What Are Eicosanoids?
Eicosanoids are “super hormones" because they affect the synthesis of virtually every other hormone in one’s body. Eicosanoids are the body’s cellular check and balance system.
Eicosanoids are controlled by dietary fat and insulin. In other words, eicosanoids can be controlled if one is consuming the correct amount of Omega-6 and Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (“PUFAs”) and controlling a good hormonal balance between insulin and glucagon. Eicosanoids come from the Greek word “eicosa” which means twenty. They are twenty carbon compounds which are powerful substances that influence 60 trillion cells in our body.
Eicosanoids are either “good” or “bad” and have opposing actions. A BALANCE of these opposing actions spells good health whereas an imbalance spells disease.
Decreases in insulin, loss of excess body fat and a state of wellness are all indicators relating to a good balance of eicosanoids and are all benefits of the Zone lifestyle.
An imbalance of eicosanoids can be responsible for many reactions in our body including: allergies, asthma, arthritis, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, depression, chronic infection and Alzheimer’s disease.
Following the Zone lifestyle by treating food as a "drug" and supplementing with AMB Well Omega-3 pharmaceutical grade fish oil will help ensure that one is controlling insulin and eicosanoids, both good and bad. When both these hormones are controlled simultaneously one can enjoy the benefits of "super" health.
