Natrol, Inc., a premier manufacturer and marketer of nationally branded nutritional products, recently introduced an all-new line of Lemon-Flavored Omega-3 Fish Oil supplements. Natrol's specialized omega-3 fish oil formulations contain MEG-3(R: 56.88, -0.14, -0.24%) Brand Fish Oil(+) with added natural lemon oil for a great-tasting lemon flavor. The lemon flavor helps combat the fishy "burp effect" associated with fish oil supplements. MEG-3(R: 56.88, -0.14, -0.24%) Brand Fish Oil is a superior-quality, pure omega-3 fish oil, primarily from deep-water fish caught in the South Pacific Ocean off the Peruvian coast.*

According to Dr. Michael Yatcilla, Natrol's Vice President of Research and Development, "Fish oils contain important fats called Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)." He added, "One of the best ways for people to protect their cardiovascular health is to get the right amount of EFAs. Eating EFA-rich foods, such as oily fish, or supplementing with omega-3 fish oils can help. Furthermore, clinical studies show that taking EFAs can help cognitive and emotional health, as well as support bone, joint, skin, and hair health."*

Many people either don't eat enough EFA-rich foods -- especially cold-water, "oily" fish such as anchovies and sardines -- in their regular diets, or are concerned about eating fish that tend to be higher in heavy metals. For these people, a solution is to supplement with Natrol's Omega-3 Fish Oil products with MEG-3(R: 56.88, -0.14, -0.24%) Fish Oil, which is USP verified by the U.S. Pharmacopeia and molecularly distilled -- a state-of-the-art ultra-filtering process that removes toxins including pesticides, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), dioxins, heavy metals such as mercury, and other unwanted elements from fish oil that may occur naturally or result from the environment.*

Natrol's line of Lemon-Flavored Omega-3 Fish Oil supplements includes Natrol(R: 56.88, -0.14, -0.24%) Extreme Omega(TM: 105.30, -3.89, -3.56%) (Lemon Flavor)(++) with MEG-3 Fish Oil and added natural lemon oil for a great lemon flavor. A serving of this supplement provides 1200 mg of fish oils, including 323 mg of EPA and 215 mg of DHA, essential for maintaining a healthy balance of omega-3s in the body. One soft gel capsule taken twice daily with meals can help support cardiovascular, cognitive (memory), bone and joint health, and may also provide emotional balance and mood support. (Average U.S. SRP is $14.40 for a one-month supply of 60 soft gels.)*

Mounting research evidence over the past decade is indicating that omega-3 fish oils may also have bone benefits for humans. The newest research shows a positive effect on bone mineral density associated with high concentrations of EFAs in the body, particularly DHA fatty acids. Natrol's Omega-3 Fish Oil products meet the State of California's rigorous standards for purity under its Proposition 65 regulations.*

Another good-for-the-heart product from Natrol is its new Natrol(R: 56.88, -0.14, -0.24%) Co-Q10 100 mg Time-Release supplement, utilizing a unique release technology for dual delivery of CoQ-10. The result is both faster absorption of CoQ-10 (compared to traditional products), as well as prolonged absorption of CoQ-10 to better meet the body's demands for this important nutrient. CoQ-10, also known as CoEnzyme Q-10, is an essential cellular component that promotes energy production, and numerous studies have shown it plays a key role in promoting cardiovascular health. CoQ-10 is essential for ATP production, which stimulates the body's metabolism. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant helping to control oxidation reactions at the cellular level. The dosage is one capsule taken once daily with a meal, and the average U.S. SRP is $18.99 for a one-month supply of 30 vegetarian capsules.*

Do you get five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily? These are high in vitamins and minerals, low in fat, high in fiber and low in calories.

Do you get six or more servings of grain each day? Be sure that whole grains are included for the fiber benefits they provide.

Do you include low-fat or fat-free protein choices? These could come from fat-free dairy products or lean meat or fish or legumes.

Do you choose the right fats in your diet? Limit all saturated fats, especially the trans fats. Choose liquid or tub margarines and use more olive, canola or vegetable oil.

Do you limit your salt intake? It's recommended that you eat no more than six grams of salt per day, which is equal to about 2400mg of sodium.

Do you drink alcohol? If so, women should limit their intake to one per day and men should hold it to two per day.

Do you need to lose weight? Avoid the fad diets and follow a well-balanced, low-fat diet. If you eat fewer calories than you expend (exercise), you will lose weight. A slow, steady loss of one to two pounds each week is a reasonable goal.

“Popcorn can be an easy, light and healthy snack to give kids, but did you know that some pre-packaged microwave popcorn contains more fat than a Big Mac burger?” says Southland District Health Board HEHA Manager Melanie McKenzie.
So the Southland DHB advises that when it comes to giving kids snacks, not to just reach for the packets.

“Instead try and choose simple, home-prepared snacks – that way you’ll know what’s in them,” says Mrs McKenzie. “ For example popcorn made on a stove or in a popcorn maker is usually much better for kids, especially as you get to choose how much fat or sugar you add.”

The focus on healthy snacking is part of a nationwide campaign running during February from the national healthy eating programme Feeding our Futures, which offers parents advice on how to achieve a healthy diet for kids.

Popcorn is just one snack idea for kids being promoted but there are many others that can save parents time and money, made from everyday items found in the fridge or kitchen cupboard.

“Another great quick snack is a mini pizza – made using a half muffin or pita bread, topped with tomato puree, cheese, a few mushrooms and grilled – simple!” said Mrs McKenzie.

“To make sure your kids will eat them, try getting kids to help you prepare the snacks. If they’ve helped make them, they’re more likely to want to try them.”
Snacks like banana smoothies or fruit kebabs are an easy, fast example that kids can have fun making. Or choose colourful snacks that are cut up into bit size pieces – like carrot sticks or cut up fruit.

According to a national survey, New Zealand children are snacking on more high-fat, high-sugar snacks then is good for them. Snacks like potato crisps, corn snacks and chips were consumed weekly by 93 percent of New Zealand kids. Biscuits were consumed weekly by 78 percent and but only 17 percent of children were eating popcorn weekly.

With less then half of New Zealand children eating fruit at least twice a day, and 57 percent eating vegetables three or more times day, snacking on fruit and vegetables is also a great way of making sure kids are getting enough goodness in their diets.