Can someone explain what this is and what the benefits of it are?

194/179/125 (5'4)

And I'm gonna make it this time!

Flaxseed oil is rich in Omegas 3,6,9. It is a supplement which is excellent for your skin, hair, nails and digestive system. You can add it to salad dressings, hot cereal, blended beverages and protein drinks. I really like Barlean's Brand of Flax Oil.

Michelle -- 208/196/140
Started Atkins 9/03
On my way to finding the new me.... WATCH OUT WORLD!!

In addition to what Michelle said, there are some seemingly reliable claims that flax seed oil helps improve cholesterol ratios, and may help keep our joints properly lubed. I take one capsule daily.

Sky
Atkin since 8/02
186/144/under 150

I take a tablespoon a day (when I remember!) right off the spoon. Took a couple days to get used to it that but now I actually rather like the taste of it...

It's also good for "elimination problems" if you know what I mean!

Char

Don't squat with yer spurs on!

Thanks for the info. I knew about it helping make things "regular" so that's why I bought some Monday. So far, haven't noticed much, but I'll wait and see.

194/179/125 (5'4)

And I'm gonna make it this time!

Just to throw a wrench into the discussion, I just read in Protein Power how Flaxseed Oil is a BAD thing. Imagine my dismay. I have been using it pretty regularly. BOOHOO.

What is does: It increases Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) which in turn increases bad eicosanoids (cell-to-cell messangers) which are microhormones. Bad eidosanoids cause things like pain, inlfammation, blood vessel constriction, wheezing, poor sleep, allergies and on and on. ALA INCREASES bad eicosanoids. Flaxoil is 9% saturated, 16% monounsaturated, 18% Linoleic acid and a whopping 57% ALA!!! as compares to Olive oil with: 10% saturated, 82% monounsaturated, 8% Linoleic acid and 0% ALA

EPA oils (fish oil) are supposed to INCREASE the good eicosanoids, which have the opposing effect that was mentioned above.

Before reading about this in Protein Power, I thought I was doing great things with Flaxoil. The stuff is expensive and if it is doing more harm than good, I am willing to give it up. I guess I will be going to the store to buy more olive oil. I was just flabbergasted!!!!

This book has just been absolutely fascinating. They have a chapter on cholesterol, where they say after reading it, you will know more about it than the average physician. After having read it, I do rather feel like I might know more about this whole thing than most doctors.

So for what it's worth, you might want to re-examine the use of Flaxoil, look into using EPA capsules and only use Olive oil in your cooking. They say clarified butter is good too. So guess what I will be doing today? Yep, I'm going to make Ghee, a clarified butter that you keep in the fridge for up to 6 weeks. You simply melt a bunch of butter, unsalted, preferably, skim off the milk solids off the top. Let it settle and pour off the CLEAR liquid into a clean jar. Strain the rest (the bottom stuff) through cheesecloth or coffe filter. This removes the milk solids. It is then very heat resistant (the milk solids are what burn) and what is left is MUCH healthier than even canola oil (which by the way is 10% ALA, the second highest to Flaxoil)

So I guess I will be switching my way of thinking, once again.

It's amazing to me how much I have learned about the body, metabolism and food, in the last 7 months.

Happy clarifying, LOL



Barb
Atkins-3/14/03
174/146/135
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."

Barb-you must be reading the first protein power book. Here's a quote from the eades on their current stance on flax oil.

Since writing the Protein Power book, we have changed our viewpoint on Omega-3 oils. We do recommend using flax oil and fish oils, which contains high amounts of Omega-3 oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of particularly long-chained polyunsaturated fats that share a unique chemical structure. These fats are incorporated into numerous cells of the body and form potent hormone-like structures called eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are believed to play a significant role in boosting the immune response and reducing risk from atherosclerosis, cancer, inflammatory conditions and allergic reactions. The adult daily recommendation for omega-3 fatty acids is estimated to be 300-400 mg per day.

HTH
Rob
310/243/180

Thanks Rob,

It sounds like that is a generalization about ALL omega-3's. Does this mean they have changed their minds specifically about Flaxoil? Boy, I hope so. Perhaps I do have an old version of the book, I am borrowing it from a friend. I think I will go to the bookstore and try to buy an updated version.

Thanks again for the heads up



Barb
Atkins-3/14/03
174/146/135
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."

Barb
Yes I believe they are saying ok to flax oil.
I think the sequel to the original Protein Power Book is Protein Power lifeplan.
Rob

Wonder if a 1/3 cup of Flaxmeal cereal would equal that 1 Tbs. of Flax seed oil? Anyone know?

Hmmm...

I'm not an Ornish fan by any means... However, I did see something on his site, citing a study that purports to show that the stuff in flax seed oil can cause prostate problems.

**************
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."