When we talk about ‘good fats’, omega-3 fatty acids are up there with the best!
Dietary intake of omega 3 fats are most commonly known for their cardiovascular health benefits. A SLR in 2021 found omega-3 fats reduce cardiovascular mortality and improved cardiovascular outcomes (1). In addition omega-3 fats potential in the treatment of depression (2) and reducing anxiety symptoms (3) and enhancing antioxidant defence against reactive oxygen species (4). A growing area of study is also looking at omega-3 fats in brain health and preventing neurodegeneration in older adults (5).
Omega-3 fats are found in sources such as fish, nuts and seeds. To get a better understanding of omega-3 sources, let’s look further into omega-3s. Scientific research largely focuses on three types of omega-3s, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (found in plant oils like flaxseed), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are both found in fish and also some algae. ALA is essential to humans, meaning we cannot synthesise it ourselves, so it must come from dietary or supplementary sources. ALA can be turned into EPA and DHA but this process is not very efficient.
The health benefits of omega-3s are more strongly linked to EPA and DHA which is why the Heart Foundation of Australia recommends individuals to aim for 2-3 serves of fish a week. However, as many people do not include fish in their diet, it is important to know that there are ways to achieve these health benefits from plant-based diets.
Total omega-3 and ALA intake is still beneficial for improving lipid profile and preventing cardiovascular disease events (6). Another way to enhance the benefits of ALA consumption is to consider omega-6 intake. Omega-6s are essential to a humans diet but are consumed in abundance. And research shows that reducing Ω6:Ω3 ratio may improve cardiometabolic and lipid profile (7).
For plant-derived omega-3 sources, Lessonia can offer
Cranberry seed oil – the cranberry seeds are obtained from a by-product of the juice industry. This cold-pressed oil has 25% omega-3 and a 1:1 ratio of Ω3:Ω6.
Raspberry seed oil – this cold-pressed oil contains 20% omega-3 and a 1:2 ratio of Ω3:Ω6
Hemp seed oil – organic – an organic cold-pressed oil containing 20% omega-3, and a rich source of vitamin E and polyphenols.
For more information contact office@aveniringredients.com.au
References
1. Khan S, et al. 2021, ‘Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, The Lancet, vol. 38, pp. 101096.
2. Bae J, Kim G, 2018, ‘Systematic review and meta-analysis of omega-3-fatty acids in elderly patients with depression’, Nutrition Research, vol. 50, pp.1-9.
3. Kuan-Pin S et al. 2018, ‘Association of use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with changes in severity of anxiety symptoms’, Psychiatry, vol. 1, no. 5, e.182327.
4. Heshmati et al. 2019, ‘Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation and oxidative stress parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials’, Pharmacological Research, vol. 149, pp.104462.
5. Derbyshire E, 2018, ‘Brain health across the lifespan: a systematic review on the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplements’, Nutritional Insight Limited, vol. 10, no. 8, p. 1094.
6. Santos H, Price J, Bueno A, 2020, ‘Beyond fish oil supplementation: the effects of alternative plant sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids upon lipid indexes and cardiometabolic biomarkets – an overview’, Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 10, p.3159.
7. Santos et al, 2020, 'Beyond fish oil supplementation: the effects of alternative plant sources of omega-3 PUFAs upon lipid indexes and Cardiometabolic biomarkers - an overview', Nutrients, 12(10) 3159.
At the end of 2021, Avenir attended our first in-person event with Complementary Medicines Association (CMA), at the CMA annual conference themed ‘Business As Unusual’.
It was wonderful to listen to the great talks and meet new people. We also held a stand to showcase our ingredients, including the Lucas Meyer Cosmetics ingredient - PhytoflORAL®.
As PhytoflORAL® is a tomato powder, we decided to have some fun and make virgin bloody marys with PhytoflORAL® - and made it into a taste-testing guessing game! Thanks to everyone who participated, I hope you all enjoyed your glowing skin after wards. For those who missed it, read on about this fantastic beauty from within ingredient from Lucas Meyer Cosmetics.
PhytoflORAL® - natural protection for healthy glowing skin
UV radiation is a major factor leading to the formation of internal free radicals in the skin. 80% of visible aging is caused by sun damage including:
- Skin dullness
- Pigmentation
- Sun spots
- Reduced elasticity
- Degradation of skin texture and wrinkles
Antioxidants are essential for skin health by mitigating cellular oxidative stress. Antioxidants are found in a variety of foods and plants and have benefits when ingested or applied topically.
PhytoflORAL® is rich in the colourless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene which have strong antioxidant capabilities.
Carotenoids are pigments synthesised by plants, algae and photosynthetic bacteria – they are mostly yellow, orange and red in colour. Common dietary carotenoids are α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein and lycopene.
How are phytoene and phytofluene different from other carotenoids?
Compared to coloured carotenoids, colourless carotenoids are…
- Better absorbed
- Less susceptible to oxidation
- Selectively accumulate in the skin – therefore play a valuable role in skin health.
- Absorb light in the UV range – participating in the skin’s natural photoprotection
- Phytofluene emits a green fluorescence – naturally enhancing skin glow
- And have the same properties as coloured carotenoids – antioxidative, DNA protection, anti-inflammatory
Colourless carotenoids role in photoprotection
Due to their shorter polyene chain, phytoene and phytofluene absorb maximally in the UV region (non-visible light). More specifically, phytoene absorbs maximally in the UVB region (280-320nm) which is associated with skin burning; and phytofluene in the UVA region (320-400nm) which is associated with skin ageing. Both UVA and UVB unprotected exposure can do harm.
Human clinical studies
Double blind, placebo controlled random studies showed daily intake of 1g PhytoflORAL® showed increased ITA (skin brightening) and MED (natural photoprotection).
Phytofloral® product information
· 100% non-GMO proprietary tomato powder
· >5mg/g of phytoene and phytofluene
· Dosage 1g day
· Natural tomato scent and flavour with rich golden colour
· Produced under dietary supplement GMP guidelines in FDA approved facility
· Halal and Kosher certified
· Vegan compatible
· Suitable for many solid dosage forms (stick-packs, sachets, suspensions, tablets, caplets, capsules)
· Water dispersible, partially soluble in oil
For more information on PhytoflORAL® or our beauty from within ingredients, contact office@aveniringredients.com.au
A new year doesn't necessarily calls for new resolutions but it's the opportunity to reflect on the previous year, what was achieved, missed opportunities and realised dreams. It's also a time to pause and focus on what we want our year to feel like and what will support this vision.
At Avenir our long term vision is to create a world where people INSPIRE one another, DELIVER on their promises and CELEBRATE life.
Would you like to be part of this vision?
If you're ready to create a meaningful beauty brand or want to further expand the one you already have, we'd love to support you.
Our team is passionate about sustainability, transparency, efficacy and innovation with decades of experience in this industry.
We can connect you with manufacturers and consultants, guide you with relevant trends and technical know-how and help you build a strong reliable network so you can bring your vision to life.
If you missed our December newsletter, you can check it out here to spark some ideas.
The next one will come out in a couple of weeks.
We can't wait to work together and make 2022 positively memorable.
You can contact us at office@aveniringredients.com.au and stating where in Australia or New Zealand you are and we'll get the ball rolling.
Here is to 2022 together!
