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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Omega-3 is vital for your health. These are the signs you're deficient
From reducing your risk of heart disease and staving off dementia to easing joint pain, omega-3 – typically found in oily fish such as salmon and sardines – is often said to have huge health benefits. The latest research to spotlight the power of omega-3 is the Do-Health clinical trial which set out to establish how we can extend our 'healthspan' (our healthy active life). Do-Health recruited more than 2,000 healthy people over 70 from five European countries and measured the impact of various interventions. It had already found that a daily omega-3 supplement reduced participants' rate of infection by 13 per cent and falls by 10 per cent. This month, in a new paper, the research team also concluded that those taking omega-3 for three years had aged three months less than others on the trial, as measured by biological markers According to Parveen Yaqoob, an expert in omega-3 and professor of nutritional physiology at Reading University, our interest in these fatty acids stretches back to the 1950s, when researchers travelled to Greenland to study the Inuit diet. 'They ate huge amounts of whale and seal meat which was extremely rich in omega-3, and the first observation was that the Inuits had a very long bleeding time if they cut their skin,' says Prof Yaqoob. 'It suggested they had quite thin blood. The second observation was that even though whale and seal meat was really high in fat, the presence of cardiovascular disease was really low.' Somehow, this fatty diet was not causing the obesity-related chronic diseases we see here. Despite much evidence of benefit, there is still no recommended intake, and available supplements have wildly different concentrations. NHS guidelines suggest eating two pieces of fish a week, one of which should be oily fish (rich in omega-3). 'Unfortunately, 70 per cent of people in the UK eat no oily fish at all,' says Prof Yaqoob. So what are we missing? And how much do we need? 'They are a particularly unusual family of fatty acids,' says Prof Yaqoob. 'The three main omega-3s are ALA, DHA and EPA, and it's widely believed – though not conclusive – that DHA is more important for brain function, while EPA plays a greater role in cardiovascular health. You really only find EPA and DHA in oily fish.' We need a balance of fats in our diet, and humans evolved on the edges of land masses, eating fish, but the switch to agriculture has meant our diet now contains far more omega-6 fats (which come from vegetable oils). 'The ideal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio should be 3:1,' says Nicola Shubrook, a nutritionist with Urban Wellness. 'Some estimates suggest most people in the UK have a ratio of between 10:1 and even 50:1.' 'It's vital for the grey matter in your brain – every cell in your body has omega-3 in its membrane,' says Geoff Mullan, the chief medical officer at Human People, a longevity specialist healthcare provider. It can play a role in the regulation of blood clotting and also our inflammatory responses. 'That makes it important for the heart, skin, brain, joints and pretty much every system in the body.' The signs are: Dry, brittle skin – rough skin (keratosis pilaris) around the upper arms is a common early sign Dry eyes Joint pain – stiffness and slow recovery after exercise Low mood Cardiovascular: reduces risk of clotting, lowers triglycerides (a type of blood fat) Reduces inflammation – may improve many inflammation-related conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis and dry eye disease Improves mood and cognitive function Reduces all-cause mortality EPA and DHA omega-3s are critical to the development of the foetal brain and retina. This is why infant formula – and breast feeding supplements – contain DHA. There's evidence that omega-3 can ease some of the psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety and lack of concentration. 'Eating whole foods rather than supplements is always going to be better because of all the other nutrients that come with it,' says Nicola Shubrook, a nutritionist with Urban Wellness. 'A piece of salmon doesn't just contain omega-3; it has vitamins and minerals, all that protein, the amino acids.' Oily fish are the best – in some cases, the only omega-3-rich foods. These are the fish that store fat all over their body. How much you need to eat is a grey area. The participants in the Do-Health trial were taking omega-3 supplements of 1g per day. So how much oily fish equates to this? White fish store fat in their liver – not their flesh – so cod liver oil is another source. 'The generations that grew up taking cod liver oil absolutely swear that it has a beneficial effect, especially on keeping their joints supple,' says Prof Yaqoob. One tablespoon (14g) = 1.7g of omega-3 ALA is found in dark green vegetables, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, hempseed and soybeans – all of which are packed with other nutrients too. However, they are not a useful source of EPA or DHA, which the human body needs. 'Humans can only convert 5 to 10 per cent of these, so it's a bit naughty of the food industry to say, 'Get your omega-3 eating flaxseeds'. Actually, you can't,' says Mullan. The only vegetarian source is omega-3 supplements which are derived from algae. 'It's really a nice way to get it,' says Mullan. 'Fish don't make omega-3 either. They eat it from plankton and then store it. The algae supplements are a step farther back, so you're not risking contaminants. You avoid the fishy taste too.' Anyone on blood thinners should speak to their doctor before taking an omega-3 supplement. Unfortunately, there is no agreed answer. The NHS simply advises eating at least one meal of oily fish a week, although the American Heart Association advises on eating two, and adds in a 1g daily supplement for heart disease patients. The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) recommends higher therapeutic doses (2-4g of omega-3 a day) to improve inflammation and autoimmune conditions, while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends daily supplements that have a breakdown of 250mg of EPA and DHA for general health, and a higher dose 2-4g per day for triglyceride reduction. There are lots of reasons for belly fat, and omega-3 is no magic solution, but it can play a role in mitigating some of the harms by reducing levels of inflammation and harmful free radicals. Levels of omega-3 tend to be lower in overweight people. Yes. 'It's very strongly anti-inflammatory, it helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and helps with keratin production,' says Mullan. It can regulate oil production, improve hydration, soothe irritation and improve skin conditions such as eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis and keratosis pilaris. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
New European
02-05-2025
- Politics
- New European
On the Arctic at least, Trump is right
For centuries, the Arctic has been a forgotten frozen wasteland filled with ice, polar bears and a handful of hardy Inuits. Global warming has reopened the region to shipping and the exploitation of hitherto untapped natural resources. Donald Trump is right about something. Russia and China pose a serious threat in the Arctic, and Nato has fallen well behind. But the region is also becoming a major military asset as the flight path across the North Pole is the shortest route for missiles and bombers. Melting ice provides Russia with access to the North Atlantic. The UK's soon-to-be-published defence review is expected to focus heavily on the 'Arctic threat', which has been described by the Royal United Service Institute (RUSI) defence think tank as 'a new frontline'. It is a frontline along which Nato is hopelessly outnumbered by the Russians and – to a lesser but important degree – the Chinese. Along the Arctic coastline, Vladimir Putin has assembled a vast network of military bases for submarines, surface warships, sabotage operations, air bases and missile systems in addition to ports, mines and oil and gas drilling operations. Nato countries have a combined Arctic coastline of 10,600 miles, excluding Greenland, whose 27,394-mile coastline is two-thirds in the Arctic Circle. Between them, they have 41 icebreakers and coordinate their activities through the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE). China has two breakers. Russia leads the pack with 53 icebreakers, eight of which are nuclear-powered. But it is in military installations where the imbalance is greatest. America's Arctic facilities are all in the southern part of Alaska. Its only truly Arctic facility is the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. Canada has a couple of warships on Baffin Island and a string of tracking stations tied into America's NORAD air defence system. Britain has an Arctic training base in Norway called Camp Viking, and Norway has three small air bases. Russia, on the other hand, has the world's longest Arctic coastline – 15,000 miles. Based at the western end, on the Kola Peninsula, is Vladimir Putin's Northern Fleet with its headquarters at Severomorsk. On a string of half a dozen bases are 32 surface warships, an estimated 40 submarines, and any number of support vessels and landing craft. The Northern Fleet is protected by one of the world's most elaborate and extensive air defence systems. There are two major air bases – Olenya and Severomorsk and a smaller airbase on Franz Josef Land, which is only 550 miles from the North Pole. Russia has also deployed the state-of-the-art S-400 and S-300 anti-ballistic missile systems. In September 2024, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov gave an interview for the documentary series 'Soviet Breakthrough' in which he said that the Arctic was Russian territory and that Russia was prepared to fight Nato. To reinforce Lavrov's comments, the interview was reproduced on the foreign ministry's website. China has no military bases in the Arctic, but it does have a research facility which it shares with the Russians, and the two countries have started staging Arctic military exercises. An exercise in September 2024 involved 400 ships, including surface vessels, submarines, support vessels and landing craft. They have also conducted joint air patrols near Alaska and coast guard manoeuvres in the Bering Sea. In addition to the Northern Fleet, Russia has the Baltic Fleet, which is based in the Kaliningrad enclave. There is only one submarine but 43 surface warships, along with specialised ships for sabotage which may have been involved in the recent cutting of undersea internet and electricity cables. The big fear of Nato command is that Russia's overwhelming naval superiority in what it calls the 'High North' will enable Moscow to control the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) gap which would put it in a position to sever the North Atlantic supply route between America and Europe. Russia and China are as interested in the commercial as the military aspects of the Arctic. The region is believed to have 22% of the world's gas and oil reserves as well as diamonds, nickel, copper, platinum and large deposits of the much sought after rare earth minerals. Trump is trying to negotiate access to these resources as part of a Ukrainian peace deal. But the most important commercial consideration is the sea. As the ice continues to melt, a trading route is opening between China and the lucrative European market. Beijing has dubbed this route the Polar Silk Road. The Russians call it the North Sea Route (NSR). It is estimated that the Polar Silk Road will cut the travel time from Shanghai to Rotterdam by 40% which will significantly lower transport costs and increase the range of goods that can be shipped. To exploit that route, the Chinese are investing heavily in the Russian port of Zarubino near Vladivostok. Eventually the port will handle 60 million tons of goods a year. Last year 20 Chinese ships left Zarubino for Europe via the Arctic route. In addition to its military build-up in the Arctic, Russia is conducting a major diplomatic offensive. It has declared that the NSR is a Russian internal waterway rather than international waters. It has gone on to suggest that countries will have to seek permission to use the route and that Russia may charge transit fees. Moscow has also submitted claims to the UN to extend its sovereign rights over a large part of the Arctic Ocean. These claims go well beyond the normal 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) provisions in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Russia's claims conflict with the claimed Exclusive Economic Zones of Canada, Denmark, Norway and the US. Normally, conflicting claims would be thrashed out in the Arctic Council which was formed to facilitate dialogue, but most of the non-Russian members (the US, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Canada) stopped talking to Russia after its Ukraine invasion in February 2022. This only allows Putin to pursue his claims and continue his military build-up. Some Americans believe they are best-placed to counter Russia's Arctic threat. Donald Trump obviously believes this and that the best job could be done if the territory was owned by the US. Both Denmark (which owns Greenland) and Canada are members of Nato. Under a 1951 defence agreement, America has the right to establish bases in Greenland with the consent and cooperation of the Danish government. Canada has a number of American radar and missile tracking bases in northern Canada. They are a key part of the NORAD (North America Air Defence) system. If needed, they could be expanded. That is what allies do. If they are threatened with becoming vassals, then the outcome could be different. Tom Arms is the author of The Encyclopaedia of the Cold War and writes a weekly world affairs blog Observations of an Expat on
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
4 takeaways from Trump's press conference with Norwegian prime minister
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to the White House Thursday. Also joining the meeting were Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former Secretary-General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg, who now serves as the financial minister of Norway. Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO, of which Norway is a member state. Norway has expressed support for Ukraine and has at times opposed the Trump administration's stance on the conflict. Nevertheless, the meeting with Støre appeared to go well, with Trump reiterating the strength of the U.S.-Norway relationship multiple times and expressing his enjoyment of the visit. 'We've had a great relationship, I think now maybe closer than ever. ... Just keep it the way it is, kid. You (Norway) can't do better,' Trump told a reporter who asked him what he wanted from Norway. Here's some of the biggest themes from the press conference. Though Trump lacks support from Europe in his quest to make Greenland a U.S. territory, he established at the press conference that it is still a serious topic on his mind. 'Greenland's going to be interesting, but that's for another day,' he said. 'I think we need (Greenland) for international peace, and if you don't have that I think it's a big threat to our world, so I think Greenland's very important for international peace.' At the beginning of Trump's second term, the U.S. annexation of Greenland appeared largely unattainable to many analysts, not least because Greenlanders themselves don't seem to want to join the United States. However, a recent report from The New York Times detailed Trump's efforts to use 'persuasion over coercion' to convince Greenland to join the U.S. The plan features public relations campaigns, including over social media, and will also emphasize the shared heritage of Greenlanders with Inuits, who are native to Alaska. Greenland has a native population that descends from ancient Alaskan immigrants. At the press conference, Trump said Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell should lower interest rates. 'We should lower interest rates, that's the Fed, I hope they lower interest rates. That's the smart thing to do,' Trump said. Trump has repeated this demand over the past week, and insulted Powell in the process. He called the chair a 'major loser' and called for him to be fired, saying it 'cannot come fast enough.' On Tuesday, he reversed course and said he has 'no intentions' of terminating Powell. Trump and Rubio both condemned Russia's airstrikes on Kyiv on Thursday and signaled American desire for a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict — while also criticizing leaders of both countries, especially Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'I have no allegiance to anybody,' Trump told reporters. 'I have allegiance to saving lives, and I want to save a lot of lives.' He said the war 'never should have happened' and that it wouldn't have happened if he was president, again casting blame on former President Joe Biden's military aid to Ukraine. 'I believe (Russia) will accept (the ceasefire deal), and I think we're going to get this over with. Soon,' Trump promised. Støre also expressed strong commitment to helping Ukraine. 'We have a common responsibility in securing democratic Ukraine for the future, and the best security guarantee they can have is the ability to defend themselves, and we are investing in that,' he said. Trump levied a 15% tariff on Norwegian imports earlier this year. A reporter asked Trump if he is considering changing the tariff rate based on the success of the conversation with Støre. Trump implied that the tariff rate might actually rise. 'Well, they (Norway) have a great fund of 2 trillion dollars ... and they don't have any debt, so I think they'd probably be willing to pay us more than that, I hope,' Trump told the media. Norway is the third country Trump has invited to the White House since 'Liberation Day,' when he announced reciprocal tariffs on American trading partners. He said he invited Norway 'because I like them. ... I like your prime minister, and I like the way your government runs, and I respect the king.' 'He's highly respected in Norway. It's a great thing. He's done a great job. Not an easy thing to do,' said Trump, just before Støre said he had invited Trump to visit the king of Norway, Harald V.
Telegraph
09-04-2025
- Telegraph
British adventurer triggers colonialism row over historic Canadian island trek
A British adventurer has been accused of having a 'dangerous colonial attitude' after she claimed to be the first woman to cross Canada's largest island solo. Camilla Hempleman-Adams, the daughter of explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams, traversed the 150-mile width of Baffin Island on foot and by ski in 13 days last month. But the 32-year-old has been criticised by Inuits for displaying 'privilege and ignorance' because she claimed she is the first woman in history to do so. Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona, an Inuit who lives in Ottawa, Ontario, said Canada's indigenous population had been criss-crossing the island for generations. 'If you want to come and enjoy the outdoors, please do so,' she said. 'The danger is going back with this colonial attitude and disseminating information like the Inuit don't have history there. 'Saying you're the 'first person' to do anything in an indigenous country is insulting. Show respect to the land and the people who have kept it pristine for your adventures.' Ms Kabloona added: 'This woman is coming here from such a place of privilege and ignorance that it seems dangerous. It was almost like she was bringing back news of a new continent to Europe and saying 'there's nobody here!' We were and still are.' Ms Hempleman-Adams, who is from Wiltshire but lives in London, had previously claimed that her expedition along the Akshayuk Pass from Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtung would be the first 'female solo attempt'. Following the backlash, her website has been changed to instead claim that she was attempting to become 'the first British woman' to traverse the route. Ms Hempleman-Adams said: 'I want to express my apologies for any offence caused by recent articles regarding my solo winter traverse from Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtung through the Akshayuk Pass. It was never my intention to misrepresent any historical achievements or cause distress to local communities. 'Before undertaking the expedition, I researched and verified the accuracy of my claim with Parks Canada and local outfitters in both towns who confirmed that there was no known female solo winter crossing from Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtung. However, if this information is incorrect, I apologise unreservedly for making an incorrect claim and for causing offence. 'I have deep respect for the land, its people, and their history. I have travelled in this region multiple times and hold immense admiration for its nature, culture and traditions. I am truly saddened that the coverage of my journey may have caused concern or upset, and I remain committed to learning from this experience and engaging with the community with the utmost respect.' Ms Hempleman-Adams battled temperatures as low as minus 104F (40C) and winds of up to 45mph on the expedition. After she finished the journey, she said: 'When you go in by yourself, you just have a mindset to keep going. You adapt, you have the mindset that you can't give up. There is no giving up in those conditions. I was firmly just, keep going, one step in front of the other.' Her father Sir David flew out to see her complete the expedition. He said: 'What she's achieved is quite extraordinary. I was really, really worried. She was right on the edge. It was wind speeds of 30 knots [34mph], and that's just dangerous in these temperatures. 'Being solo, you've got to be really on top of your game the whole time. If you just lose concentration for five minutes, it's a real problem. I'm immensely proud of her.' In 2008, Ms Hempleman-Adams became the youngest person to ski to the North Pole at the age of 15.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Big Apple in crisis over soaring egg prices
Complaints about the price of eggs may have started in the Rustbelt but now it's the talk of Manhattan. 'It's crazy. They're just soooo expensive', says a Lulu Lemon mum returning from a morning jog on Park Avenue. 'I need my post-workout eggs.' At Salt's Cure, a Tik-Tok famous brunch spot in Greenwich village, the proprietor has strategically placed cards next to the till to see off any potential egg-rage. 'Due to rising costs, the price of eggs has increased by 25 cents per egg,' the neatly printed cards explain. 'We appreciate your understanding and continued support.' Meanwhile, at a Whole Foods uptown, the egg crisis enveloping the Big Apple has left the shelves eerily barren. And at delis across the city, shopkeepers have taken to selling 'loosies' – single eggs for those unable to fork out $13 for a dozen. The unprecedented surge in US egg prices is being driven by the H5N1 bird flu epidemic which has ravaged America's cattle and poultry farms. More than 166 million commercial birds have had to be culled over the last three years, causing egg prices to soar and many consumers to become outraged. 'WTF, it's cheaper to paint an avocado than buy an egg this Easter!', notes a widely shared social media post this week. Eggs are a staple of the American diet in a way that they are not quite in Britain. Whether you live in a pile dwelling in Louisiana or in a high-rise on the Upper East Side they dominate menus and home cooking. Pancakes, waffles, tortillas, huevos rancheros and donuts are everywhere. And just as the Inuits have 412 words for snow, Americans have a highly developed egg-related lexicon. You can't go to a diner without knowing the difference between 'over medium' and 'over easy', for example. The shortage has become so acute that eggs are now being smuggled in their millions from Mexico, where they cost just $2 per dozen on average (an $11 saving). Since October, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have made 3,768 poultry-related seizures at the border – almost 10 times the number of fentanyl interceptions during the same period. The Trump administration is now scrambling to try and ease the hit on consumers and replenish stock by importing eggs from abroad. Trump himself said at a press conference recently that 'the only problem with eggs was Joe Biden,' adding that prices are now 'way down,' – a statement that has been widely disputed. Deals have already been secured with Turkey and South Korea, and others like Poland and Lithuania have reportedly been approached by the US government for talks about exporting their eggs too. 'When our chicken populations are repopulated and we've got a full egg laying industry going again, hopefully in a couple of months, we then shift back to our internal egg layers and move those eggs out onto the shelf,' Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters at the White House last week. Back in Manhattan, New Yorkers are finding creative ways to cope. Over 50 delis across the city have introduced the 'Bird Flu Bailout' sandwich as an alternative to the classic bacon, egg, and cheese that's been the city's go-to hangover cure since the 1960s. The sandwich was created by the San Francisco startup 'Just Egg' and uses a mung bean-based substitute for eggs to craft the iconic take-away. 'Plants don't get the flu. Try one of our plant-based egg breakfast items today,' the sandwich's promotional ad reads. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
