Like Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction at Super Bowl XXXVIII, an editing malfunction has left us exposed - to questions about how you can make sure you get all the benefits of the fatty acid omega-7. Here's the poop (OK, that's a benefit, too).
Omega-7 is part of the family of inflammation-cooling, heart-protecting omegas that includes:
• DHA omega-3 - get it from fatty fish like salmon and ocean trout or 900 IU of algal DHA omega-3 oil supplements.
• ALA omega-3 - in walnuts, avocado, flaxseed, canola oil and chia seeds.
• Omega-5 - in pomegranate seeds.
• Omega-9 - in olive oil.
Dr. Mike advocates taking purified omega-7 because it contains a fatty acid that quells inflammation. And preliminary studies show it also cuts your risk of type 2 diabetes by decreasing insulin resistance; preventing or reversing fatty liver; and lowering your levels of an inflammation marker called hs-CRP - highly specific C-reactive protein - which is associated with an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
The supplement sea buckthorn contains palmitoleic acid, but it comes bundled with palmitic acid, another form of fatty acid that opposes some of the cardiovascular and anti-diabetes benefits of palmitoleic acid. However, sea buckthorn still may bestow the poop-improving, skin-loving, weight-controlling powers that many people like it for. So take your pick - Dr. Oz likes sea buckthorn berry juice; Dr. Mike takes 420 mg of purified omega-7 daily.
Mehmet Oz, M.D., is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and Mike Roizen, M.D., is chief medical officer at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. To live your healthiest, visit sharecare.com. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
