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Flaxseed oil !!

ians

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Flaxseed oil !

Why should i take - and what benefits will i receive from it ?

Any1 ?:confused:
 
I would recommend a search on this...there has been a lot of talk about it here
 
Searched - but found nothing really to answer my question !

Anybody ????
 
The following was posted by w8 - not me. I just cut and paste.
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Flax is higher in omega 3 fatty acids than olive oil and carries health benefits that regular olive oil does not.



Flaxing your Muscles

By Kristin J. Reisinger



Most people are fed the notion that, in order to lose fat, you have to give up consuming fat. This is a large misconception. There are "good" fats and there "bad" fats, and those of us involved in fitness and bodybuilding are aware that we need some fat in our diets, as some fats are good for you. We've heard the term "essential fatty acids" (EFAs) and we've been told to try and incorporate fish into our diets at least three times each week. We also know to keep our saturated fat to a minimum. But what does this all mean? Which fats are the essential fatty acids? Why do we need them? And how much should we be taking in? Also, which fats should we avoid and what foods are these present in?

EFAs are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that are also essential nutrients. This means that they cannot be manufactured in the body and, therefore, must be obtained through diet. They are the starting point - or the mortar and brick - for manufacturing all other fatty acids and hormone precursors necessary to support and build strong lean muscle while increasing stamina required for fitness and bodybuilding. They are considered the "good" fat that are also key components of many other physiological processes in the body. Two EFAs have been identified, including linoleic acid, LA (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid, ALA (omega-3). Two other omega-3s, which are not considered essential because they are metabolic derivatives of ALA, are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and the non-essential metabolic derivatives of LA include gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid (AA).

ALA and LA can be found in a variety of foods. Omega-3s are commonly found in many types of fish (salmon, tuna, halibut, trout, shrimp, and crab) and omega-6s are mainly found in many types of vegetable oils (canola, sunflower, safflower corn, soy, and peanut), other soy foods, walnuts and leafy greens. The recommendation for omega-3s is currently 1.3 percent of dietary energy intake based on a 2000 kcal which amounts to almost 3g / day. This does not take into consideration the active lifestyle of the bodybuilder, however. Those of us keeping dietary fats to a minimum might experiment more with quantities of EFAs depending on how much fat you allow into your diet. For example, suppose you are on a 3000 kcal program with 20 percent of your calories from fat. This results in 600 calories from fat - or 66g allocated to dietary fat primarily in the form of EFAs. That's a lot of salmon and tuna!

In these cases it is almost impossible to not consider EFA supplementation if you want to achieve optimal performance. To give an idea of how much is in the foods we eat, one 6.5 oz can of tuna fish contains approximately 0.5g of omega-3s and 3 oz of smoked salmon contains about the same. Thus, the current consumption of EFAs, primarily ALA, in the American diet is actually very low. It is also easy to assume that during cutting up phases of bodybuilding one might not be getting enough EFAs due to a low-energy diet with a reduced dietary fat content. This holds true for many women in the field, too, because of their common use of long-term, energy-restricted diets. Hence, the need for EFA supplementation has become a hot market in the sports supplement field and is a necessity for optimal results in bodybuilding and fitness.

One source of ALA that is the most abundant in omega-3s, and is also in the spotlight of "good" fats, is flax seed oil. It has the highest ratio of omega3mega 6 than any other source as well as a high amount of fiber, lignans (phytoestrogens being researched for their anticarcinogenic qualities), vitamins, and minerals. It has the highest content of PUFAs with minimal amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFA), also known as the "bad" fat. SFAs are the fats most abundant in butter, milk, cheese, beef, and coconut oil and happily get converted to stored bodyfat without many of the other "bells and whistles" of the PUFA family. ALA is also the precursor for other types of omega-3s including DHA and EPA, as well as hormone-like substances in the body called eicosanoids, which have a lot of benefits for the bodybuilder.

Eicosanoids include prostaglandins (naturally produced anti-inflammatory agents in the body) as well as other substances that aid in blood clotting, blood pressure, vascular dilatation, heart rate, immune response, and the production of cell membranes. It is also believed that when there is a lack of omega-3s in the diet (as we are currently seeing a prevalence of in the American diet), these processes are unable to perform optimally. Also, a lack of substrate for the production of cell membranes transpires - fat cell membranes in particular - making it difficult to release adipose from tissue. This is partially the reason why EFAs can potentially aid in fat loss. Other health benefits of EFAs supported by research include:

Increased uptake and utilization of oxygen as well as increased oxidation of stored bodyfat ~ are essential for the production of hemoglobin (substance produced in bone marrow which is responsible for the red blood cell's ability to transport oxygen to muscle tissue as well as carry carbon dioxide out of muscle tissue)

Increased metabolic rate because EFA's increase energy levels

Increased insulin sensitivity by delaying stomach emptying time; This allows the digestive system to absorb carbohydrates more slowly resulting in a decreased insulin response

Natural blood thinner therefore decreasing platelet aggregation (clotting of red blood cells) resulting in decreased risk of vascular disease, clotting and strokes

Decreased blood pressure due to its blood thinning abilities

Are converted into prostaglandins (natural anti-inflammatory agent produced in the body) that help decrease inflammation and pain; reduced muscle soreness after strenuous workouts and shortened recovery time

Increased brain function, mood and intelligence; the brain is 60 percent fat and needs omega-3s to function properly

Improved stamina and endurance due to optimal production of hormones

Reliable source of energy without increasing bodyfat

Increased production of hormones, including our favorite, testosterone

Provide soft, smooth and velvety skin

Aid in weight reduction and management by suppressing appetite and removing water from inflamed tissue due to their conversion into prostaglandins

As you can see, there's no real reason not to give flax a try. It is an excellent source of the "good" fat that we so readily hear we need. It has multiple benefits, all aiding in the bodybuilding lifestyle, as well as overall health and wellness. Flax seed oil can be incorporated into any diet by mixing into shakes, putting on salads, mixing in with your tuna fish, putting it in soup, or sprucing up any boring recipe you might be cooking in order to maximize muscle gains. Get ready to flax your muscles!


References

Harris WS. N-3 fatty acids and serum lipoproteins: human studies. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65(suppl):1645S-54S.
Simonopoulos AT, Leaf A, Salem N. Essentiality of and recommended intakes for omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Ann Nutr Metab 1999:43:127-30.
Venkatraman, J.T., et al. 2000. Dietary fats and immune status in athletes: clinical implications. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 32: S389-S395.
Wu, D. Meydani, S.N., "n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Immune Function," Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 57(4):503-9, 1998 Nov.
Cunnane SC, et al. Nutritional attributes of traditional flaxseed in healthy young adults. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vol. 61(1):62-68, 1995.
Hamadeh MJ, et al. Nutritional aspects of flaxseed in the human diet. Proceedings of the Flax Institute. Vol. 4, pp 48-53, 1992.
Bang H.O., Dyerberg, J., Hjoorne, N. The composition of food consumed by Greenland Eskimos. Acta Medical Scandinavia. Vol. 200, pp 69-73, 1976.
Bierenbaum ML, et al. Reducing atherogenic risk in hyperlipemic humans with flax seed supplementation: a preliminary report. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Vol. 12(5), pp. 501-4, 1993.
Andreassi, M., et al. Efficacy of Gamma Linolenic Acid in the Treatment of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis, The Journal of International Medical Research, Vol. 25, pp. 266-74, 1997.
Kalmij S. et al. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Antioxidants, and Cognitive Function in Very Old Men. American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 145. No 1 pp 33-41.
Thompson LU. Flaxseed and its lignan and oil components reduce mammary tumor growth at late stage of carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis, Vol. 17(6), pp 1373-6, 1996.
 
more from w8........
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The good fats
The good fats.(body needs essential fatty acids, EFA)(includes information on EFA sources and EFA supplements)
Author/s: Andrea Mather
Issue: July, 1998

Your body's billions of cells need essential fatty acids.

Q What are essential fatty acids and what foods are they in?

-- J. Schell, New Orleans, La.

First, it's important to know that saturated fat's bad rap as an artery-clogging precursor to heart disease and stroke does not apply to essential fatty acids (EFAs). This collection of "good" polyunsaturated fats are actually vital to body function. "Without EFAs, our bodies run out of the building blocks our cells require to maintain peak function," says Michael Schmidt, a research scientist at the Functional Medicine Research Center in Gig Harbor, Wash., and author of Smart Fats: How Dietary fats and Oils Affect mental, Physical and Emotional Intelligence (Frog Ltd., 1997).

EFAs include both omega-6 (linoleic) and omega-3 (alpha-linoleic) fatty acids. Together they're used to create prostaglandins, the hormone-like chemical messengers responsible for regulating blood pressure, oxygen transport and pain and inflammation. But EFAs primary function is to maintain the liquid barrier surrounding each cell, known as the cell membrane, and to transport waste and nutrients (amino acids, hormones, minerals, vitamins and water) in and out of cells. "The lining of every cell in the body is made of fat," explains Ray Sahelein, M.D., author of HTP: Nature's Serotonin Solution (Avery Publishing, 1998). "In order for cell to communicate with each other, the membrane needs to be fluid. Hence, our need for polyunsaturated fats, such as the EFAs which are fluid, as opposed to saturated fats, the hard fats, which are not fluid."

Given their role in cell activity, EFAs have a profound influence on brain function as well as the cadiovascular, inflammatory and immune systems. Without EFAs, our risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke increases, according to Michael T. Murray, N.D., and Jade Beutler, R.R.T., R.C.P., authors of Understanding Fats and Oils: Your Guide to Healing with Essential fatty Acids (Progressive health Publishing, 1996). A host of additional ailments--skin problems, depression, learning disabilities and even diabetes--also can be traced to low levels of EFAs, says Schmidt.

The body naturally makes dozens of fatty acids, but it can't manufacture the EFAs. These must come from food sources. Unfortunately, about 80 percent of Americans aren't meeting their EFA requirements, according to Murray and Beutler. The reason? The standard Western diet, which is loaded with processed foods and delivers many more omega-6s than omega-3s. A balance between the two (generally, a 1:1 ratio) is absolutely critical for efficient prostaglandin production.

To get a proper mix of omega-6s and omega-3s, start by trading processed foods for whole foods. Good vegetarian sources that deliver the right amounts of both fatty acids include legumes, nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens and flaxseed oil, considered a mother lode of EFAs (see 7 Ways to Eat Your EFAs, p. 108). Simply add one to three teaspoons of flaxseed oil a day to your meals. For instance, Susan M. Lark, M.D., author of Women's Health Companion: Self-Help Nutrition Guide and Cookbook (Celestial Arts, 1995), uses flaxseed oil in place of butter on mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables and bread.


RELATED ARTICLE: 7 Ways to Eat Your EFAs

Getting more of these vital nutrients into your diet isn't difficult; just follow these tips:

1 Mix up a salad dressing with flaxseed oil.

2 Snack on walnuts, almonds, cashews, brazil and pistachio nuts, as well as sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

3 Help yourself to an extra serving of dark green leafy vegetables.

4 Swap your regular cereal for a flaxseed cereal instead.

5 Grind up flaxseeds and sprinkle then on your salad and baked potatoes.

6 Buy flaxmeal and stir into smoothies and other beverages.

7 Replace the oil in your favorite dip with flaxseed oil.

RELATED ARTICLE: Buying and Using EFA Supplements

You'll find EFAs in natural food stores. Here are a few hints for smart buying.

Head for the refrigerated section. Oil supplements, like flaxseed, need to be kept cold to keep them from going rancid. Store your bottle in the refrigerator when you get home and never heat.

Look for cold-pressed oils. This process avoids high temperatures and eliminates exposure to light and oxygen to preserve the oils integrity. Choose one in a dark plastic bottle, which also prevent light damage.

Check the use-by date. Avoid bottles nearing their expiration dates. At home, note the supplement's use-by date on your calendar.
 
last one..... (there are others but you can search and read them if you're still looking for more). this is also from w8lifter.
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Flaxseed Oil

In nature 50 essential nutrients have been discovered that are necessary to sustain human life. Of these, two essential fatty acids have been identified, alpha linolenic acid, an Omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid. Of all known food sources organic flaxseed oil has been recognized as nature's richest source of these vital essential fatty acids containing 55% alpha linolenic and 16.7% linoleic acids. Modern manufacturing methods of polyunsaturated oils have done much to remove these important fats from our food chain. Large scale nutritional surveys suggest that much of our population is deficient in essential fatty acids. Recent scientific research, coupled with flaxseed oil's long history of therapeutic use, has propelled essential fat supplementation into the forefront of human nutrition.

Organic, unrefined flax seed oil is nature's richest source of vegetarian essential fatty acids. EFAs are essential for maintaining good health. Flax seed oil is unique because it contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Our bodies depend on EFAs for normal cell functioning as EFAs act as building blocks in cell membranes, and produce hormone-like substances necessary for energy metabolism and cardiovascular and immune health.

Flax seed oil contains more than twice the amount of omega-3 fatty acids as fish oils.
 
nikegurl - many thanks !:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

I think that about covers it ! Many thanks for the time and effort spent in searching for this on my behalf - CHEERS !:heartpump
 
you're welcome! no trouble at all - i have lots of good stuff she has posted in the past stashed away for easy retrieval.

(thanks, w8!)
 
Originally posted by nikegurl
you're welcome! no trouble at all - i have lots of good stuff she has posted in the past stashed away for easy retrieval.

(thanks, w8!)

So NG...what was it w8 recommended doing when licking kitty? :D :grin: :lol:
 
nah- but the title of the original post stuck in my brain so it was an easy search.

do you believe me?
 
:shrug:
 
I miss w8...

You should've gotten a STFU for that, Kuso :(
 
and don't forget:

:flipoff:
 
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