Omega 7 vs. Omega 3

With the great number of health blogs and media outlets online, it is easy to see that most of us are concerned with three things when it comes to improving our health: weight loss, longevity and cancer. Media celebrities like Dr. Oz and amateur bloggers have been buzzing with information about how essential fatty acid supplements can provide benefits for each of these concerns. For many years omega-3 fatty acids have held the spotlight due to their well-known anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. While omega-3’s benefits are certainly great,  their relative omega-7 is fast becoming a nutritional superstar.  Here is a breakdown on their differences and similarities and how they together may improve your pet’s health.

Omega-7 Fatty Acids

Omega-7 fatty acid, potent monosaturated fats, are less well known than other omegas but are very important for our health.  Omega-7’s secret is out, as many biomedical researchers have found that its potent benefits overshadow those of omega-3. Omega-7 has multifaceted benefits, which include:

• Reduces the signs of aging
• Boosts collagen production in skin
• Helps skin cells repair sun damage
• Enhances skin’s moisture content
• Digestive support
• Improves mucous membrane function of the stomach and intestines
• Helps support mucous membrane repair
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Cardiovascular support
• Has been shown to improve blood lipid profiles
• Anti-inflammatory properties – smoothing inflamed arteries and veins
• Diabetes, obesity and weight loss
• Increases insulin sensitivity of bodily cells – improving insulin resistance
• May have a “signaling” function that helps helps the body control weight and fat reserves at the cellular level 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Not to be outdone by its rare cousin, omega-3 supplementation compliments the benefits found in omega-7. Omega-3 fatty acids (such as EPA, ALA and DHA) have been researched for decades and their benefits are most widely known, including:

• Reduces the signs of aging
• Reduces the risk of dementia
• DHA is vital for the retina and gray matter in the brain
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduces the body’s circulating inflammatory compounds
• Helps to reduce joint pain
• Cardiovascular support
• Mild antihypertensive effects
• Stimulates blood circulation

What you eat greatly impacts your overall health, regardless of your particular health concerns. Some experts believe that the high omega-6 content of the Western or American diet and relative deficiency of omega-3s and omega-7s is contributing to the obesity epidemic and decline in good health. Increasing both omega-3 and omega-7s in your pet’s diet (and yours) have long-term benefits on the inside and out.

Do you have a personal experience with omega 7 or sea buckthorn? Share your success story with us in the comments.

Your Pet's Most Important Organ- Keep it Healthy!

Beauty isn’t just skin deep, it begins on the cellular level…with the skin cells, to be exact. Your pet’s skin is the largest and one of the most important organs in his body. The exterior coat is not just there for us to admire, it provides him with protection from the sun, wind, cold and pollution. It needs to stay in tip-top condition and is a reflection of overall health. When the skin cells are not being over-turned or made properly, a host of problems can happen, predisposing the skin to disease. The hair will lack a lustrous sheen and can become brittle and break. If your pet’s coat has any of the following issues, veterinary evaluation and a few changes at home are needed:

• Frequent scratching
• Scaly, dry skin
• Sticky, oily skin
• Skin discoloration
• “Acne-like” eruptions, especially in the groin or armpit areas
• “Hot spots”
• Skin infections
• Thinning hair coat
• Balding
• “Moth-eaten” appearance
• Dry, brittle hair that breaks easily

You can prevent and help correct these problems in just a few simple steps:

• Omega-7 supplementation
The majority of “Western style” diets for humans and pets alike are lacking in essential fatty acids. They tend to be too high in omega-6 and too low in omega-7 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are the most important for maintenance of healthy skin and hair. Also, the manufacturing that dog and cat food undergoes can damage or degrade these essential nutrients.

Omega-7 is an essential building block for the fast-growing cells of the hair, skin and nails. They have also been shown to boost collagen production. Collagen is the tissue ‘fiber’ that gives skin it’s stretch and is important for the normal healing process of damaged skin. The best source of this omega comes from whole-fruit preparations of sea buckthorn.  Sea buckthorn not only provides the omega-3 and omega-7 necessary to moisturize and support healthy skin repair, it contains a host of other nutrients to aid the process. The skin is constantly being bombarded by UV radiation, pollution and harsh environments. This ‘wear and tear’ exposes skin cells to damaging free-radicals. The free radical-fighting antioxidants in sea buckthorn compliments omega-7 in protecting your pet’s skin cells.

•Regular Grooming
You don’t have to be an expert groomer or spend your weekends at the pet salon to take proper care of your best friend’s coat. Most pets benefit from daily brushing. Brushing not only gives you an opportunity to bond, but it stimulates the skin.  Brushing allows for the dead, top layer of skin cells to be removed, allowing new cells to take their place. Hair is constantly growing and will fall out periodically.  If loose hairs get stuck too close to the skin, especially the dense ‘undercoat,’ it can trap moisture, bacteria and dead skin cells, leading to “hot spots” or skin infections. Daily brushing will keep this from happening, as you’ll help your pet consistently remove their loose hair.  Does your cat (and carpeting) suffer from hairballs?  Daily brushing will remove the loose hair that could end up irritating your cat’s stomach.

• Exercise
Exercise not only stimulates and tones the muscles, but the skin too. It helps promote skin’s natural elastic qualities and hair production. You don’t have to put your dog on a “couch to 5K” regimen, a simple brisk walk for 10-15 minutes a day is sufficient to help him look and feel his best. When these things are done regularly, you will notice a major change in your pet. They’ll be the envy of the dog park, and most importantly, they’ll feel better than ever.

What skin and coat issues are your pets dealing with? Share your comments and questions with our guest Veterinarian Deborah Shores.

Omega 7 & Your Pet's Digestion

Everyone suffers from poor digestion from time to time, even man’s best friend.  Those “tummy grumbles” and “gassy bubbles” that emit from your dog may send you scrambling to open a window, but remember that it isn’t too pleasant for them either.

What causes this discomfort and what can omega 7 do about it?

Fresh Sea Buckthorn Berries from Our Annual Harvest

The digestive system of dogs and cats, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is fairly similar to the human digestive system. Most dogs and cats are used to putting the same thing day-in and day-out into the GI tract. Sometimes if there is a deviation from the norm, such as your pet getting into the trash, helping himself to a slice of pizza or chewing on an unidentified object at the dog park, tummy troubles can ensue.  

Everyday life can also make things hard on our furry friends.  Between genetic predispositions for GI problems like irritable bowel syndrome, cats preying on critters in the yard, and stress caused by the dog across the fence, stomachs can take a serious hit.

It’s not just you who gets an upset stomach or stomach ulcer when under stress. When our pet’s bodies are stressed, often the mucosal lining of their stomach takes a beating due to an increase in stomach acids. This increase throws off the pH balance and can cause painful stomach ulcers.

Luckily, we can help combat the effects of stress on the digestive tract with omega 7 fatty acids. Omega 7s are a rare but extremely important fat for our pet friends. They help promote proper cellular function overall and help protect the cells.  This is especially true along the digestive tract.  The stomach lining is strengthened when there are more omega 7s in the body. This in turn helps to moisturize and lubricate the stomach and intestines, protecting it from fluctuations in acid levels. Daily supplementation will provide this extra support that your pet needs and will help prevent tummy troubles from arising.

The world’s richest source of this unique omega is in sea buckthorn. Sea buckthorn is a nutrient powerhouse that also provides an array of B-vitamins, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. If your pet already suffers from digestive troubles, it is a good idea to give sea buckthorn a try. It may make all the difference, providing relief and prevention for your pet and you too!     

Vet Tips from SeaBuck 7

SeaBuck 7 Invites Veterinarians to Share their Knowledge

We're very happy to announce our first guest Vet, Deborah Shores. We've invited her to share in on our journey helping us spread the word about how to keep your animal friends healthy and how sea buckthorn & omega 7 can help. 

Dr. Deborah Shores is a graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Berry College. She has lived in the United States and in Europe, working with a variety of animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, dairy cattle and non-human primates. She has a special interest in nutrition, sonography, and travels as often as she can.

Be sure to follow us for the latest information on animal health from experienced veterinarian professionals. Your pet will thank you.

MORE TO COME SOON!