Vegetarians Make Plenty of Essential Fats (DHA)

DHA status of vegetarians by Thomas Sanders in the August-September 2009 issue of the journal Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids concluded, “…the relatively lower intake of linoleic acid and the presence of preformed DHA (fish) in the diet of omnivores explain the relatively higher proportion of DHA in blood and tissue lipids compared with vegetarians. In the absence of convincing evidence for the deleterious effects resulting from the lack of DHA from the diet of vegetarians, it must be concluded that needs for omega-3 fatty acids can be met by dietary ALA (alpha linolenic acid).”1 ALA is made by plants.

Comment: Your well-meaning friends and family may insist you eat fish in order to get enough of the essential fat DHA for the sake of your brain. The two fatty acids (fats) that are essential for human health are the omega-3 alpha, linolenic acid (18:3n-3; ALA) and the omega-6, linoleic acid (18:2n-6; LA). Only plants can synthesize these two fats. No animal or fish can make these fats, but they can be stored in their bodies. These essential fats are converted in animals, including fish, to longer chain derivatives, such as DHA and EPA. DHA, which stands for docosahexaenoic acid, is a type of fat found abundant in the membranes of the retinas of the eyes and the brain. DHA is naturally found in human breast milk, and preformed dietary sources for adults include fatty fish. The human body has no difficulty converting the plant-derived omega-3 fat, ALA, into DHA or other omega-3 fatty acids, in the liver, thus supplying our needs even during gestation and infancy.

With this solid science you can put your friends’ worries at ease—as a non-fish-eater you will be just fine. And you’ll also avoid all that toxic mercury and help restore our oceans. 1) Sanders TA. DHA status of vegetarians. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2009 Aug-Sep;81(2-3):137-41.2 Langdon JH.

Has an aquatic diet been necessary for hominin brain evolution and functional development? Br J Nutr. 2006 Jul;96(1):7-17 From my friend Dr McDougall ; ) Udo Erasmus PhD (author of Fats That Heal Fats That Kill) has also recently written an article about this saying the same thing as he was frustrated that his words have been taken out of context and largely to promote fish oil :

A SPIRITUAL CONSPIRACY

Talking about A SPIRITUAL CONSPIRACY

On the surface of the world right now there is war and violence and things seem dark. But calmly and quietly, at the same time, something else is happening underground.

An inner revolution is taking place and certain individuals are being called to a higher light.

It is a silent revolution. From the inside out. From the ground up. This is a Global operation. A Spiritual Conspiracy. There are sleeper cells in every nation on the planet.

You won't see us on the T.V.

You won't read about us in the newspaper

You won't hear about us on the radio

We don't seek any glory

We don't wear any uniform

We come in all shapes and sizes, colors and styles

Most of us work anonymously!

We are quietly working behind the scenes in every country and culture of the world Cities big and small, mountains and valleys,in farms and villages, tribes and remote islands.You could pass by one of us on the street and not even notice.

We go undercover. We remain behind the scenes.

It is of no concern to us who takes the final credit But simply that the work gets done Occasionally we spot each other in the street .We give a quiet nod and continue on our way.

During the day many of us pretend we have normal jobs But behind the false storefront at night is where the real work takes a place Some call us the Conscious Army.

We are slowly creating a new world with the power of our minds and hearts. We follow, with passion and joy. Our orders come from the Central Spiritual Intelligence. We are dropping soft, secret love bombs when no one is looking.

We each express ourselves in our own unique ways with our own unique gifts and talents.

Be the change you want to see in the world

That is the motto that fills our hearts.

We know it is the only way real transformation takes place.

We know that quietly and humbly we have the power of all the oceans combined.

Our work is slow and meticulous. Like the formation of mountains. It is not even visible at first glance and yet with it entire tectonic plates shall be moved in the centuries to come.

Love is the new religion of the 21st century.You don't have to be a highly educated person Or have any exceptional knowledge to understand it. It comes from the intelligence of the heart Embedded in the timeless evolutionary pulse of all human beings.

Be the change you want to see in the world. Nobody else can do it for you. We are now recruiting. Perhaps you will join us Or already have. All are welcome. The door is open ~ author unknown