Dha

The deleterious effects of self-tanning products — streaky brown or Oompa-Loompa orange skin — have faded considerably over the past couple years, due in large part to advances in formulations and delivery methods that make a DIY tan easier to acquire. These advances, coupled with a stronger awareness of sun damage and the potential harmful effects of UV lights in tanning beds, have inspired more of us to slather on the bronze, rather than run the risk of skin cancer or premature aging.

Heart health is a numbers game. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides -- you practically need a personal data assistant to know how worried you should be. Now some experts want to add yet another number to the mix: the "omega-3 index," a measure of the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. Omega-3 fatty acids, naturally found in fish, have a steadying influence on the entire circulatory system. Two of them in particular -- docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

You’ve probably heard of omega-3 fatty acids , the nutrients that make fish oil so healthy. You may even have heard of particular ones, such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) or EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). But unless you’re one of the scientists who worked on a study being published in Friday’s edition of the journal Cell , you surely have no idea why omega-3 fatty acids are so good at tamping down inflammation and enhancing sensitivity to insulin.

DHA Dental Inc., the operator of eight dental clinics in Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside counties now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, said it has received an offer from Torrance-based Community Dental Services Inc. to purchase five of its clinics for $400,000. The five clinics are in Santa Ana, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Covina and Bellflower. Not included are DHA clinics in Orange, Carson and Riverside.

Full-fat, low-fat or skim? Used to be, there weren't many choices to make over what to pour on your cereal. But the number of alternatives to cow's milk -- soy, goat's, hemp milk, more -- has steadily grown. Each has its fans: those who swear by goat's milk's creamy texture or who love almond milk's subtle, nutty flavor. But when it comes to nutrition, there's no clear winner. Cow's milk is a good source of protein but can be high in saturated fats. Hemp milk offers little protein but is rich in certain essential fatty acids.

Food makers have begun mixing trendy exotic ingredients--marine algae, for example--into basic staples, claiming they can help cure everything from depression to heart disease and even help pregnant women give birth to smarter children. The trend marks an important development in the processing of food that ends up on American tables, though items like bread and salt have been fortified since the 1940s with vitamins and minerals to ward off colds and build strong bones.

The vegan lifestyle isn't mainstream yet, but it's surely on its way thanks to the whole food movement inspired by the likes of "Forks Over Knives" and "Food Inc. " Trendy vegan cookbooks, blogs and personalities continue to multiply as we all get " vegucated ," as do the vegan options served at restaurants. I don't remember the last time I was in a restaurant that didn't serve kale or some sort of braised greens. Then again, this is L.A. But is pushing veganism onto children taking things too far?

In a Consumer Reports test of fish oil supplements, most passed muster but some didn't measure up on quality. Lab test results on 15 top brands analyzed for amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, disintegration, spoilage and contaminants. Researchers found that at least one sample from six brands didn't meet all the standards set. The results were released Tuesday and are available on newsstands. Over-the-counter fish oil supplements are extremely popular and used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure and psoriasis and a number of other ailments.

Milk and eggs have earned their place in the American diet because they're good sources of calcium and protein, respectively. These days, some brands are also being touted as a good source of another nutrient: omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are in demand because of their proven beneficial effects on heart health. The Institute of Medicine, which advises the government on health issues, recommends 1,100 milligrams of omega-3s per day for women and 1,600 mg for men. Two types of omega-3s ?

Studies on rodents and people suggest that a diet rich in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, helps delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Now UCLA researchers have come up with a possible explanation. A team led by Greg Cole, professor of neurology at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, has concluded that the DHA protection has to do with a key brain protein called LR11, which helps destroy the toxic plaques that lead to Alzheimer's.