Have the diet wars ended?  If you enter Barnes & Noble during the first week of January, you wouldn't say so.  The bookseller's front table is literally loaded with diet books--authored by celebrities, well recognized doctors, and fitness gurus.  Wherever we turn, there is an expert willing to tell us how to lose weight and get in shape. 

Though the diet wars haven't ended and obesity has risen, the attack method has changed.  Diet books are now about wellness.  Obesity, an important issue, also is a precursor to other diseases.  Healthcare costs for obesity and related illness reflects itself in time at the doctor's and sick leave, upping the price of medical care. 

Wellness is not just what we should skip eating to lose weight, but rather focuses on what should also be included in the diet.  Almost every diet which is wellness-centered adds in Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. Omega-3s, macronutrients necessary in many body processes, are not manufactured in the body, and must be obtained from our food.  On this subject, science has weighed in, and the diets agree.

Dr. Dean Ornish, author of The Spectrum, believes that experts should call a truce and provide scientifically based information readers can use.  He has included a lengthy section on the benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in his new book.  This type of polyunsaturated fatty acid should be consumed daily.  Best sources are cold water fatty fish such as salmon, canola, soybean, flaxseed, and walnut oils, as well as dark leafy greens.  Omega-3s reduce triglycerides, cholesterol, inflammation, depression, Alzheimer's symptoms, and dementia.  They've also proved to lower blood pressure, act as protection against Parkinson's, prevent blood clots and sudden cardiac death.  Consumption will also further reduce the risk of prostate, breast, and colon cancers.  Research suggests that Omega-3s may possibly help to slow prostate cancer growth.  The fatty acid also improves immunity, brain development of nursing infants, and helps reduce allergies in the nursing babies.

Dr. Ornish states that 8% of the average human brain is composed of Omega-3 Fatty Acid.  It's not surprising that Omega-3s support brain development and prevent mental difficulties.  The doctor himself writes that he has been taking fish oil for many years.  He recommends 3 grams of fish oil (capsule form) daily.  Choose a product which has removed pollutants.  Vegetarians can take Martek Omega-3, a product derived from algae.

Other types of Omega-3s are found in flax and canola oils, but these types are more difficult for the body to use.  Grass-fed animals normally are a source of Omega-3, but Omega-6 is of a higher concentration in the meat. Omega-6 Fatty Acids are another type of polyunsaturated fatty acids and need to be balanced with the Omega-3s.  Sources of Omega-6, found easily in the American diet include:  corn, sunflower seed, saffower, soy, sesame, and cottonseed oils.  It is also found in lean and organ meats.

The ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 should be 1:1.  The typical American diet is 10:1 and moving up toward 30:1.  To create a balance, Americans need to consume more Omega-3s and less Omega-6s.  The American Heart Association recommends fatty fish at least twice weekly.

Those who may wish to avoid fish are expectant and lactating mothers, supplementing with fish oil capsules instead. Most especially, those with congestive heart failure, or people suffering from recurrent angina due to insufficient blood flow to the heart should strictly avoid fish completely.  Other Precautions and Possible Interactions.