The New Complete Book of Food
Previous studies had demonstrated the omega-3s ability to reduce inflammation, joint stiff-
ness, and swelling.
Finally, like isoflavones, omega-3s may protect bone density. One 1997 study at Purdue
University (Indiana) demonstrated that animals fed increased amounts of the omega-3 fatty
acids formed new bone faster than animals fed a regular diet.Adverse Effects Associated with This Food
Allergic reaction. Shellfish are one of the 12 foods most likely to cause the classic symptoms
of food allergy, including upset stomach, hives, and angioedema (swelling of the lips and
eyes). The others are berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries), chocolate,
corn, eggs, fish, legumes (peas, lima beans, peanuts, soybeans), milk, nuts, peaches, pork,
and wheat (see wheat cereals).
Parasitical, viral, and bacterial infections and/or food poisoning. Like raw meat, raw shellfish
may carry various pathogens, including Salmonella bacteria. These organisms are destroyed
by thorough cooking.
Elevated levels of serum cholesterol. People whose blood-cholesterol levels are abnormally
high are considered at risk for heart disease, but experts disagree as to the effects of dietary
cholesterol on serum cholesterol. Patients with hypercholesteremia, a metabolic disorder
that influences cholesterol production in the liver, may benefit from a diet low in dietary
cholesterol, but there is no conclusive proof that lowering a healthy person’s consumption of
dietary cholesterol will significantly change the amount of cholesterol he or she produces. In
1986 the American Heart Association issued new guidelines suggesting that healthy adults
reduce their consumption of fat to 30 percent of total calories and limit cholesterol intake to
300 mg per day or 100 mg per 1000 calories, whichever is less (3.5 ounces of squid or octopus
have 300 mg cholesterol).Food/Drug Interactions
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