December
What is metabolic syndrome and its symptoms?
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In 1989, Kaplan NM redefined "Syndrome X" as "Metabolic Syndrome" and called it the "Fatal Quartet," which includes the following symptoms:
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Increased blood sugar and insulin resistance : This means the body becomes less responsive to insulin, leading to increased blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of diabetes.
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Hyperlipidemia : This includes abnormal cholesterol and fat levels, specifically high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
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High blood pressure : Persistent high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Abdominal obesity : This refers to having a center of gravity that is located in the middle (an "apple shape") and is usually measured by waist circumference. Abdominal obesity is considered a key indicator of metabolic syndrome.
What is Omega 7?
Omega-7 fatty acids offer unique health benefits, distinct from the more well-known omega-3 fatty acids. While the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids stem primarily from their potent anti-inflammatory properties, omega-7 fatty acids work through a distinct mechanism. Acting as signaling molecules, omega-7 fatty acids promote efficient communication between fat and muscle tissue and inhibit the production of new fat molecules, particularly those that could damage tissue and increase cardiovascular risk.
Foods Containing Omega-7 Fatty Acids <br>Consuming omega-7 fatty acids may provide a variety of health benefits. You can get these fatty acids through supplements, most of which contain sea buckthorn extract. Sea buckthorn is an orange berry native to China and Russia that contains an oil rich in omega-7. These supplements are typically made from the oil in the berries and seeds of the plant. There are also other food sources rich in omega-7:
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Vegetable oils : such as iron oil and olive oil;
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Fish oil : such as salmon, anchovy, or cod liver;
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Avocado : This healthy fruit is also a good source of Omega 7;
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Macadamia Nuts and Oil : These nuts are not only delicious but also provide a wealth of nutrients.
When it comes to promoting lipid metabolism, some people may think of fish oil. However, fish oil contains a variety of fatty acids, such as EPA, DHA, and POA (palmitoleic acid), each with different effects. EPA and DHA are omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, while POA is an omega-7 unsaturated fatty acid, also known to improve lipid metabolism.
The structural characteristic of POA is that the 7th carbon position of its carbon chain forms a double bond, which makes it belong to the same family as Omega-9 fatty acids. In addition to Omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids found in wild fish, sea buckthorn berry oil and macadamia nut oil are also important sources of POA.
Therefore, Omega-7 really has many benefits, such as:
1. Reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar
Omega-7 can improve insulin sensitivity and help stabilize blood sugar levels. The action of this fatty acid helps promote normal metabolic processes and reduce blood sugar fluctuations.
2. Inhibit the production and accumulation of fat
Omega-7 can effectively inhibit the production of new fat and reduce the accumulation of fat in the body, which not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the health risks associated with obesity.
3. Normalize abnormal blood lipids
Omega 7 can help support cardiovascular health by regulating blood lipid levels, particularly by increasing beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is crucial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Fight obesity
By promoting lipid metabolism and inhibiting fat storage, Omega-7 can help control weight and combat obesity. This property makes Omega-7 an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy weight.
How can you ensure you get enough omega-7 daily? The easiest way is to consume sea buckthorn oil. You can take one teaspoon of this oil orally before meals or use it as a seasoning for main dishes and salads. Sea buckthorn powder is also available in capsule form. While the ideal daily intake of omega-7 hasn't been established, supplements typically contain around 500 mg. However, according to research from the Xyrion Medical Research Institute published in the journal Light Diet, even small daily doses of omega-7 (e.g., 210 mg) can provide health benefits.