In 1989, Kaplan NM, redefined the term “Syndrome X” AKA “Metabolic Syndrome” as “The
Deadly Quartet”, which includes:
1. Elevated glucose and insulin resistance.
2. Hyperlipidemia, (high LDLs, triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol).
3. High blood pressure.
4. Weight around the middle, (“apple shape”).
This combination of symptoms can lead to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other life-threatening disorders. I mentioned the wide-ranging benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in part 1-5 of my series on Omegas, but you may not be aware of a category of omega-7 fats called palmitoleic acid, that provide some unique health effects. Omega 7 addresses many of the underlying factors involved in syndrome X.
While omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial largely because of their anti-inflammatory molecules, omega-7s have an entirely different mechanism of action. Omega-7 fats operate as signaling molecules that facilitate communication between fat and muscle tissue, while suppressing the production of new fat molecules, especially those fats that damage tissue and raise cardiovascular risk.
The benefits of Omega-7:
1. Reduces insulin resistance and lowers blood glucose.
2. Suppresses fat production and accumulation.
3. Normalizes abnormal lipid profiles (including raising beneficial HDL-cholesterol).
4. Fights obesity.
5. Lowers an inflammation marker called C-reactive protein, which is associated with an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
My favorite, yummy Omega-7 is Heart Remedy by Barlean’s. It has a delicious mixed red berry smoothie taste. It’s made with patented, highly purified provinal premium fish oil, using that proprietary amplified absorption emulsification technology. It has no artificial flavors or colors, no sugar, (naturally sweetened with xylitol). And it’s gluten free, and non-GMO. If you have any of the four symptoms of the “deadly quartet”, mentioned above, you should be taking Omega-7.