Post by Chelle Belle on Jun 1, 2004 18:25:26 GMT -5
Flaxseed - Flaxseed Oils & Lignans
Clinical studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids can offer us some protection against a number of Western degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis and kidney failure. Recent studies also show their importance in the maintenance of eye and brain function (particularly EPA & DHA).
There are 3 types of Omega 3 fatty acids:
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is obtained from plant sources including kidney beans, soybeans, flaxseed and flaxseed oil.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oils
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oils
Flaxseed contains the phyto-chemical lignan, which has been proven scientifically to exhibit estrogenic activity, which may hold implications in estrogen related mammary and colon problems.
Whether you have had a first heart attack or want to prevent one, to get the most out of your diet you need to be sure to add the omega-3 fatty acids to your health regimen. These essential fatty acids are available from both select seafood sources (e.g., wild salmon and tuna) and flax. A combination of both is recommended.
Alpha-linolenic acid is considered the major omega-3 fatty acid since it is converted by the body to the omega-3 fatty acids derived from seafood. ALA is found in the highest amounts in flaxseed oil.
In addition, it has been shown ALA is the main fatty acid for reducing platelet aggregation, an important step in preventing blood clotting and subsequent heart attacks or stroke.
Without side effects, a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids is part of the nutritional answer to reducing risk of heart attacks and stroke. Although flaxseed oil is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, we have found that some readers prefer ground flaxseed, which they then add to their cereals or yogurt or simply eat as a snack. Either flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed will provide optimal amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, especially all-important alpha-linolenic acid. Milled flaxseed products taste great, which makes it very easy to consume the recommended two to four tablesthingys daily. However, flax oil provides approximately four times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids as milled flax. Either is a great addition to the diet, especially for persons who wish to do all that they can to reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Be sure your flax oil comes coded with both a Fresh Pressed date and a Freshest Before date stamp spanning a period of only four months for maximum potency and freshness.
references:
1. Waters, D.D. "Are we aggressive enough in lowering cholesterol?" Am J Cardiol, 2001;16;88(4Suppl):10-15.
2. Lanzmann-Petithory, D. "Alpha-linolenic acid and cardiovascular diseases." J Nutr Health Aging, 2001;5(3):179-183.
3. footnote* Renaud, S. "Cretan Mediterranean diet for prevention of coronary heart disease." Am J Clin Nutr, 1995;61(6 Suppl):1360S-1367S.
4. Robertson, R.M. & Smaha, L. "Can a Mediterranean-style diet reduce heart disease." Circulation, 2001;103:1821.
5. Hu, F.B. , et al. "Dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid and risk of fatal ischemic heart disease among women." Am J Clin Nutr,1999;69(5):890-897.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids can offer us some protection against a number of Western degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis and kidney failure. Recent studies also show their importance in the maintenance of eye and brain function (particularly EPA & DHA).
There are 3 types of Omega 3 fatty acids:
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is obtained from plant sources including kidney beans, soybeans, flaxseed and flaxseed oil.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oils
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oils
Flaxseed contains the phyto-chemical lignan, which has been proven scientifically to exhibit estrogenic activity, which may hold implications in estrogen related mammary and colon problems.
Whether you have had a first heart attack or want to prevent one, to get the most out of your diet you need to be sure to add the omega-3 fatty acids to your health regimen. These essential fatty acids are available from both select seafood sources (e.g., wild salmon and tuna) and flax. A combination of both is recommended.
Alpha-linolenic acid is considered the major omega-3 fatty acid since it is converted by the body to the omega-3 fatty acids derived from seafood. ALA is found in the highest amounts in flaxseed oil.
In addition, it has been shown ALA is the main fatty acid for reducing platelet aggregation, an important step in preventing blood clotting and subsequent heart attacks or stroke.
Without side effects, a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids is part of the nutritional answer to reducing risk of heart attacks and stroke. Although flaxseed oil is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, we have found that some readers prefer ground flaxseed, which they then add to their cereals or yogurt or simply eat as a snack. Either flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed will provide optimal amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, especially all-important alpha-linolenic acid. Milled flaxseed products taste great, which makes it very easy to consume the recommended two to four tablesthingys daily. However, flax oil provides approximately four times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids as milled flax. Either is a great addition to the diet, especially for persons who wish to do all that they can to reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Be sure your flax oil comes coded with both a Fresh Pressed date and a Freshest Before date stamp spanning a period of only four months for maximum potency and freshness.
references:
1. Waters, D.D. "Are we aggressive enough in lowering cholesterol?" Am J Cardiol, 2001;16;88(4Suppl):10-15.
2. Lanzmann-Petithory, D. "Alpha-linolenic acid and cardiovascular diseases." J Nutr Health Aging, 2001;5(3):179-183.
3. footnote* Renaud, S. "Cretan Mediterranean diet for prevention of coronary heart disease." Am J Clin Nutr, 1995;61(6 Suppl):1360S-1367S.
4. Robertson, R.M. & Smaha, L. "Can a Mediterranean-style diet reduce heart disease." Circulation, 2001;103:1821.
5. Hu, F.B. , et al. "Dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid and risk of fatal ischemic heart disease among women." Am J Clin Nutr,1999;69(5):890-897.