Sekiya M, Yahagi N, Matsuzaka T, Najima Y, Nakakuki M, Nagai R, Ishibashi S, Osuga J, Yamada N, Shimano H. Polyunsaturated fatty acids ameliorate hepatic steatosis in obese mice by SREBP-1 suppression. Hepatology. 2003; 38:1529–1539. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar]

This narrative literature review aims to consolidate the literature to date in English and, therefore, represents a significant approach towards the ethnomedicinal knowledge regarding traditional use and, in particular, antioxidative activity of preparations and isolated pure compounds from the 67 accepted species of the Echium genus. Echium italicum is another popular folk medicine in Turkey (known as ‘ kuşkonmanz’ and ‘ dikeni’, for the herbs and leaves, respectively), being used to improve wound healing, blisters, and bruises. In eastern Turkey, the crushed leaves were utilised as a rub to treat abscesses and rheumatic pain. Haemorrhages were often treated with a mixture of herbs and flour, aiding the blood to clot [ 35]. An ointment made by roasting E. italicum root with butter was used after an injury to aid wound healing [ 27, 28, 36]. Furthermore, in Italy, it is recorded that a decoction of this plant was used for its depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, and even emollient properties. Interestingly, this species is reported to have been used primarily to improve respiratory infections [ 26 For collection of secondary endpoint data, the study coordinator, assisted by a dietician specialised in oncology, assessed nutritional status of every patient at baseline (week 0, W0), mid-therapy (W4) and at treatment end (W7) by the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), as this is considered the gold standard for evaluation of nutritional status in oncology [ 26– 28]. Higher PG-SGA scores indicate worsened nutritional status. A score of 9 or higher implies “a critical need for improved symptom management and/or nutrient intervention options”. Additionally, all patients were asked to self-complete the EORTC quality of life core questionnaire (QLQ C30) and the H&N cancer specific (HN35) questionnaire at those three time-points. The C30 enables assessment of the generic aspects of quality of life (functional, physical, cognitive, emotional, social and nutritional status) of cancer patients, while the HN35 adds H&N cancer specific questions [ 29, 30]. As an estimate of usual dietary intake, patients were asked to complete a 3-day-food journal prior to each assessment. Mean total energy and macronutrient (carbohydrate, protein, fat, alcohol) intake were calculated with the Becel Institute Nutrition Software (BINS; Vodisys Medical Software, Groningen, The Netherlands). This software uses the Belgian (NUBEL, 1999) and Dutch (NEVO, 2001) food composition database. Body composition was assessed at W0 and at the end of W4, using both a bioelectrical impedance analyser (BIA 101, Akern S.r.I., Firenze, Italy), and Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the gold standard. Bioimpedance was measured after a night’s fast, using a 50kHz electrical signal of a 400μA current traveling through source electrodes placed on the patient’s distal metacarpals while the patient was lying supine on an examination bed. Resistance, capacitive reactance and anthropometric values were entered in the Bodygram Pro® software (version 3.0, Akern, Italy) for calculation of fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and lean mass (LM). Patients were scanned with the Hologic Discovery Wi QDR Series (S/N 84566; fan-beam, switched pulse dual-energy x-ray tube, operating at 100kV and 140kV) or the Hologic Discovery A QDR series 4500A (S/N 45018; fan-beam) in the General Hospital Groeninge (AZG) and the Ghent University hospital (UZG) respectively. Data were analysed with the Apex System Software version 3.1.2 (AZG) or the Software version 12.7.3.1:3 (UZG) and collected in a database. A whole body DXA quality control phantom was scanned ten times on both appliances, for cross-calibration and calculation of a correction factor, enabling correct comparison of the data. Hand grip strength was measured with the JAMAR® hand dynamometer (Sammons Preston, Bolingbrook, IL, USA), as it is reflective of muscle mass [ 31].

Why does the body need Omega-3?

But when it comes to measuring Omega-3 levels, the likelihood of having lower EPA and DHA levels among vegans is, on average, higher.

Offering an optimal balance of omega-3-6-9, Echiomega is an excellent plant source of health-enhancing good fats. Echium seed oil is the ideal nutritional supplement for those who are vegetarian, vegan or allergic to fish, to help boost the levels of the important omega fats in the diet. Two capsules provide 1000mg of Echium Seed Oil. Araya J, Rodrigo R, Videla LA, Thielemann L, Orellana M, Pettinelli P, Poniachik J. Increase in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid n-6/n-3 ratio in relation to hepatic steatosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Sci. 2004; 106:635–643. doi: 10.1042/CS20030326. [ PubMed] [ CrossRef] [ Google Scholar] Are brussel sprouts a good source of vegan omega 3s? Brussel sprouts are a good source of fiber, vitamin K, and ALA, which is an omega 3 fatty acid. Raw brussel products contain about 1mg of ALA per 1g of brussel sprout. Brussel sprouts have also been shown to lower heart disease by 16% ( 9 ). As we’ve already established, the three main types of Omega-3 used by the human body are EPA, DHA and ALA.Unfortunately, the ALA you receive from plants is not able to be converted into the much needed DHA. With low levels of DHA, you’re less likely to experience the positive effects of omega 3 fatty acids like improved brain health, eye health, lowered inflammation glowing skin. Some of the more popular sources of omega 3s from plants include algal oil, flaxseed, walnuts, and echium ( 11 ). Ovega-3 Plant-based Omega-3 contains quite a high dose of omega 3s, at 500 mg per capsule. Moreover, 270 mg of this is DHA and 135 mg of this is EPA. Just 50 mg are non-EPA/DHA omega 3s. There are a few additives for stability, which purists might scoff at, but just about everyone else can be happy with this supplement. 6. Zenwise Health Vegan Omega-3 There are very few additional ingredients, and the omega 3s are derived from vegan-friendly algae oil, making this a solid choice. Category winners Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds are rich in ALA, while algae, such as spirulina and chlorella contain EPA and DHA.