The one with the answers
a. Omega-6 fatty acids, also known as linoleic acids are found in foods such as fish oils, fruits, nuts, grains and seeds.
It acts as precursors to the proinflammatory prostaglandins, leukotrienes and the thromboxanes.
Intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids need to be in balance. When in balance, this cascade of inflammation is dampened. This helps the immune system to work properly and the organs to function normally.
However, high levels of omega 6 compared to omega-3 fatty acid levels appear to promote inflammation. On the contrary, higher levels of omega 3 compared to omega-6 levels are anti-inflammatory.
In our research, we found out that inflammation is the first response of the immune system to infections. However, we are a little confused by the connotations of the term inflammation and anti-inflammation as to which one is good or bad. After further researching, we are left even more confused. We would appreciate any comments or clarifications on this.
b. Carotenoids is one of the two groups found in Vitamin A, the other being retinoids. Carotenoids are pigments found in carrots and other orange to red-coloured fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is the basic structure of carotenoids and is found in tomatoes.
It was shown that carotenoids help to strengthen and keep the immune system healthy. This in turn reduces the risk of contracting heart diseases. Carotenoids are also shown to provide strong anti-inflammatory benefits (inflammation is a characteristic of autoimmune disorders) in addition to acting as powerful antioxidants, which can strengthen the immune system.
Carotenoids can also increase immune cell numbers and activity, which leads to a higher immunity.
It was also found that beta-carotene supplements has helped to increase numbers of some white blood cells and enhances immune functions that fight cancer in healthy people. They do so by resisting invasion of microorganisms in mucous membranes of the lungs and other parts of the body. Formation of carcinogens, that lead to tumor growth as well as infections of the respiratory tract are also prevented by carotenoids. Examples are the common cold and flu virus.
Carotenoids also serve as an antioxidant against free radicals. Free radicals multiply quickly and they disrupt cells, which are linked to death. Antioxidants such as carotenoids have been shown to prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases by reducing the oxidative damage that is caused. It has also been found that lycopene has twice the antioxidising capability of beta-carotene, which was previously thought of as the best.
However, excess amounts of carotenoids may induce toxicity and this is called hypervitaminosis A. In high-risk cancer patients, lung cancer is prevalent when beta-carotene is consumed in large amounts.
c. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is most commonly found in citrus fruits such as oranges and mangoes. Taken in large doses, it can decrease the incidence or reduce the duration of a cold by enhancing activity of certain immune cells.
Vitamin C can help counter the immune response of the body to foreign bodies that invade the immune system, which lead to symptoms of colds. These do not have anything to do with the cold virus, but are due to the immune response of the body.
Echinacea, when coupled with vitamin C, will help reduce symptoms of illnesses such as common colds
d. Found in meat, fish and poultry, zinc increases the immune function of the body and this is especially important in the elderly as there is less efficient absorption due to medications such as antacids and laxatives.
Zinc has the strongest effect on the function of the immune system compared to other micronutrients and is important for normal human immune function. Adequate zinc is important in wound healing and immune response. Thus, like vitamin C, zinc has been shown to reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold. From the production of white blood cells, zinc helps to fight infection more aggressively.
However, when taken in excess amounts, zinc may impair the immune functions.
It acts as precursors to the proinflammatory prostaglandins, leukotrienes and the thromboxanes.
Intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids need to be in balance. When in balance, this cascade of inflammation is dampened. This helps the immune system to work properly and the organs to function normally.
However, high levels of omega 6 compared to omega-3 fatty acid levels appear to promote inflammation. On the contrary, higher levels of omega 3 compared to omega-6 levels are anti-inflammatory.
In our research, we found out that inflammation is the first response of the immune system to infections. However, we are a little confused by the connotations of the term inflammation and anti-inflammation as to which one is good or bad. After further researching, we are left even more confused. We would appreciate any comments or clarifications on this.
b. Carotenoids is one of the two groups found in Vitamin A, the other being retinoids. Carotenoids are pigments found in carrots and other orange to red-coloured fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is the basic structure of carotenoids and is found in tomatoes.
It was shown that carotenoids help to strengthen and keep the immune system healthy. This in turn reduces the risk of contracting heart diseases. Carotenoids are also shown to provide strong anti-inflammatory benefits (inflammation is a characteristic of autoimmune disorders) in addition to acting as powerful antioxidants, which can strengthen the immune system.
Carotenoids can also increase immune cell numbers and activity, which leads to a higher immunity.
It was also found that beta-carotene supplements has helped to increase numbers of some white blood cells and enhances immune functions that fight cancer in healthy people. They do so by resisting invasion of microorganisms in mucous membranes of the lungs and other parts of the body. Formation of carcinogens, that lead to tumor growth as well as infections of the respiratory tract are also prevented by carotenoids. Examples are the common cold and flu virus.
Carotenoids also serve as an antioxidant against free radicals. Free radicals multiply quickly and they disrupt cells, which are linked to death. Antioxidants such as carotenoids have been shown to prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases by reducing the oxidative damage that is caused. It has also been found that lycopene has twice the antioxidising capability of beta-carotene, which was previously thought of as the best.
However, excess amounts of carotenoids may induce toxicity and this is called hypervitaminosis A. In high-risk cancer patients, lung cancer is prevalent when beta-carotene is consumed in large amounts.
c. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is most commonly found in citrus fruits such as oranges and mangoes. Taken in large doses, it can decrease the incidence or reduce the duration of a cold by enhancing activity of certain immune cells.
Vitamin C can help counter the immune response of the body to foreign bodies that invade the immune system, which lead to symptoms of colds. These do not have anything to do with the cold virus, but are due to the immune response of the body.
Echinacea, when coupled with vitamin C, will help reduce symptoms of illnesses such as common colds
d. Found in meat, fish and poultry, zinc increases the immune function of the body and this is especially important in the elderly as there is less efficient absorption due to medications such as antacids and laxatives.
Zinc has the strongest effect on the function of the immune system compared to other micronutrients and is important for normal human immune function. Adequate zinc is important in wound healing and immune response. Thus, like vitamin C, zinc has been shown to reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold. From the production of white blood cells, zinc helps to fight infection more aggressively.
However, when taken in excess amounts, zinc may impair the immune functions.
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