The past two decades have seen most of America embrace the message that fat is bad. "Low fat" and "fat free" became synonymous with healthy eating, and a high intake of fat was seen as the primary roadblock to losing weight and maintaining good health. Unfortunately, this simplistic message fails to acknowledge the crucial roles that fat plays in health and the need for a balanced consumption of "good fats."
There are two main kinds of fats: saturated and unsaturated. The average American diet is severely skewed toward saturated fats, primarily found in animal products, rather than the generally healthier polyunsaturated fats found in a variety of plants and seafood. These fats contain essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are essential to body functions such as the cardiovascular and immune systems. EFA deficiencies can contribute to the development of such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetic neuropathy and psoriasis.
The two main types of EFAs are alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA). The body can convert ALA and LA into other beneficial types of EFAs, which are commonly classified into "families"--omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9. ALA is the main building block for omega-3 EFAs, and is found in various plant oils such as black currant, canola, flax seed and perilla seed oil. It is partially converted by the body into the fatty acids EPA and DHA. ALA, EPA and DHA are responsible for such health benefits as control of high blood pressure, anti-inflammatory properties and enhanced immune function.
Fish oils and plant oils are the primary dietary sources of the omega-3 EFAs. To best deliver the benefits of omega-3 EFAs, Carolwood Corp. introduced Entrox®, a multi-EFA product utilizing perilla seed oil. This oil is almost 65-percent ALA, more than the commonly used flaxseed oil, and has smaller doses of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
Perilla oil has also been extensively studied for its health benefits including the promotion of cardiovascular health, support of the immune system, protection of the colon and inhibition of inflammatory compounds. A recent study conducted by members of the National Institute of Health and Nutrition in Japan looked at the effects of perilla oil in the diet of 20 elderly Japanese subjects for 10 months. The researchers found a significant increase in the omega-3 levels in the blood of the subjects; such an increase could result in a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Animal studies have shown similarly positive results. A study by Muktafi, et al, found that both perilla oil and primrose oil had the ability to reduce plasma lipids and atherosclerotic lesions. Another study showed that perilla oil reduced the presence of cancerous lesions in animals and inhibited the DMBA cancer model in animals. Researchers speculate that the mechanism of action may be protection against damage from antioxidants and inflammatory chemicals.
Perilla oil in Entrox also has benefits over other sources of EFAs. For example, flax seed oil has specific cold storage requirements to prevent rancidity, while fish oil inherently can cause gastrointestinal upset or odor. Entrox, however, is available in a gel capsule with a patent-pending enteric coating, which delivers the EFAs to the small intestine for absorption, vs. breaking down in the stomach. The coating also protects the EFA oil from oxidation.
"Entrox's patented enteric coating protects its multi-EFAs from breaking down in the stomach, so they are optimally absorbed in the small intestine," said Ronald Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for Carolwood. "Entrox is one of the most bioavailable EFA supplements on the market today. Its innovative delivery system also reduces problems of after-taste and stomach upset."
The enteric coating helps eliminate some of the side effects that keep consumers from using EFA dietary supplements. The coating prevents oxidation of the capsule contents, eliminating rancidity and the formation of free radicals. It also increases shelf life. By delivering the contents to the small intestine for absorption, the product also can increase bioavailability and decrease the belching and bad taste associated with some other EFA products. Carolwood stated the product delivers the highest possible omega-3 content with increased bioavailability and reduced side effects, ultimately leading to satisfied customers and increased sales.