flax facts
And now for a bunch of great reasons (demonstrated in numerous research studies) to eat ground flax seeds in your cereal, oats, yogurt, or whatever else: lower blood cholesterol levels, protection against hormone-related cancers, heart health, naturally healthy laxative, anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids (which have been shown to alleviate depression), lower triglyceride levels, blood sugar regulation, and immune boosting properties. I recommend the seeds over the oil because the oil lacks some of the beneficial lignans (antioxidants) and the fiber that strengthens digestion and detoxification. Try 1-3 tablespoons of organic ground flax seed per day. You should notice digestive improvement within one to two weeks.
2 Comments:
I assume the correctness of all but one of the benefits you attribute to flax, though I have no independent knowledge of them.
The exception is the "anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids", of which I do have some understanding. I regret to report that one study in the past year in particular (which I have, but can't put my hand on this minute)shows that the short-chain Omega-3s in flax are inefficiently converted by the body into the beneficial long-chain Omega-3 EPA (which I think of as the heart-healthy omega-3 fraction) The rate is only 8-10% conversion. Additionally, age diminishes the effectiveness of the enzyme needed to perform that conversion.
Worse, the conversion to DHA (which I think of as the brain-health fraction) is virtually nil.
A recovering flax-oil consumer, I have switched over to fish oil. Among fish oils, there are four levels: the old standby, cod liver oil, which tastes fishy because of oxidation, the better "health food/drugstore" grade, which still can cause fishy burp-ups, the much better molecularly distilled, available in some stores, and the best, double-distilled (or "ultra-refined"). This has the lowest levels of both products of oxidation such as peroxides and pollutants such as mercury. It can be found online from at least two distributors and comes in various ratios of EPA and DHA. I use the one distributed by Dr. Barry Sears of "The Zone" fame, which is less expensive and has the same EPA/DHA ratio as has been used in the many studies that show fish oil's benefits. I refer you to Dr. Sears' books "The Omega Rx Zone" and "The Anti-Inflammation Zone" for more complete information. A website for information and ordering of Dr. Sears' oil, Omega Rx, can be found at www.zonenetonline.com/superhealth.
None of this is to say that FRESHLY ground flax seed or high-lignan flax oil (kept refrigerated and used within six weeks of opening) isn't good stuff. It's just not adequate for Omega 3s. Vegetarians now have a deeper quandary than before when considering Omega-3 sources. Algae, the basis of Omega-3, is itself a low-concentration source and would require a lot of quantity and buckage to yield an adequate amount. Or they could make an exception and go for the gold: fish oil.
18/8/06 11:04 PM
Hi Dude,
I agree completely that fish oil is a far superior source of Omega-3's. I personally alternate it with cod liver oil.
Despite this, I begin with recommending flax because of the added benefit of fiber, which in itself is anti-inflammatory and pro-immunity. Plus, it often takes people a while to work their way up to fish oil due to some of the reasons you mentioned in your comment.
Thanks for the info. Much appreciated!
20/8/06 9:04 AM
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