The Star Malaysia - Star2

Naturel way to boost your health

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DOCOSAHEXA­ENOIC acid ( DHA) is a long- chain omega- 3 fatty acid, which is an important structural component, ensuring that cells in the brain, retina, heart and other parts of the nervous system develop and function properly through all stages of life.

Studies have shown a strong connection between omega- 3 intake and cognitive function, visual developmen­t and overall brain formation ( Blaylock, R. L. MD, 2008, DHA Supports Brain Developmen­t and Protects Neurologic­al Function, Life Extension Magazine) http:// www. lef. org/ magazine/ 2008/ 1/ report_ dhafishoil/ Page- 01.

As our body only produces a small amount of DHA, it is important that we consume appropriat­e amounts of DHA for our health.

Building the brain, eyes and heart

DHA makes up 97% of the omega- 3 fatty acid content of the brain, which is why it is crucial pregnant and nursing women consume adequate DHA for their infants’ mental developmen­t and to support the mental function of children and adults throughout life.

DHA is also essential for visual developmen­t and function throughout life. A major structural fat in the retina of the eye, DHA consumptio­n is known to prevent age related vision loss as well as decreasing the risk of macular degenerati­on and glaucoma.

An important part of the heart, DHA is a vital component in conducting tissue and in general heart health. Studies have shown DHA helps lower blood pressure, maintain triglyceri­de levels and improve the blood vessel function. This, in turn, promotes a healthy heart.

What are the benefits of having DHA?

Contrary to popular belief, DHA should not only be consumed by infants, but also by adults as it plays an integral role in every stage of human health.

Adequate DHA consumptio­n results in many health benefits for all walks of life as it supports Naturel Forte DHA cooking oil and spread are formulated innovative­ly with plant- based DHA to boost brain developmen­t. the body and its systems, while decreasing the risk of many chronic diseases.

DHA is essential for pregnant women and infants as it encourages rapid growth of brain developmen­t during and after pregnancy stages. Breastfeed­ing is a great way to aid infant brain developmen­t, as infants are unable to produce DHA.

DHA provides a list of important health benefits to adults. Increasing the intake of omega- 3 reduces the risk of mental decline like Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, where the main cause is ageing.

The main dietary sources of DHA are products such as algae, fatty fish ( anchovies, salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, halibut and others) and eggs.

Algae are known to be rich in DHA and are free of pollutants.

Among other alternativ­es of dietary sources, there are many fortified foods that contain DHA as well such as cereals, whole grains, yogurt and bread, which are a great addition to be incorporat­ed into the daily diet. Plus, there are beverages such as fruit juices and milk that contain DHA alternativ­e and supplement­s like fish oil supplement­s.

Known for its pure and natural ingredient­s, Naturel introduced its latest innovation – Naturel Forte DHA cooking oil and spread.

It is the first cooking oil and healthy spread in Malaysia formulated innovative­ly with plant- based DHA to boost brain developmen­t.

Using micro- algae cultivatio­n technology from the United States, this plant- based DHA is proven more hygienic and contaminat­ion- free.

For details, look out for the advertisem­ent in this StarSpecia­l.

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