FitSugar

What's the Deal With Omega-9s?

FitSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:30:00 PDT

I have waxed poetic on the benefits of omega-3s, the fat you should love that is found in cold water fish and flaxseeds. I have even mentioned omega-6s, which can be found in eggs, nuts, chicken, and vegetable oils. There is another omega fat, and that would be the omega-9s. These monounsaturated fats aren't technically considered an essential fatty acid because our smart bodies can manufacture a limited amount of omega-9s from the unsaturated fat in our bodies. Even though omega-9s aren't essential, they're still beneficial in promoting good overall health. Olive oil is a great source of omega-9s because it's high in oleic acid, but other sources include Canola, peanut, safflower, and sunflower oils. Avocados, peanut butter, a variety of nuts, and seeds are also good sources of omega-9s. These fats are important because they've been found to lower cholesterol, improve immune function, and reduce inflammation.

Another thing that's neat about these fats is this: if your diet is lacking in omega-3s or 6s, your body can use omega-9s as a substitute. As cool as that is, 9s aren't a perfect replacement for 3s and 6s because the body will eventually suffer from this over time, so be sure to get the right balance of omega-3s and 6s. A healthy ratio is one omega-3 to four omega-6s.

In Praise of: The Avocado

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 10:15:00 PDT

I really do love avocados. I might even marry one, that is how deeply I adore this veggie, or technically fruit - but an avocado in any other category would still be just as creamy and delish.

Spring is the season when avocados are at their peak, but since they are grown in California (primarily Hass variety) and Florida (mostly Fuerte) there is usually a decent supply all year round. Since this is their season, I am hoping to see the price fall a bit, because in the off season avocados may be available but pricey.

Aside from their exquisite taste and texture, avocados are chock full of wonderful nutrients. They are high in vitamin K, potassium, and dietary fiber. I love that this smooth textured veggie contains fiber - about 3.5 grams per half cup - a wonderful surprise, I know.

Avocados also contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, the good kind of fat since it may help to lower cholesterol. Plus, oleic acid has recently been shown to offer significant protection against breast cancer - always a bonus for the ladies. Another reason to add avocado to your salad is that it increases your body's ability to absorb the health-promoting carotenoids that vegetables provide. I love that there are so many reasons to add one of my favorite foods to everything.

I suggest adding avocado to your sandwiches, salads, even spreading it on toast in the morning - that is when I refer to avocados as vegan butter. Plus there is always guacamole. Here's a tip from YumSugar on how to avoid yucky avocados.

If you love avocado, tell me your favorite way to eat it below in the comments section. Let's spread the avocado love around!!!!

Source

Food Review: Hempmilk

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:00:00 PDT

If you're trying to watch your saturated fat and cholesterol intake, then you may be into milk alternatives. Soy milk and rice milk have been around for a while, and when I went to pick some up, I saw a new kind on the shelf. Living Harvest Hempmilk. I was curious to try it since hemp seeds seem to be the latest health buzz because the seeds are high in protein and contain a well-balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. These are the healthy fats our bodies need to sustain heart health, mental acuity, strong immune system, and glowing skin. This Hempmilk is soy free, cholesterol free, vegan, gluten free, and contains no cane sugar.

OK, so this Hempmilk sounds healthy, but to see how it compares to other dairy alternatives and what I think about the taste,

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Here's the nutritional info of 1 cup of vanilla-flavored dairy alternative milk.


Calories	130	160	130
Total Fat	3g	3g	2.5g
Saturated Fat	.5g	.5g	0g
Omega-3	900mg	220mg	-
Omega-6	2800mg	550mg	-
Cholesterol	0mg	0mg	0mg
Sodium	120mg	90mg	105mg
Carbs	20g	25g	27g
Fiber	1g	less than 1g	0g
Sugars	18g	16g	12g
Protein	4g	7g	1g
Ingredients	Filtered Water, Whole Hemp Nut (shelled hemp seed), Brown Rice Syrup, Natural Vanilla with Other Natural Flavors, Disodium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Phosphate, Vitamin A, Palmitate, Vitamin D2, Vitamin B12, Riboflavin.	Purified Water, Organic Soybeans, Naturally Malted Organic Wheat and Barley Extract, Vanilla Extract, Calcium Carbonate, Kombu Seaweed, Sea Salt	Filtered Water, Brown Rice (partially milled), Expeller Pressed High Oleic Safflower Oil, Natural Vanilla Flavor With Other Natural Flavors, Sea Salt.

As you can see, the Hempmilk has an outstanding amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It doesn't have as much protein as the soy milk, but it definitely has more than the rice milk.

As for taste? When I poured it into the glass, I've got to be honest - it was thicker than I was expecting, so I was a little nervous to try it. When I took a sip, the thickness actually complemented the vanilla flavor, and reminded me of a healthy vanilla milkshake. It was very similar to the consistency of soy milk, and it went down smooth without the grainy or bitter aftertaste that some milk alternatives have. Even though it's slightly higher in sodium and sugars than the soy and rice milk, I'd definitely buy this again.