Physiology

Omega-3 fatty acids occur as triglycerids, as diglyceride with a phosphate group (phospholipids) or as  sphingomyelin, which is derived from sphingosine instead of glycerol. Most phospholipids contain a diglyceride, a phosphate group, and a simple organic molecule such as choline; one exception to this rule is sphingomyelin, which is derived from sphingosine instead of glycerol.

Douglas et al. 2012 report that having afternoon snacks influence appetite-control and eating initiation in women. Regardless of protein content, snacks reduced hunger and delayed the demand for dinner by up to 120 minutes compared to persons having no snacks.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are important for health of different organs. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to prevention of cardiovascular diseases, some psychiatric, dermatological or rheumatological disorders. Best available alpha-linolenic-acid (ALA) source for humans are  rapeseed oil (canola oil), and walnut oil.  There is an increasing recognition of the health benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). 

Harald zur Hausen a German cancerologist writes that colorectal cancer has a high increasing incidence worldwide, notably in countries with the highest consumption of red meat such as China, Japan and Korea. In Japan and in Korea undercooked beef is consumed frequently, which correlates with the high incidence of the disease. [1]

The French government is about to increase  of tax on palm oil and some other vegetable oils by 300% hoping of cutting down on obesity and heart diseases. The so called "Nutella tax" would affect any foods made with oils high in saturated fats. [1]

Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa L.), endemic to Morocco, that is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal properties. The tree is extremely well adapted to drought and other environmentally harsh conditions of southwestern Morocco.

Doehner et al. 2012 report that overweight or obese patients with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack have better survival rates and recovery of dependency or recurent stroke, than patients with normal body weight. The worst outcomes present underweight patients. The same applies for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and bypass surgery patients. [1]

According to Kiefte-de Jong  et al. 2012, children born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, who ate fish for the first time between the ages of 6 and 12 months but had no dietary fish intake at 14 months were less likely to have asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, as preschoolers. [1]

Women who often drink soft drinks high in sugar almost every day are more likely to have a ischemic stroke than women who rarely drink sodas and other sweetened beverages. A study of Eshak et al. 2012 found that women who rarely had a soft drink 1.7% experienced an ischemic stroke, and 3% of women who had a soft drink a day had an ischemic stroke.  [1]

Tobbia et al 2012 report the case of a 70-year-old woman which developed a life-threatening ventricular fibrillation following obesity treatment with phentermine. Recurrent ventricular fibrillation were caused by a coronary artery vasospasm. Discontinuing phentermine use the woman remained symptom free. [1]