From Amanda's very early writing (1990s to early 2000s), shared as it was originally written.
flax oil part 2
I have previously written about one of the most significant , yet simple, wellness findings I have come across. Flax oil is one of the richest sources of essential fatty acids (EFA's) - specifically omega 3.
EFA's are unbelievably important for healthy functioning of the body and in combating most of the diseases that affect us in our society today. Our bodies cannot manufacture all of them - we must eat foods that contain them. Not many foods we eat have the EFA's we need.
The one you are most likely to have heard about is omega 3 fatty acids. Remember when all the evidence was produced that heart disease is reduced by eating oily fish a few times a week or taking fish oil capsules. The magic ingredient in fish oil was (you guessed it folks!) the omega 3 fatty acids. Well, flax oil has three times more omega 3 fatty acids than fish oil.
As well, EFA's are part of the building blocks of all the membranes of all the tissues in the body. That means they without adequate levels of EFA's no cell in our body can function normally. Nor can it reproduce without mutating.
Long term deficiency of EFA"s has been associated with coronary disease, diabetes mellitis, breast and menstrual disorders, immune system problems, arthritis, skin disorders, inflammation, degenerative diseases, cancer , sterility in males and psychiatric disorders. Other than that, they're really not too important!
But wait - there's more! Coral Davies, the ever alert reader and producer of Stoney Creek Oil Products grows flax and scours the world searching for new information about this life giving (and restoring) substance, sent me two new articles last week - and you need to know what's in them.
Note: pure unrefined flax oil must be produced under special conditions - them kept cool,in the dark and away from oxygen. Make sure the oil you buy is purchased direct from the manufacturer or from a supplier who follows a stringent routine for transport and sale. Fresh oil has only a mild, pleasant taste.
Firstly, chronic fatigue sufferers (post viral fatigue syndrome) pay attention! A technical newsletter from Analytical Reference Laboratories reported a 1990 study from a Scandinavian Medical Journal - 63 adults with post viral fatigue syndrome were involved in a heavy duty, double blind, and placebo controlled (big words meaning scientifically valid!) research project. These people had been ill for one to seven years and suffered severe fatigue, muscle pains, dizziness, poor concentration and a variety of psychiatric symptoms.
All these people had their EFA's levels tested and all were found to have very low levels - particularly in the red blood cells - that were believed to be contributing (or dare I be more assertive than the study and say in part, causing?) the symptoms. After supplements of EFA's, (by taking flax oil mixed with yogurt, tofu etc) the EFA composition of their red blood cell phospholipids was improved (meaning their red blood cells were much healthier!).
Worldwide growing interest in EFA's and their importance led to an international convention on EFA's a couple of years ago - more of that when I receive the proceedings. There is still a lot of confusion about the best combination of EFA's but the general flavour of all the research I have been able to source is that flax oil is the best (because it's the highest in omega 3 fatty acids) until we can grow hemp oil (marijuana) legally!
Anyway, the other hot piece of information you need comes from an American Journal called Total Health (in 1993) which outlines how the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) in America endorsed flax oil . Apparently the University of Toronto started studying flax oil and it's benefits seven years ago, and results have shown that flax oil can lower serum cholesterol and prevent the growth of new cancer cells.
These results prompted the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to offer grants for more research into cancer and flax oil. At an experimental biology conference in 1993 , the FDA and other researchers presented the following findings - that flax seed/oil has the following possible effects:
¥ certain levels of flax in the diet stimulated the immune system
¥ flax increased vitamin D levels and increased the retention of calcium, magnesium and phosphate
¥ ground flax seed had no negative effects on the liver or gut system and did not lower blood vitamin E levels
¥flax is very high in lignans which have anti tumour properties and may be linked to low incidence of breast and colon cancer
¥ flax is a good anti oxidant
¥ 10% flax in the diet of rats could mimic the results of Tamoxifen - the mammary cancer fighting drug - with no side effects
¥ adding 8% flax to the diet could help diabetic conditions caused by a high fat diet
¥ moderately high levels of flax compared to the same level of oat bran was better at lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL the 'bad' cholesterol)
¥ it can help with weight loss
Udo Erasmus who is a recognized world authority on fats and oils and author of several definitive textbooks also suggests that the flax oil/ protein combination
¥ is the best moisturiser for the skin and makes it supple and soft
¥ softens stools and eliminates (so to speak) constipation
¥ diminishes the effects of stress
¥ improves brain and nerve functioning and may improve school results
So, that's it folks! if you want more energy and vitality, softer skin and stools , no more constipation, to feel less stressed, to protect yourself against cancer, to lessen your chance of becoming a diabetic, to reduce cholesterol, to stimulate your metabolism, to reduce your arthritic symptoms and to boost your immune system to name a few benefits then whip into that old flax oil/protein combination.
(Other symptoms of omega 3 deficiencies are brittle fingernails, increased need for sleep, carbohydrate cravings, excess gas, fatigue, brittle hair, grogginess on waking, irritibility, inability to concentrate and headaches.
Although we don't know exactly how the body uses them or exactly which are the best ones to take, the latest debate seems over whether flax oil or hemp oil is the best to take.
As hemp is illegal, my advice is to start with one tablespoon of flax oil (per 45 kg body weight) (blended with 3 tablespoons of cottage cheese, skim milk powder or yoghurt or tofu - Carol Davies has more information). If one tablespoon is too much for you and makes you feel unwell, start with smaller quantities. you may also choose to have a doctor check your essential fatty acid levels first.
And add some evening primrose oil as well, until they work out a way to legalise hemp!
