San Diego, CA (PRWEB) May 13, 2013
The healthy snack food nuts are not always the best choice for some people. Many nuts are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can lead to high triglycerides in people who carry APOA5 gene risk variants - about 30% of Asians and Hispanics, 20% of Africans, and 8% of Caucasians. Epidemiological studies have shown that when omega-6 intake is over 6% of total calories, these people are more likely to have higher triglyceride levels. When omega-6 intake is less than 6% in the diet, triglyceride levels are usually comparable to normal.
High triglycerides are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. People who carry an APOA5 risk variant need to be especially careful about how much omega-6 they are getting in their diet to minimize this risk. Omega-3 is a fatty acid that counteracts the effects of omega-6 and provides cardiovascular benefit. By increasing intake of omega-3, risk can be minimized even further. GB HealthWatch is offering free access to its Diet Evaluator, an innovative online tool that analyzes omega-6 and omega-3 content, along with over 30 other nutrients in the diet. By monitoring omega-6 and omega-3 intake and using tips from the GB HealthWatch website, people can adjust their diet and make optimal food choices that better match with their genetic makeup. The Diet Evaluator tool, personalized for users by age and gender, provides detailed recommendations for dietary improvement.
It is important to be aware of what foods contain high omega-6 and what foods provide omega-3. One cup of peanuts or a half cup of sunflower seeds can easily boost omega-6 intake over the dangerous 6% total calorie level. Other nuts, like walnuts, contain less omega-6 and more omega-3 fatty acids, making them a healthier alternative. Many staple food oils such as corn, soybean and cottonseed oils also contain very high omega-6. Olive oil and canola oil are healthier alternatives because they provide less omega-6 and more omega-3. Increasing consumption of omega-3 rich foods such as deep sea fish, seaweed, and omega-3 supplements while limiting omega-6 intake can be an effective dietary intervention for reducing the risk for high triglycerides. At http://www.gbhealthwatch.com, users can find top foods for omega-3 as well as top foods for other major nutrients.
About GB HealthWatch
GB HealthWatch is a nutritional genomics company. We study gene-diet-disease interactions. Our mission is to help prevent common chronic diseases through targeted, gene-based nutritional and dietary intervention. We aim to inform people about the scientific basis of chronic diseases, support them with nutrition management products and services and empower them to take control and live better lives. What questions do you have about the gene-diet relationship? We invite you to visit http://www.gbhealthwatch.com and explore.
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