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Zoo Chemicals
“Zoo Chemical” A Multitude of Benefical Nutrients
by Scott Josephson
“CLA” stands for “conjugated linoleic acid”, a fatty acid that
could help block the growth of tissues that support cancer.
Preliminary research suggests that CLA may not only suppress
cancer cells development, but it may also reduce the
risk of heart disease, boost the immune system, build lean
muscles, and diminish body fats in animals. Lucky for us, CLA
is a naturally occurring substance in cud-chewing animals like
cows, and is also present in particular meat and dairy products.
Other research suggests that livestock animal produce
more lean tissue and milk productivity when their feed was
supplemented with CLA.
“DHA AND EPA” The fat in fish contains a class of polyunsaturated
fatty acids called omega-3s. These fatty acids differ
from the most common polyunsaturated fatty acids found in
vegetable oils known as omega-6s. Omega-3s, also have a
very different effects on our body. Long chain omega –3s such
as DHA and EPA, are found in abundance in cold- water fish
such as salmon, trout, mackerel and tuna. Fish do not make
these fats, but they obtain them in the plankton they eat. The
colder the water, the more omega-3s the plankton contain.
Humans can also consume omega-3s from various sources
such as flax and walnuts. The consumption of marine omega-
3 fatty acids seem to play a beneficial role to our health including
decreased coronary artery disease as well as cardiovascular
advantages. Recent studies have concluded that one
fish serving per week decreased the risk of fatal coronary
heart disease by approximately 40% relative to a no fish diet.
The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids may be related to
their ability to lower serum triglyceride levels, blood pressure
and the ability to help prevent arrhythmias. Omega-3 fatty
acids can inhibit blood clotting. Knowing that, supplements
should not be taken by individuals with clotting disorders or
anyone taking anticoagulant medications. Eating two or three
meals containing fish a week, is a reasonable strategy supported
by the American Heart Association.
LUTEIN AND ZEAXANTHIN both originates from plant
and animal sources found in nature. These carotenoids are
specifically located in the macula and lens of the human eye,
and help shield our eyes from harmful light. Lutein and
Zeaxanthin have different chemical structures; giving each
one it’s own distinct identity. Lumped together, they help protect
the retina from exposure to damaging light. It is thought
that the greater the protective layer containing these compounds,
the less damage to the retina. While many food
sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are plant based, eggs contain
a significant amount of these two chemicals. How convenient
for fitness professionals who usually consume a large amount
of egg whites! “Eat up!”
“FUNCTIONAL FOODS” are those that have health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
The term photochemical, for example, refers to the health promoting compounds that
come from plant sources. Food components with health benefits that are found in
animal sources are often referred to as “zoo chemicals”. A familiar example is iron consumed
in foods such as beef, pork or chicken. Scientific support for healthful benefits
of many other zoo chemicals continues to emerge and look extremely promising.
Here’s a quick tour of a few promising examples:
SCOTT JOSEPHSON, M.S.,
is the Director of Fitness and Dietitian at