Home Made Fish Food; How To Make A Nutritious Fish Food for Tropical Fish, Goldfish, And Carnivorous Fish

You can make your own supplement for general fish feeding that is high in DL-methionine (an important amino acid in fish nutrition); Start with whole salmon which is an excellent source of carotene for color (frozen or even canned works), frozen peas, hard boiled egg, frozen or FD brine shrimp, duck weed or spiulina powder, and fish oil (cod liver oil works fine). Blend this mixture then add corn starch to the paste to dehydrate. Spread this paste on small strips of foil (or even wax paper if your dehydrator does not get to hot). Make sure you leave room for air circulation.

For a frozen food, substitute the corn starch with unflavored gelatin powder.

For goldfish and koi, add wheat germ powder. Use this formula for African Cichlids, except delete the wheat germ.
For more carnivorous fish increase the whole fish and decrease the spirulina powder or duckweed. Calamari (squid) can be added too for carnivorous fish, but make sure that all the ink is removed from whole squid.
Use this formula for Discus.

For spirulina powder, Spirulina One Flake can be substituted, but since this already a complete diet for many fish, I double the amount of this and decrease other ingredients by comparable amounts.

Health: Benefits Of Fish Oil For Fitness And Health

When the words oils and fats are mentioned, health-conscious individuals tend to run for cover. What they fail to realize is that there are good fats and bad fats. Complete avoidance of intake of oils and fats would actually be detrimental – rather than beneficial – to their health.

The Truth about Fish Oil
Essential fatty acids must always be part of our daily diet – without them, we take one step closer to our deaths. Essential fatty acids are divided into two families: omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAS.

Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other, studies have revealed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news, however, is that the opposite is true for omega-3 EFAs. Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while omega-3 EFAs can be found in fish oils among other foods.

Omega-6 vs. Omega-3
Physicians and scientists are of the same opinion that the cause behind increasing cases of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain kinds of cancer is none other than an imbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs.

As mentioned earlier on, omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils. This includes but is not limited to corn oil and soy oil, both of which contains high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can be found also in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils. It should be significant to take note that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed to provide many benefits to the human body. In the early 1970’s, a study on Greenland Eskimos have revealed that one of the major reasons why they rarely suffer from heart diseases is because of their high-fat diet (mainly composed of fish).

The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food have also proven to be useful in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Other Benefits Of Fish Oil

There are a lot more illnesses and situations in which intake of fish oil has proven to be significantly beneficial.

Making the Heart Healthier
The heart is inarguably one of the most important parts of our body and having an unhealthy heart means having to suffer a rather limited lifespan. Naturally, it’s in our best interests to keep our hearts happy and healthy and one way of doing that is eating food that contains fish oil.

In Athens, Greece, for instance, a study was made to show if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those who ate more fish than the others had a lower level of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used to measure likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.

Fish to Become Thin
In Perth, Australia, a study had revealed that fish consumption can be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss diet which includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be quite effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.

Fish Oil to Combat Asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil for asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that approximately 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason behind it.

Researchers of UW (University of Wyoming) conducted a study by subjecting a number of children to a high-fish diet while others continued with their regular diet. Results revealed that the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.

Health Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

All the above mentioned fatty fish sources are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, which are eicosapentaenoic acide (EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Omega-3 fatty acids have long been known to benefit the heart of healthy people as well as those at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

The American Heart Association also recommends we eat foods that contain alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) which can become omega-3 fatty acid in the body. Researchers do not know just how much more benefit it is to add these foods. More studies are needed to show a cause-and-effect relationship between alpha-linolenic acid and heart disease.

To learn more about omega-3 levels for different types of fish and mercury levels, which can be a concern, please review the American Heart Association’s Encyclopedia entry on Fish, Levels of Mercury and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

The suggestions below are a good guide to use for consuming omega-3 fatty acids:

• Patients without documented coronary heart disease should eat a variety of (preferably fatty) fish at least twice a week. They should also include oils and foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid such as flaxseed, canola and soybean oils, and walnuts.
• Patients with documented coronary heart disease should consume about 1 g of EPA+DHA per day preferably from fatty fish. A capsule form can also be considered in consultation with the physician.
• Patients who need to lower triglycerides should take 2 to 4 grams of EPA+DHA per day provided as capsules under a physician’s care.

If you are taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from capsules per day you should do so under the care of a physician. The American Heart Association warns that high intakes can cause excessive bleeding in some people.

Essential Fatty Acid Facts Everyone Needs To Know

There have been thousands of studies that reveal the importance of having essential fats in our diets. A lot of people think "FAT" oh no! Please let me explain.

I personally had the extreme anguish of watching my daughter go through 4 years of an eating disorder where at 70 lbs and 14 years of age, she was tormented by the thought of fats. It's much too long of a story to delve into here but the end of the story is that she has fully recovered, has been at her goal weight and above for over a year now.

During this time I learned that fats make up over 30% of our brain. That without fats we positively cannot live. Ok, so in western industrialized nations, we have overdone it a bit. We have, for the last 80 years, used the wrong kinds of fats in our diets, in our baking, in our cooking. Fast foods are economical, quick, easy, tasty but "bad", sorry to say.

If you can stay away from pastries topped with sugary icing, dough nuts, deep fried foods, McDs, BK, stay away from trans fats and learn to consume Omega-3s in sufficient quantity then you are making a dynamic shift that can completely alter your life, extend your life and improve your chances for meaningful contribution while you grace the earth.

Here are some benefits from Omega-3s:

• Optimal Heart Health - Omega-3s are the No. 1 heart attack prevention method recommended by hundreds of cardiologists.
• Optimal Brain Function - Omega-3s fats work better in the brain that trans fats. Eat more Omega-3s for brain health.
• Optimal cardiovascular system - Omega-3s not only cure arrhythmias but also provide a better patch for tears in the arteries.
• Optimal Mental health and Mood - Several psychiatrist have shown marked improvement in mood disorders when a diet high in omega-3s are introduced to patients.
• Optimal Joint health - Omega-3s are a natural anti-inflammatory and therefor cause joint troubles to melt away.

Super Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The way that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD risk is still not known and is still being studied. Large-scale epidemiologic studies suggest that people at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from consuming omega-3 fatty acids from plants and marine sources. Research has shown the following:

• Decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
• Decrease triglyceride levels
• Decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
• Lower blood pressure (slightly)

How much each person should take is still unclear. Studies suggest taking EPA+DHA ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces deaths from heart disease and all causes. Total intake of alpha-linolenic acid should be 1.5-3 grams per day to be beneficial.

More studies are needed to confirm and define the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for preventing a first or subsequent cardiovascular emergency.

The American Heart Association recommends most to increase omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods. Coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone. They may want to consult with their doctor about taking a supplement.

The American Heart Association also feels supplements could help people with high triglycerides. Your physician will be able to decide what dosage is right for you.

Always keep in mind to look for a high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants before using.

Source: American Heart Association
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

Fatty Acid Pathways

Fatty acids exist in the body primarily as triglycerides and phospholipids. Phospholipids make up the bilipid membrane of cells and the membranes of organelles within the cytoplasm. Fatty acids are split from the triglyceride glycerol backbone and broken down into carbon fragments which are then oxidized to provide energy. Usually, just the 16 carbon fatty acids or shorter are metabolized in this fashion.

Fatty acids 16 carbons and longer from the omega-3 and -6 families can undergo the formation of double bonds and chain lengthening to create compounds called eicosanoids. These substances are autacoids, evanescent compounds which exert their effects locally in the microenvironment of the tissues where they are generated.1 Eicosanoids are cyclic oxygenated derivatives of fatty acids consisting of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, prostacyclines, and lipoxins which are the moderators of life processes at the microcellular and tissue level (Fig. 14). They are intermediate between biochemicals and hormones. Their presence in extremely small nano and pico molar amounts exerts effects which are more powerful by many fold than various potent organ level hormones.

Eicosanoids are regulatory, turning various life processes on and off. For example, eicosanoids can stimulate the clotting mechanism when blood vessels are injured, but they can also stop the clotting mechanism so it does not proceed to the point where circulation other than at the local site of injury is impaired.

Eicosanoids must exist in precise balances for life to continue without the presence of disease. Since the various eicosanoids are produced from dietary fatty acids, modifying the diet can shift eicosanoid balances. Overconsumption of one kind of fatty acid may overproduce one kind of eicosanoid. Its effect will then become predominant and not be properly balanced by its antagonistic eicosanoid and thus disease may result. For example, the overconsumption of omega-6 fatty acids can create eicosanoids which promote inflammation. If these fatty acids are consumed in excess at the expense of a balancing amount of omega-3 fatty acids, inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and allergic conditions may result. Balance is the essence of life.

The various metabolic pathways leading to the production of eicosanoids are complex. The pathways begin with the types of fatty acids in the diet. These in turn are converted by enzyme systems into progressively longer and more unsaturated fatty acids until they reach their eicosanoid destination. Figures 15 and 16 outline these synthetic pathways.

Super Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

Recent studies point to improved mental function in later years. We can't make the claim (yet) that it prevents Alzheimer disease, but early results are extremely promising.

Let me put it this way, essential fatty acids may not cure everything but it's very difficult for the body to stay healthy without Omega-3s.

Do not treat supplements the way we tend to treat medicines. Treat Omega-3s as food. It's important to know the tolerated and optimal dosages. Two capsules of omega-3s are better than none, but treat omega-3s as food. Eat fish that is deemed safe and not toxic from heavy metals.

But to be get on the right track and to begin to reverse the decades generational deficiency, then treat omega-3s like food.
We don't take a teaspoon of eggs in the morning and say we are done eating for the day, now do we?

There is no harm to taking 3-4 grams of pure EPA/DHA omega-3s per day. The only exception would be for a person who is on blood thinners, then it's are still essential but check with your prescribing physician as to a permissible dosage.

So what happens when we decrease the bad fats and ingest the good fats? Most people modulate and tend to lose weight.
Body chemistry and cell function improves because the right fats are available for cell function and brain function. Arteries are rejuvenated by silky fats transporting the cholesterol instead of junky, clumpy fats getting jammed and stuck in dangerous places.
Life is just better with proper nutrition and that starts with essential fatty acids.