The
University of Maryland Medical Centre (UMDC) in their Complimentary Medicine Medical
Reference reported the following:
“People
who follow a Mediterranean diet tend to have an increased HDL, or
"good" cholesterol level. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fish and
healthy fats, such as olive oil, and has a healthy balance between omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids. Whole grains, root and green vegetables, daily portions of
fruit, fish and poultry, olive and canola oils, and ALA (from flaxseed,
flaxseed oil, and walnuts) are also part of the Mediterranean diet. Red meat
and saturated fats are not part of the diet.”
That
sounds really good!
UMDC
went on to add:
“Eating
a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts or legumes, and ALA rich
foods may substantially reduce the recurrence of heart disease. One of the best
ways to help prevent and treat heart disease is to eat a diet that is low in
saturated and trans fat and rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
(including omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed and fish). Evidence suggests that
people who eat an ALA rich diet are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.
ALA may reduce heart disease risks through a variety of ways, including making
platelets less sticky, reducing
inflammation, promoting blood vessel health, and reducing risk of arrhythmia
(irregular heart beat).
Several
human studies also suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (including
ALA) may lower blood pressure.”
 |
| FRESH TUNA FROM CHOISEUL |
The
big issue now is: in view of the latest scientific research about Omega-3, have
these findings been falsified? And if so, should we therefore throw away our
Omega-3 capsules which cost us so much money? The answer is NO! At least, not
yet! While they may not have the published medicinal or nutritional values we
always believed they did, they may have an immense psychological impact on our
well-being.
in
any case, a scientific theory is only a model which explains scientific
phenomena. It is not perfect and it may not even be true! Indeed the scientist
never claims that his theory is true. But what distinguishes scientific theory
from other theories is the fact that the latter is falsifiable; that is, it is
testable!
The
previous theory that fish oils contributed to heart health has apparently been challenged
and potentially falsified, but are the results conclusive?
 |
| KARL POPPER |
According
to a philosopher of science (Karl Popper), science proceeds through conjectures
and refutations. In that context, the claim that fish oils contribute to heart
health may be considered a conjecture; and the counter-claim that it does not
might be considered only a refutation. The big question is: what happens next
in this cycle of conjecture and refutation?
 |
| ALBERT EINSTEIN |
For
purpose of context, let me state here that Einstein relativity theory was
falsified in the very year it was proposed but it has gone on to stand the test
of time. In fact, its falsification was considered to be only a
“counter-instance”, “an anomaly” which the theory digested in due course.
Will
the counter-claims against fish oils suffer the same fate? it's a matter of
time!
Admittedly,
there seems to be a perceived element of alternative medicine involved in the
promotion of 'the fish oils theory', and that may well be the reason why UMDC
has categorized it under “complimentary medicine”; however, in the end, it all
boils down to “testability”. If the alternative conceptions under “complimentary
medicine” are testable, then they will be welcomed by the scientific community.
Let’s wait and see what happens next. Will the refutation of the counter-claims
happen? And will the prevailing theory stand, just as the relativity did?
At
the moment, there seems to be some debate going on; but I believe fish oils
will continue to be on our dietary menu simply because of the general feelings
of well-being it induces as well as the powerful sales strategy by
manufacturers. But does Omega-3 fatty acids, usually from fish oil, really
reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases, such as heart
disease and arthritis? Many people believe they do! And belief is a critical
component of psychology! Moreover, is diet the only or major factor that
contributes to the prevention of certain chronic diseases or are there other
equally or more powerful “unseen’” factors in the equation?
Let’s
wait and see what comes up next!
Diana Theodore wrote:
ReplyDeletePersonally I have never thought that capsules of a " magic " ingredient were as efficacious as when eaten actually in the foodstuff where it is found. Here in st Lucia we have the perfect diet already, fish ,fruit and vegetables and of course coconut oil. The cold pressed Virgin Coconut oil is thought to be especially good , if not better than olive oil for joints and the heart, I have seen it recommended that a half teaspoonful should be taken daily ( in spite of what the scientists commissioned by the soya bean producers would have us believe ).
When considering the Mediterranean diet it is also worth mentioning that a glass of red wine is usual with meals and that a siesta is often taken between 12 and 3 to avoid the heat of the day not the more usual lunch hour.