Omega 3 fatty acids (and their role) in Nutrition Research Paper

Omega 3 fatty acids (and their role) in Nutrition - Research Paper Example These are termed essential fatty acids, because they are mandatory nutrients for health, but cannot be synthesized by the body. There is a general scientific consensus that the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids should be greater than that of omega-6. The parent fatty acid of omega-3 fatty acids is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA Â  is converted in the body to the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for further metabolism. (NIH, 2005). A study of the functions of omega-3 fatty acids, the dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids, the adverse effects of fatty acid deficiency, and the role of these fatty acids in the prevention of disease, reveals that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids through food and nutritional supplements is of paramount importance to good health. Omega-3 fatty acids perform several important functions. EPA produces hormone-like agents called eicosanoids, which regulate physiological processes. EPA is concerned with cell division and growth, blood clotting, muscle activity, secretion of digestive juices and hormones, and the permeability and flexibility of the cell membranes. It also reduces inflammatory responses. DHA is an essential contributor to brain function and development. The brain synapses show a concentration of DHA, indicating that it plays a role in signal transmission in the nervous system. DHA also produces resolvins, which reduce inflammation in the brain. (NIH, 2005). In addition, DHA plays an important role in vision, regulating the development and function of the retina. Another function of omega-3 fatty acids is in the regulation of gene expression, particularly in the metabolism of fatty acids and inflammation. (Higdon, 2012). The richest food sources of ALA are flaxseed oil (I tablespoon = 7.3 g) and walnuts (1 ounce = 2.6 g). Other dietary sources are canola oil, soybean oil, mustard oil and tofu. However, as ALA has to be converted into EPA and DHA,

Creation of a Teaching environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Creation of a Teaching environment - Essay Example Each learning experience is unique and necessitates different needs, and so they may need a different rubric to address these unique needs of the student. The designing of a rubric can be cumbersome task but at the same time a rewarding and useful experience to nurse educators. Nowadays, health care environment is becoming more complex and diverse. There are an increasing number of patients from at-risk populations as well as an increase in the number of chronic diseases that need to be managed in a community setting. This complex and diverse scenario makes it mandatory on the part of the nurse educators to ensure that their graduates have the skills necessary to be leaders in this healthcare environment (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). The utilization of innovative strategies will assist the nurse educators to apply various teaching methods to facilitate learning to ensure core competencies attainment amongst the students, as well as during teaching and mentoring newer nurses. (Billings & Halstead, 2009). This paper will examine the core competencies needed by graduates of today’s nursing programs and how nurse educators can facilitate learning and attainment of these competencies needed for safe evidence-based practice. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has formulated nine essentials competencies that graduates should posses by the end of their various nursing program. These competencies are stated in a different manner by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) as well as various other stakeholders of nursing education, but they fully support it. (Billings & Halsted, 2009; The National League for Nursing, 2005). This paper will discuss the core competencies of scholarship for evidence based practice, inter-professional communication/collaboration skills, the use