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Dr. Barry Sears Answers Your Questions on Omega-3 Fish Oil

 Dr. Sears answers some of the top questions we receive about fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids and what makes OmegaRx 2 unique.  

What are EPA and DHA?
EPA is an abbreviation for the omega-3 fatty acid Eicosapentaenoic Acid. DHA is short for Docosahexaenoic Acid. The anti-inflammatory properties of fish and fish oil are mainly due to these two omega-3 fatty acids. The benefit of EPA and DHA comes from reducing cellular inflammation by inhibiting the formation of inflammatory hormones (e.g. eicosanoids) derived from the omega-6 fat, Arachidonic Acid (AA).  However, their greatest benefits come from the generation of pro-resolution hormones (i.e. resolvins) that turn off the inflammatory process.  

If someone considers themselves healthy, why would they need to take omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids meaning they must be supplied in our diets. They are the building blocks for hormones that resolve existing inflammation. Unresolved inflammation is the primary reason we gain weight, develop chronic disease, and age at a faster rate. The typical American diet is very low in omega-3 fatty acids and rich in omega-6 fatty acids (the building blocks for pro-inflammatory hormones). This is why you need a high concentration of purified omega-3 fatty acids to make a difference in addition to lowering the levels of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet.

Why is fish oil superior to krill oil, flaxseed or other omega-3 products on the market?
Fish oil is made by heating fish to release the stored fats. From this crude fish oil, the omega-3 fatty acids can be further refined/purified into omega-3 concentrates. Krill oil is actually made of small shrimp that have been harvested and extracted using harsh chemicals (hexane and acetone). Furthermore, the omega-3 fatty acid content in krill oil is much lower than in omega-3 concentrates derived from fish oil. Flax seed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Although ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid, it has no health benefits unless converted into EPA and DHA. This conversion is very inefficient (about 1-10%) so you would have to consume large quantities to get the same benefits of a much smaller amount of omega-fatty acid concentrates.  

What is it about OmegaRx2 that makes it different from other brands?
The answer is purity and potency. OmegaRx 2 is highly purified to remove as many PCBs as possible and our standards are eighteen times more rigid than the industry standards. In addition, Zone Labs publishes the purity data for every lot of OmegaRx 2 on our website to give our customers total transparency. All omega-3 fatty acids are prone to oxidation which is why we publish the levels of stability (defined by the TOTOX level or rancidity in layman terms) on every lot of OmegaRx2 as well.  Our post production levels of rancidity are among the lowest on the market. Finally, the concentration of OmegaRx 2 is among the highest concentration of any non-prescription omega-3 fatty acid product on the market. 

How much fish oil do you recommend people take?
I recommend taking a daily minimum of 3 grams of EPA and DHA. That said, we use our Cellular Inflammation test to determine the ideal amount an individual requires. This test looks at the ratio of two key fatty acids in the blood: Arachidonic Acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid which is the building block for pro-inflammatory hormones, and EPA which is the building block for pro-resolution hormones. The AA/EPA ratio or Cellular inflammation Score will tell you with the most precision how much you need to take on a daily basis to optimize your overall wellness. It has been demonstrated that decreasing the AA/EPA ratio is strongly associated with a longer life. 

If my cellular inflammation score is ideal, do I need the heightened concentration? 
If your Cellular Inflammation Score is between 1.5 to 3 you are in the ideal range to promote future wellness.  The higher the Cellular Inflammation Score, the more inflamed you are.  The average American has a Cellular Inflammation Score of 20.  Resolution of inflammation is key to maintaining wellness, and this can only be achieved with a lower score.  It is possible to achieve an ideal AA/ EPA ratio or Cellular Inflammation Score within 30 days with the correct dosage of OmegaRx 2.

When will people start seeing the benefits after they begin to supplement and what will they be?
I generally tell people that it takes about 30 days to truly see the impact of supplementation in the blood, but it's only a matter of days that their benefits subside once you stop taking them. This means you have to be consistent with your intake of purified fish oils and take it daily. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help support a healthy heart, brain function, behavior and mood regulation, cellular rejuvenation, athletic performance and recovery, and improved vision. Their benefits are due to their role in resolving excess cellular inflammation.

Do you have tips for how to take it? 
Most people do just fine taking our recommended dose of 4 capsules or 1 teaspoon of OmegaRx 2 daily. I always suggest taking it with food and if you want to split up your dose between morning and night to see how you do that is fine too. 

How long do you have to take it?
For a lifetime if you want to maintain wellness. Once you stop taking omega-3 fatty acids your levels of omega-3s will soon return to baseline within a few days.

What are the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids across the lifespan?

Fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids are critical across the lifespan. This is why they are essential nutrients.  It starts in the womb as they support brain development in utero in addition to minimizing post-partum depression for the mother. We now know that the dietary and metabolic environment the fetus is exposed to in the womb can echo through the rest of his or her so it’s critical to have good nutrition and adequate levels of omega-3s throughout pregnancy and after. The rise in conditions such as autism, ADHD, diabetes and heart disease in early childhood and young adulthood may have a connection with the high levels of omega-6 fatty acids in our diet and low amounts of omega-3s. I strongly believe that chronic conditions associated with aging such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia start with the failure to resolve inflammation so by getting adequate levels of omega-3s early on you can help to promote a lifetime of wellness.  {{cta('70a4b644-a93c-4f8b-83ec-5be1500ed236')}}

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050824---Tofu-Blog

Tofu: Tips and Recipes Ideas

I have been eating tofu for a very long time, much longer than the 30 or so years I have been following the Zone Diet. Back then many of my favorite recipes came from the Tassajara cookbooks by Edward Espe Brown, the celebrated chef from the kitchen at California’s famous Zen Mountain Center, and cookbooks by Louise Hagler, a.k.a. Wendy Louise, a well-known authority on vegetarian cooking who is associated with a community in Tennessee known as The Farm. Those books are still among the best resources for tofu recipes. My mantra has always been if you don’t like something, don’t eat it. Keep this in mind if you’re new to tofu, start slowly by combining it with flavors and foods you like.    Tips and Suggestions    Firm-sprouted tofu is my preference for the Zone Diet. Unlike traditional tofu, which contains significant amounts of both protein and carbohydrate, sprouted has almost no carbohydrates. It’s lighter tasting, refreshing, and very filling.   Freezing tofu results in a chewy, sponge-like texture. I don’t recommend freezing, but some people prefer it when using tofu to substitute for meat in a recipe.    Baked tofu comes in a variety of flavors and makes an excellent quick meal with some vegetables and fruit added. It’s also great in salads.     Tofu made it into the book “The Top 100 Zone Foods” by Barry Sears.    Some recipes call for draining the tofu first. I find that usually isn’t necessary.   Tofu takes on the flavor of whatever is added to it.    Add nutritional yeast flakes to give a cheesy flavor to vegan tofu scrambles and dips. It’s also rich in protein and vitamin B12.   Cherry Vanilla Tofu “Ice Cream”   Tip: This doesn’t freeze or store well, so prepare only the amount you plan to serve immediately.   Using an immersion blender or a food processor blend equal parts of frozen dark cherries and firm tofu, plus some vanilla extract (preferably alcohol-free for best flavor). Serve immediately.  Tofu Scramble  This is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and we’ve even brought it on long day hikes for a snack.   Crumble some firm tofu and stir in a generous amount of seasonings, taking care not to overdo it with the salt. Heat in a well-seasoned or nonstick skillet with a little Zone-friendly oil to the desired doneness.    Optional: If time allows, sauté some chopped onion in the skillet before adding the tofu and seasonings.    My favorite seasoning combination for this dish at my house is onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, some oregano or thyme, nutritional yeast flakes, salt, and ground black pepper. The yellow color of the turmeric makes it somewhat like scrambled eggs.   Tofu Veggie Almond Pasta Salad   Dressing: Thin some smooth almond butter by stirring in some water, a little vinegar, and either soy sauce or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (an unfermented soy sauce found in the health food section of most grocery stores).    Toss together cooked Dr. Sears’ Zone PastaRx Fusilli, tofu cut into cubes, matchstick cut red bell pepper, chopped green parts of scallions (a.k.a. green onions), and the almond butter dressing. Serve immediately or chill to serve later. It will keep well in the fridge for two or three days.   Use your imagination and see what you can come up with.  Experiment and have fun with it. Try using tofu to make cheesecakes, whipped desserts, tofu chocolate pudding, tofu “cream” based soups, tofu pot pie (think chicken pot pie), tofu burgers, tofu burritos, Buffalo tofu (like Buffalo wings), layered Mediterranean dips, tofu “meatballs”, grilled tofu, and more.    Enjoy! 

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Simple Homemade Zone Meals

Simple Homemade Zone Meals

  Even people who swear by Dr. Sears' new pasta meals should create one homemade Zone meal just about every day. Cooking in the Zone isn't hard to do, especially if Zoners keep packages of frozen chopped onion and chopped peppers in their freezers. If a cup of chopped onion is needed, it's ready to go. Also keep sacks of frozen vegetables, including broccoli florets, handy.   Here are some meals, shown for both women and men, that are a snap to make for people on the go.   Ginger Chicken Ingredients:   Dinner for women 1 teaspoon olive oil 3 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast 2 cups broccoli florets 1 ½ cups snow peas ¾ cup yellow onion, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated ¼ cup water ½ cup seedless grapes Dinner for men 1 1/3 teaspoons olive oil 4 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast 2 cups broccoli florets 1 ½ cups snow peas ¾ cup yellow onion, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated ¼ cup water 1 cup seedless grapes Directions: In a wok or large nonstick pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and saute, turning frequently, until lightly browned, about five minutes. Add broccoli, snow peas, onion, ginger and water. Continue cooking, stirring often, until chicken is done, water is reduced to a glaze and vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. If the pan dries out during cooking, add water in tablespoon increments to keep moist. Serve grapes for dessert or garnish dish with grapes. Salmon Patties Ingredients:   Dinner for women 3 ounces canned pink salmon 2 egg whites 1/3 cup slow-cooking oatmeal, cooked Quarter of an onion, diced 1 teaspoon dill Garlic salt and pepper 1 teaspoon refined olive oil ½ apple Dinner for men 4 1/2 ounces canned pink salmon 2 egg whites 1/3 cup slow-cooking oatmeal, cooked Quarter of an onion, diced 1 teaspoon dill Garlic salt and pepper 1 1/3 teaspoons refined olive oil 1 apple Directions: Flake salmon in a medium bowl. Combine all ingredients except olive oil and mix well with hands. Heat olive oil in pan at medium heat. Shape mixture into a patty and cook for about three to five minutes on each side (or until golden brown). Serve immediately. Have apple for dessert. Tuna and Three Bean Salad Ingredients:   Dinner for women 3 ounces canned tuna ¼ cup kidney beans, canned, drained and rinsed ¼ cup garbanzo beans, canned, drained and rinsed ¼ cup black beans, canned, drained and rinsed 1 teaspoon olive oil Rice vinegar to taste 1 teaspoon onion powder or to taste ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or to taste Bed of lettuce Dinner for Men 4 ounces canned tuna ¼ cup kidney beans, canned, drained and rinsed ¼ cup garbanzo beans, canned, drained and rinsed ¼ cup black beans, canned, drained and rinsed 1 1/3 teaspoons olive oil Rice vinegar to taste 1 teaspoon onion powder or to taste ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or to taste Bed of lettuce ½ apple Directions: Mix together tuna and beans. Whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, onion powder and garlic powder. Pour over tuna mixture and toss. Serve over a bed of lettuce. Have fruit for dessert. Chicken and Green Beans Italian Style Ingredients:   Dinner for Women 1 teaspoon olive oil 3/4 cup onions, chopped 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon bay leaf (1 small) Italian seasoning to taste Salt and pepper to taste 3/4 cup green beans cut into 1-inch pieces 3 ounces precooked chicken Dinner for Men 1 1/3 teaspoons olive oil 1 1/2 cups onions, chopped 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes 1 teaspoon bay leaf (1 small) Italian seasoning to taste Salt and pepper to taste 1 1/2 cups green beans cut into 1-inch pieces 4 ounces precooked chicken Directions: Cook the green beans to your liking - boil or steam. Heat the olive oil in a medium-size saucepan. Add onion and saute until tender. Add tomatoes, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and chicken. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid from beans, add to the tomatoes and onion mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving.

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