processed, better tasting and allow the body better metabolic control for transforming omega-3 to EPA and DHA. 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 over 20 years has been to heighten public awareness of the potential risks of the low fat, toxic diets. These diets, popularized over the past 2 decades, are nutritionally deficient and lacking in EFAs needed for optimal health.

About Flora Manufacturing and Distributing Ltd

Flora Manufacturing and Distributing Ltd. has been producing top quality natural health care products in Canada since 1965, gaining a reputation as an innovator and industry leader. Now with offices and high-tech facilities throughout Canada and the U.S., Flora provides products to more than 10,000 select health food stores across North America. 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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