High Lignan Flaxseed Oil - Health Heart Hero

The Dynamic Duo:  Omega-3 and Omega 6

The body needs two essential fatty acids: Omega-3 and Omega-6. Working in tandem, this duo helps control the way cholesterol works and provides a slew of other benefits to our digestive, immune, and reproductive systems.  The catch:  you need a healthy balance between the two Omegas. Omega-3 fatty and Omega-6 fatty acids balance the exchange of fluids between the muscles and mucosal membranes as they respond to injury and attacks by microbes.

While Omega-6 can easily be obtained through sunflower, safflower, corn oil, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and other sources, Omega-3 is much harder to come by. The fact is, the vast majority of us are getting enough Omega-6 but far too little, if any, Omega-3. The best sources are deep water ocean fish (not farm-raised fish!) and flax seed oil. While this Kat would clearly prefer to dine on tuna, sea bass, or orange roughy on a daily basis, she’s also practical and knows that’s not always possible. The solution? The Co-op’s High Lignan Flax Seed Oil.

The Lignan Advantage

Lignans, a type of chemical compound found in plants, comes from the shell hull of flaxseeds. Once upon a time, these were discarded, but it was soon discovered they offered additional health benefits because of the phytoestrogen antioxidants they contained.

There are many studies that show that flaxseed oil, and in particular Omega-3 fatty acids, have a healthy impact on blood pressure and cholesterol levels, all of which means a healthier heart for you.  the Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil may also promote soothing while maintaining joint health.

Dr. Johanna Budwig, a top German biochemist who has been nominated for the Nobel Prize seven times, first began touting a flaxseed oil diet in 1951. Her diet, which mixes the flaxseed oil with cottage cheese (a sulfurated protein) for easy absorption.  For more on Dr. Budwig and her ground-breaking research, read her book Flax Oil as a True Aid.

It’s no surprise to the Kat that something so natural as flaxseed oil offers so much potential benefit.  I, for one, intend to add it to my diet when the fish aren’t biting!

Notes:

• Dr. Christine Albert, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University, headed a study that showed how higher levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in the diet could promote healthy heart function.  The findings were presented at The American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2004 conference.
• While Flaxseed oil and Fish oil both contain Omega 3 fatty acids, they contain different types.  Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) is found only in flaxseed.  EicosaPentanoic Acid (EPA) and DocosaHexanoic Acid (DHA) are found only in fish oil.   The human body can convert ALA into first EPA and then DHA, but the conversion requires several enzymatic steps. Some bodies are good at this, while others can’t convert any significant amounts.
• Because the fiber in flaxseed may lower the body’s ability to absorb medications, flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as your other supplements and medications.  Be sure to take with plenty of water, too.
• Attention athletes!  According to Fats that Heal: Fats that Kill (Alive Books, 1993),  flaxseed oil can support overall muscle recovery time and help sustain energy and stamina.
• Consider giving High Lignan Flaxseed Oil to your dog, especially an older dog with creaky joints.  It will help reduce the inflammation and help keep his/her coat healthy and shiny.   (Okay, okay … try a smaller dose with your kats, too)