Flaxseed and Omega-3

Long-chain omega-3s (EPA and DHA), which are found in salmon and other oily, cold water fish is one of the good fats that human body needs to maintain health. Our body can make them from ALA (alpha-linoleic-acid - sources like flaxseed, broccoli, etc), but the conversion is not efficient (15%) and is inhibited further if the diet is rich in the omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in most vegetable oils and processed food.

Omega-3s are associated with reduced risks of heart attacks and stroke and also may decrease the risk breast, prostate and colon cancers. Every patient in the cardiac care unit at the San Filippo Neri Hospital (in Europe) who survives a heart attack goes home with a prescription for purified fish oil, or omega-3 fatty acids. For more info, click this link: It's fish Oil After Heart Attacks

For those who do not like fish, ground flaxseeds is an easy alternative. Buy whole flaxseeds, storing them in the refrigerator and grinding a half-cup at a time in a coffee grinder. You can then sprinkle a tablespoon or two over salads, cereals, or potatoes or add them to rice.

In addition to providing some omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds are an excellent source of fiber, which helps prevent constipation.

One tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily will give you about eight grams of ALA, but little of that will be converted to EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil spoils easily so be sure to keep it refrigerated (it should be refrigerated and comes in a dark bottle, when you buy it). If you notice that it tastes like oil paint, do not consume it anymore. Most probably it had turned rancid. Rancidity is oxidation, and oxidized fats are toxic.

A Flaxseed Oil Risk for Men?
Source: A newsletter from Dr. Andrew Weil

Question: Several years ago you indicated that you do not recommend flaxseed oil for men due to potential for prostate tumor growth. Does this research still hold?

Answer: In October 2004, Nutrition Journal published an analysis of nutrition and cancer. One meta-analysis included in that publication reviewed nine studies that revealed an association between flaxseed oil intake or high blood levels of alpha-linolenic acid and increased risk of prostate cancer. The author speculated that the lignans in flaxseed are a major component of its anti-cancer effects and that the lack of lignans in most brands of flaxseed oil may explain why flaxseed oil is not beneficial. Until we know more about the risk flaxseed oil appears to present, perhaps men should avoid it, or at least go easy on it.