Heart health claims on omega 3s are fishy, say scientists

Heart health claims on omega 3s are fishy, say scientists

So big news for the omega 3 supplements fans – scientists say there is no evidence they work.

Research published today in The Guardian newspaper says anyone taking fishy oil supplements in the belief that they will help their heart health, or cut risk of stroke, are wasting their time.

The research backing omega 3 supplements for heart and brain health was carried out in the 1980s and 1990s. Apparently it’s been disputed for a while, but as a culture we’ve clung to hope, rather than evidence.

Interesting isn’t it, that when one science ‘fact’ is disputed by another science ‘fact’ the new science can’t always win hearts and minds.

Of course, this review is wide-ranging, and for the World Health Organisation,which presumably means we’ve been buying into less than robust science ‘fact’ for decades.

When asked whether eating oily fish had benefits, these scientists said ‘probably’ as it was then being eaten with other nutrients, such as vitamin D, calcium and iodine, which also play a major role in our overall health.

And this is the interesting point. 

Our bodies are complex. One swallow does not make a summer. One swallow of one nutrient does not make a healthy heart.

Bottom line?

According to the scientists: ‘Spend your money on vegetables’.

So here we have science telling us that good old fashioned, healthy eating is the answer. Not buying magic pills.

Well, who would have guessed?

Of course, there are whole industries built on supplements, so now its over to the power of consumerism to do battle with reason.

But if you want my advice, for what its worth. Eat lots of vegetables and some fruit, preferably in season for where you live. Some meat and fish, nuts, eggs and dairy are great for protein, but you don’t need that much. Everything else is high days and holidays fare. Drink lots of water.

You’ll feel better; that’s the evidence, surely. The body knows, but are you prepared to listen?

5 Easy Steps to enjoying Christmas parties without piling on pounds

5 Easy Steps to enjoying Christmas parties without piling on pounds

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1. When you’re the party queen, buy some food you don’t like!

Right, the emotional eaters are now freaking out, but this does make sense… If emotions trigger your over-eating I’m willing to bet you show love with food. It’s second nature for you. You want to show everyone how much you care so you choose your favourites, or certainly flavours you relate to, even at a subconscious level. Your childhood favourites, perhaps?

Yes, you make sure there’s plenty of the good stuff you like, different salads and lean meats to choose from.

But if you struggle to stop eating crisps once you start, buy crisps in flavours you don’t like — the kids aren’t going to care. Pick up the biscuits that you’re not a fan of. No one is going to judge you for not having triple chocolate chip, fairy dust and unicorn breath cup cakes on hand at every turn. (yes, I made that up. They are not a thing!) If you don’t like mince pies, there you go.

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2. Use smaller plates

When your plate is smaller you can pile it up and it looks like you’ve got loads of food, so the mind is automatically satisfied you’ve eaten plenty.

3. Run towards the salad

If you eat lots of veg you’ll aid your digestion, and you’ll be full of good stuff. So yes, eat it first and then savour the your favourite treats. You’ll feel energised instead of stodgy.

4. Eat before the event

This tactic ensures you body gets proper nutrition and you can then pick at the party food. No one is going to be offended that you don’t hoover up everything in sight. No one will notice.

5. Hang out with the health food friend

See the friend heading for the salad. Run! Run towards her and eat with her. When you look at her plate it will look like yours so you won’t get what I call FFFOMO (Fat Food Fear of Missing Out) and you’ll be mirroring her behaviour, so you won’t start to feel awkward. Eat with your pal who lives on chocolate and chips and looks like a piece of string (we all know one, don’t we?) and you’ll start anticipating what she might be thinking about what’s on your plate and you’ll feel this urge to be like her and eat crap.

And if all else fails…

It’s the morning after… maybe even the afternoon after… you wake up  with the mother of all hangovers and start flash-backing to cheeseboard carnage. Then you remember washing it down with three bowls of Aunty Nelly’s sherry triple. Don’t give yourself a hard time. Don’t do that, ’oh, I may as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb’ thing and go on a sugar bender until January.

We all fall over. We all trip up. When you learned to walk, how many times did you fall on your bum before you got the hang of it? You laughed, didn’t you. You got up and you kept going until you could walk with confidence. You didn’t throw your hands in the air and scream ‘That’s it, I’m over this walking thing. I’m sitting here til the day I die.’ You laughed, got up and tried again. Eating right is just like that.

So no catastrophising. If Christmas is about love, joy and peace, that includes you too. Have an amazing time this festive season. Love to all.