Cancer is just about the worst diagnosis anyone can get from their doctor, particularly Leukemia. Finding the cure to cancer has been a decades long goal of the medical profession with small breakthroughs being common, but without an actual cure being discovered. To the surprise of many, new medical research is revealing that fish oil could hold the key to the cure that might wipe out Leukemia.

Fish Oil And Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. Specifically, it occurs when the blood cells produced in the bone marrow start to be generated erratically and in a damaged form. This type of cancer is extremely lethal because it spreads much quicker and throughout the body since it is created at the starting point of the blood cycle. If the initial research on fish oils turns out to be correct, this starting point could also be where the cancer is eradicated.

Compound From Fish Oil Kills Leukemia Cells

Researchers at Penn State have been able to use a compound produced from fish oil to genetically attack a form of Leukemia and successfully kill it. Let me really emphasize this point. The compound kills the Leukemia cells completely, so there is zero chance of relapse. Relapse is, of course, a threat that hangs over every cancer survivor’s head for years after they supposedly beat the disease.

So, how did the medical researchers make this breakthrough? They created a compound known as D12-PGJ3 from the Eicosapentaenoic Acid found in certain fish oils. The compound is not designed to attack the cancer itself. Instead, researches designed it to find and turn on the p53 gene in each Leukemia cell. When activated, the gene controls the DNA stability in the gene. When it finds abnormalities, it suppresses the abnormal cell and eventually the cell destroys itself. It is then moved out of the body through the normal waste mechanisms.

Testing Leukemia Cure On Mice - Cancer Eradicated In A Week

In studies, the researchers tested the D12-PGJ3 compound on mice that had been given stem cell Leukemia injections that had spread cancer through their bodies. The mice were given one injection of the compound for seven days straight. At the end of that week, there was no sign of Leukemia in their blood, their spleens had returned to normal size [spleens inflate with Leukemia because of excess cell production] and the mice did not relapse at all. Yes, in just one week, the cancer had been eradicated!

This is an amazing breakthrough, but you might be wondering if there are any qualifiers? Yes, there are. The compound has only been tested on mice, but experimentation on human Leukemia cells is about to start. Also, the compound has only been tested on one form of the cancer - Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. Still, the results are incredibly encouraging because the approach of flipping a cancer suppressing gene should work across many different types of cancer in theory, and certainly on all the Leukemia versions. 

Fish oil has recently become very popular because of the health benefits it provides. Unlike other foods that turn out to be less than the claims made for them, fish oil is proving more and more to be a sort of wonder oil. The fact it can be the basis for a potentially revolutionary cancer treatment, one that actually cures, is all the more amazing. The importance of a breakthrough like this cannot be understated.

Recently, a few studies have been made on this subject. According the latest study, the fatty acid usually found in fish and other seafood can effectively boost your memory function. Your memory can improve by about 15%. Now, because of this research and study, scientists are currently focusing on benefits of rich-fish diet for optimum brain health and prevention of mental deterioration. Another study that was made with 150 plus healthy individuals, which were given supplements that are rich with DHA. DHA is omega 3-fatty acid that is typically found in fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel and sardines (and in other sea food like mussels and prawns). During this study, the memory and brain related functions were measured and compared with a grou of individuals that were only given placebo.

After the study was finished the results showed that the memory of people on DHA diet showed some significant improvements. This lead the scientists to believe that DHA is an effective key ingredient when it comes to preventing the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease in general, not only when it comes to old people. Alzheimer's disease and dementia are usually associated with old people. According to a head researcher, professor Stonehouse of Massey University in New Zealand, this was the first time that they conducted a study that showed the effectiveness of a DHA rich diet or DHA supplements when it comes to improving the function of the memory in young adults.

Various health benefits you can get from fish food or fish oil supplements:

- The cognitive functions are the most essential functions of the human brain. These functions must work at all times, otherwise people have a difficult time doing their usual activities. So we must maintain a healthy brain because it is a vital part of the overall health and wellbeing.

- DHA help prevent the development of dementia, or condition commonly known as Alzheimer's disease. DHA is rich with saturated fats which play a crucial role in the proper performance of the brain.

- Most men included in the studies that consumed DHA supplements showed 15% increased memory compared with women with only 7% increase.

Every single year, many people suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other dementia conditions. If you do not want this to happen to you, start living a healthier life and watch out your diet. In order to prevent the development of these diseases, a proper diet is a must. Include fish in your diet - add at least 2 servings of fish every week. Or start using fish oil supplements. Both will give you fatty acids that are good for your brain.

Saturated Fat Or Fatty Acid

First let us take a look at saturated fat. Saturated fatty acid is a type of fat that contains triglycerides which contain only saturated fatty acids. These fatty acids have no double bonds between the individual carbon atoms of the fatty acid chain. This causes the chain of carbon atoms to become fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. Different saturated fatty acids can have different number of carbon atoms, varying from 3 up to 36.

Fatty acids generally contain various proportions of saturated and unsaturated fat. Foods that are high in saturated fat may be from animal or vegetable fats. Foods that contain a high proportion of saturated fat from animal fats are:

- cream,

-butter,

-cheese,

-ghee,

-suet and

-lard

-as well as fatty meats.

Those Vegetable fats which have high content of saturated fats are:

-coconut oil,

-palm kernel oil,

-chocolate etc.

Unsaturated Fat Or Fatty Acid

Unsaturated fat or fatty acid has at least one double bond within the fatty acid chain. It is called monounsaturated if it contains one double bond and polyunsaturated if it contains more than one double bond. The formation of double bonds eliminates the hydrogen atoms. Therefore, saturated fatty acids, which contain no double bonds has the maximum number of hydrogen atoms boned to the carbon. In metabolism, unsaturated fat molecules contain lesser calories than a comparable amount of saturated fat. However, unsaturated fats are prone to rancidity and can cause food poisoning.

Antioxidants can protect unsaturated fat from becoming rancid. Examples of foods containing unsaturated fats are:

- avocado,

-nuts and vegetable oils such as canola and olive oils.

Meat products contain a mixture of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

Saturated Vs. Unsaturated Fats - Health Comparison

Now that we know what saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are, we can compare them from the health angle. Research has shown that by replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fatty acids in our diets, helps in lowering cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in blood. However it is pertinent to note that trans-unsaturated fat should be avoided as it allows fat molecules to form plaque deposits in our blood vessels.

Although unsaturated fatty acid is considered to be safer it should not be consumed in unlimited amounts. The US FDA has recommended that a maximum of 67 grams of unsaturated fat is the upper limit in a 2000 calorie diet. This is roughly about 30% on the daily intake of calories. The saturated fat intake has to be limited to 10% of daily calorie intake and in high risk groups it is restricted to 7%.

Studies have shown that Insulin resistance is lowered with diets higher in monounsaturated fats, while a diet high in polyunsaturated fats and saturated fats have the opposite effect. There is a strong correlation between saturated fat intake and cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease. High levels of triglycerides, LDL or low levels of HDL increase the risk factor of heart problems and strokes. Research has established a link between saturated fats and certain types of cancers such as breast, ovarian, prostrate, small intestine cancers. There is evidence that saturated fat intake can adversely affect bone health.

As you can see, given the option, unsaturated fatty acids are better for health than saturated fatty acids. There are recommended daily limits for both and they should not be exceeded. Processed foods generally contain more saturated fat. This is because saturated fat is more stable and will have a longer shelf life. If you are not a diet conscious type of person, then stick to moderation in your food intake. If you are given an option between foods containing saturated and unsaturated fat, stick to the latter.

Learn portion control while eating. It is easier and better to stay thin than try to loose fat. Do moderate exercise and ensure that you get some amount of sunshine. Drink plenty of fluids. Remember health is wealth.

These fatty acids have both the polar and non-polar ends. The non-polar hydrocarbon chain is alkaline and the head is acidic but the hydrocarbon gives the molecule an overall non-polar character. Fatty acids bond with a glycerol molecule in order to form a fat usually called a triglyceride if all the three carbon atoms are attached to a fatty acid. But if the fatty acids are not in combination with any substance, they are then referred to as free fatty acids.

Properties of fatty acids

Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

Fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated, this is because of the double bonds which some of them contain in the hydrocarbon chain. Therefore unsaturated fatty acids have either one, two or more double bonds in their chain unlike the saturated fatty acids which do not contain any double bond in their structure. The position of the bonds is also a determining factor especially in melting properties of fatty acids. This therefore will influence other physical properties of fatty acids for example the melting point.

Melting points: Because of the nature of bonds that fatty acids have, unsaturated fatty acids have a lower melting point as compared to saturated fatty acids. The melting points of saturated fatty acids follow the boiling point principle. This also depends on the molecular geometry when they bond, for example the tetrahedral bonds that appear linear but have some zigzags in saturated fatty acids. This kind of orientation therefore leads to higher melting point in saturated fatty acids as compared to unsaturated. Saturated fatty acids allow for close stacking of their molecules thus close intermolecular interactions which means that they will have a higher melting point.

For unsaturated fatty acids, the presence of double bonds makes their intermolecular structure to be bent, thus the geometry of the double bond follows a cis configuration which is weak. They do not allow for close stacking which therefore means that they need a less amount of energy for them to melt as compared to saturated fatty acids.

Fatty Acid configurations

There are two configurational isomers of fatty acids which are the Cis and Trans isomers.  These terms are used to describe the orientation of the hydrogen atoms with respect to the double bond. Cis means the hydrogen atoms will lay on the same side whereas trans means the hydrogen atoms lay across or on either side. Naturally occurring fatty acids have the Cis isomer and it is good for health as compared to the trans isomer.

Lengths of free fatty acids

a. Short chain fatty acids - these are fatty acids whose hydrocarbon chain consist of less than six carbons for example butyric acid which is found in butter fat (cow milk).

b. Medium chain fatty acid - they contain between six and twelve carbon atom in their hydrocarbon chain.

c. Long chain fatty acids - These are fatty acids that contain more than twelve carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain but they may be less than twenty two carbon atoms.

d. Very long chain fatty acids - are those that contain more than twenty two carbon atom in the hydrocarbon chain. From these it should be noted that the length of the fatty acid chain will determine the melting point of the fatty acid, hence the longer the chain the higher the melting point and vice versa.

Fatty acids can further be classified into essential and nonessential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are those that humans can not synthesize but can only be supplied through the diet. They include omega three fatty acids and omega six fatty acids. But omega nine is non essential since the body can manufacture enough amounts.

Algae in the form of tablet, capsule, powder, or flakes

They are the popular cultivated algae produced commercially for the health conscious market today. They are available in these forms: tablet, capsule, powder, or flakes. Some individuals choose the tablet or capsule form as it is more convenient to take on the go. Others prefer mixing the powder in a refreshing drink that they get to enjoy everyday. The flake form is getting some buzz with its melt-in-your-mouth experience, great to eat on its own or as a topping to your favorite salad. Your adorable fish loves it so why would not you? Whatever form you choose though, you will be assured of the remarkable positive healing effects of these organisms.

Chlorella vs. Spirulina Difference And Their Benefits

Chlorella (green algae) can give you 40 percent protein while Spirulina (blue green algae) can provide up 70 percent. The protein quality of both Chlorella and Spirulina are far superior to other plants and animals because they contain all eight essential amino acids. You can add to the nutritional facts that both these algae are also great sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in their natural form.

Cancer causing diseases is so much prevalent in our society so it is good to know that the blue pigment in spirulina which is called 'phycocyanin' has been proven to inhibit cancer-colony formation. If cancer cells are killed by our immune system before they form colonies, they would not have a fighting chance to develop into cancer tumors.

Chlorella is comprised of fibrous materials which actually bind with heavy metals (mercury, lead, and arsenic), pesticides, and other environmental toxins that we get from the food that we eat. You would even be surprised that chlorella contains far more calcium than your average milk drink.

If you are on a high protein and low carbohydrates diet, chlorella and spirulina would be of great help to you. They have the power to regulate your blood sugar and reduce your cravings for carbohydrates. You would have more energy to accomplish your daily tasks without the need to grab a sugary snack in between meals.

Chlorella and Spirulina also promote a better digestive system. So even if your goal is to gain or lose weight, these superfoods will revitalize your metabolism and improve your overall health condition.

Dosage

While there are no official guidelines for the recommended daily dose for Chlorella and Spirulina at this time, most health experts suggest 3,000 mg per day as a preventive and healthy dose. Some do advice a 1:2 ratio wherein if you are taking 3,000 mg Chlorella, then you can take 6,000 mg of Spirulina in order to receive their optimum health benefits. It is best to consult your physician first on how much your body requires as the appropriate dosage could depend on your health condition and weight.

Green is definitely in because of Chlorella and Spirulina. Interest in the green food supplements are steadily rising as people are given more opportunity to have a glimpse of their powerful health benefits.