Most of us know that fish makes for a healthier dinner than steak. It is lower in bad cholesterol and a few other things. But numerous studies support hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have positive effects on a whole list of chronic disorders. Among these are high triglycerides, arthritis, Chrohn's disease, cancer, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, coronary artery disease and neural development of children. To say it would be difficult to cover all these topics in a single essay is an understatement. But here are a few examples.

Japanese women have a much lower risk of breast cancer than do their American counterparts. However, Japanese women who move to America and adopt its dietary patterns have an equal risk of contracting breast cancer as American women within one generation. Women living in Japan have a high ratio of omega-3 fatty acids compared to omega-6 fatty acids in their breasts. Studies have shown that women with breast cancer have up to a five-fold higher ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. Omega-6 imbalance has been shown to promote tumor growth.

Breast tissue changes in response to diet shift within about three months. Supplementing with three grams of fish oil a day (equivalent to eating two large salmon) has demonstrated a four-fold increase in ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in blood and a similar ratio increase in breast tissue thus decreasing risk of contracting breast cancer.

The 1991 Rotterdam Study considered incidence of chronic diseases among elderly on a test population of 5,000 participants at least 55 years of age. In particular study focused on effects of dietary fat intake in relation to these chronic ailments. Dietary profiles were collected including statistics of total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and polyunsaturated fats. Particular attention was directed toward fish consumption because fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Of total study population 1.1% suffered with Alzheimer’s disease. The statistics indicated a relation between Alzheimer’s and high saturated fat intakes. Fish consumption was associated with a low incidence of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s. Autopsies indicate that a decreased level of DHA in hippocampus and frontal gray matter of brain are associated with Alzheimer’s.

The South Beach Diet is composed of 3 'phases', first 2 are for a limited timespan, third is for rest of your life. It doesn't really rely on calorie counting, or portion control as such, more on creating a sensible eating schedule you can stick to. You won't feel deprived, or constantly hungry, and meals you eat will be full size enjoyable ones, not mung-bean snacks or some such nonsense. You will even be able to eat chocolate cake if you really want to! The meals you create will be of good variety, so not only will South Beach Diet stop you feeling hungry, you won't even get bored with menu! Couple this with tendency to see amazing results in a short timespan, and you can begin to see why South beach Diet is so popular.

Phase 1 of South Beach Diet is strictest phase, and lasts only 2 weeks. Portion sizes are normal, but you have to restrich carbohydrates. Lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish) are emphasised, and you can eat both low-glycemic-index vegetables and low fat cheese, nuts and eggs. In this phase, you can shed up to 2 stones of weight, depending on your starting size. Typically, a South Beach Dieter on phase 1 will eat ordinary foodstuffs like chicken, beef, turkey or fish, with lots of vegetables, eggs, cheese, nuts, and garden salads. A salad dressing of 100% olive oil can also be used. For these first 2 weeks, you eat 3 well balanced meals a day, and best part is you can eat until your hunger is satisfied. Honestly, it really IS part of diet! (Dr Agatston believes that you can't become healthy by depriving your body of food).