"I take it that the flax seed oil is more beneficial than fish oil - why is that? Thanks for your help and advice."
Andrew
______________________________ Gary comments:
Andrew, the answer is this "Six of one and half a dozen of the other".
There are arguments that fish oil is easier to digest; but there are other arguments that flax oil's supposed indigestibility is a beat up by the billion dollar fishing industry. The flax oil industry is tiny by comparison and cannot afford the big bucks for research and publicity.
I think the best solution is to go for a wide variety of healthy oils including fish and flax oils. There is olive oil, walnut, sesame, avocado and coconut to name a few. Flax oil is a good base oil to go with.
I do prefer flax oil because it comes from a sustainable source. The fishing industry hasserious credibility problems with fish stock and outrageous environmental destruction. I am doing my best to source fish oils from sustainably fished and environmentally friendly sources; but verifying this is easier said than done. I know my flax oil all comes from South Canterbury and is from organic sustainable farming.
Do you have a question? Email Gary: gary at myotec.co.nz (Replace the "at" with @ and remove spaces). Please include any relevant background information to your question.
"A daily 2.4 gram dose of ALA-rich flax oil is enough to raise overall levels of omega-3 fatty acids, suggests a new study that supports inclusion of ALA-rich sources in the diet."
Results
As the researchers expected, the fish oil supplements produced increases in EPA and DHA.
Meanwhile, the higher dose flax oil supplements were associated with increases in ALA, EPA and, in the 2.4 gram group, DPA. No increase in DHA levels in red blood cells was observed in the flax oil groups, indicating the very low conversion of ALA to DHA, said the researchers.
A 2.4 gram daily dose of flax oil increased EPA 1.4-fold, while the
higher dose increased EPA 1.3-fold after six weeks. For the fire-fighters receiving the fish oil supplements, EPA levels increased 1.6 fold for the 0.6 grams per day group after two weeks and remained high for the rest of the study. Supplementation with 1.2 grams per day of fish oil also increased EPA levels 1.6-fold after two weeks, but levels had increased 2.1-fold after 12 weeks.
The researchers did not note any differences between the groups with regards to levels of inflammatory markers or cholesterol profiles at the end of the study.
“Our results clearly indicate that 2.4 g flax oil per day is sufficient to significantly increase red blood cell phospholipid omega-3 fatty acids, which suggests that a similar effect may be occurring in other tissues,” wrote the researchers.
“The similarity between the greater concentrations of EPA and DPA in the group receiving 2.4 g flax oil/d than in either fish-oil group suggests that dietary ingestion of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids is sufficient to meet the dietary needs of humans.”
Please go here to read the full research report.
__________________
Gary comments:
Flax oil is a delicious oil that does not need to be expensively delivered in capsules. Drizzle flax oil on your toast, on your muesli, mix with avocado or cottage cheese and drizzle onto your potato and pumpkin. Give it to your kids in their food. There are so many health benefits, including reducing inflammation, managing eczema and asthma, for brain power and for clear skin, strong hair and nails. Got the idea!
Here is the link to flax oil sales, if you want to get some.
Do you have a question?
Email Gary: gary at myotec.co.nz (Replace the "at" with @ and remove spaces). Please include any relevant background information to your question.
"Gary
I was interested to read articles in the Sunday Times and Listener over the holidays about Omega 3. One seemed to suggest we should reduce seed oil intake (flax?) as this affected the bodies use of omega 3 from fish sources, or affected some balance. At the time I was staying at Kaka Point in South Otago and getting a regular supply of muscles off the rocks. Have you any comments about the relationship between Omega 3 sourced from fish and omega sourced from seed oils?"
Brian
_____________________________ Gary Moller comments:
Good question Brian: Without seeing the article in question, I can not be sure where the writer is coming from. However, I will make some observations.
While there are some differences between the fish and plant sources of omega 3 each have their nutritional merits. The body loves variety and I would suggest a mix of oils rather than one source alone. If you worry that one may interfere with the other, then take one for a few days and then switch. Variety is the spice of life!
I do have a preference for flax oil (Waihi Bush) because it is grown organically in North Otago and no happy little fishes died in its production.
Why does fish oil get all the good publicity and flax oil next to nothing? Well its a bit like sports drink or bottled water - or coffee and chocolate for that matter. There is big bucks in these products, including those of the fishing industry. These industries have the clout to buy favourable research and to get it published in the popular media. We do not get to hear of the young women who are hospitalised from drinking too much bottled water do we or, the Iron Man who ended up requiring intensive care resuscitation after flushing his body with a gallon of sports drink? We hear little about the addictions to coffee or the severe migraines from too much chocolate.
Flax oil is very good for you. It is great for a long list of health conditions. For example; if you have poor skin, eczema or psoriasis then flax oil may clear it altogether when used correctly.
The most common health complaints I come across are a group of related conditions including chronic fatigue, cold limbs, aching muscles and joints. Underactive thyroid function is widespread and it has recently been reported that around 40% of New Zealand women report low sex drive (men are probably no better off, going by Viagra sales!). With an ageing population, this is a growth area!
While there is much that can be done to fire a body up and to relieve pain with physical exercise and massage, these are wasted efforts if the body chemistry is unhealthy. Exercise is the baking of the cake. Baking without first gathering all the ingredients (Top quality - of course!) will result in an unpalatable product. A malnourished body is weak and tired and anything more than gentle exercise will only make matters worse.
The most exciting and challenging area is trying to detect the nutritional metabolic switches that need to be thrown to fire up a person's internal furnaces and to help bake a strong body and lively mind. We are talking about firing up tiny cellular furnaces that may be currently running on little more than the pilot light. These switches vary from one person to another and may be a group of amino acids, enzymes, minerals or a particular vitamin or two.
What I first studied and learned in exercise physiology in the early 1970's still applies to today. The physiology of the human body has not changed in a thousand years and won't in another thousand. However; what has happened since 1970 is the physiologists have burrowed deeper and deeper into the chemistry of life. For example; we have known for ages that we break down muscle protein during intense or exhausting exercise. What we now know much more about is which amino acids in those proteins are most damaged during exercise and most needed for muscle repair.
While this research has been mostly focussed on the physiology of athletic performance, I am excited about applying this burgeoning knowledge to my ordinary every day clients, who are simply tired, aching and who simply crave for the good old days when physical and mental energies were so much higher. There are four nutritional products that show promise for restoring energy and vitality and let me talk about these: Kordel's Coenzyme Q10, Balance Carnitine, Balance Beta-Alanine and Alpha Linoleic Acid and other Omega 3 fatty acids found in products like Waihi Bush Flax Oil.
Coenzyme Q10 is required by mitochondria (the power plants of the cells) to produce ATP (the cellular energy molecule). Every muscle, nerve, heart, immune and brain cell requires coenzyme Q10 to survive and maintain the health of the body. Levels of Q10 tend to drop with age and low levels at any age may cause excess fatigue. In a study published earlier this month, seventeen healthy volunteers were randomised to receive coenzyme Q10 at 100 mg or 300 mg daily or placebo for eight days. The participants were then asked to engage in certain physical tasks. It was found that the group receiving 300 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily performed better and, in addition, had subjectively less fatigue compared to the placebo group.
Balance L-Carnitine has an important role in fat burning and exercise performance and the metabolism of fat for energy depends on it absorption, converison to fatty acids and glycerols. By promoting the transport and metabolism of fatty acids through the inner mitochondrial membrane, where fat is converted to energy, L-Carnitine can assist aerobic performance, anaerobic capacity and may improve power output and stamina in athletes. So much for athletes; I am more interested in the possible benefits for people off the street!
In a study published this month, 96 elderly people between the ages of 71 to 88 were supplemented with carnitine. At the end of the testing, those given this carnitine had a significant decrease in physical fatigue and mental fatigue along with significant improvement in cognitive functioning compared to placebo. Balance Beta Alanine is an Amino acid with exciting possibilities. It acts as an intracellular buffer to offset acid production in the muscle to help delay muscle fatigue and speed recovery. This is proving very effective with clients who suffer fatique associated with fluid and acid buildup within tissues, such as about the shoulders.
Finally, there are the delicious organic Waihi Bush flax oils which have numerous health benefits including improving eczema, reducing inflammation, thinning sticky blood and improving concentration. Athlete or not; in combination with modalities like exercise, massage and adjustments to diet, these four nutrients can bring about relief from pain and renewed vigour for life. A warning: Please do not be lulled into thinking that these substances are the panacea for all ills. Each individual is different and there may be many factors at play, such as low iron levels (very common in women). These nutritional supplements are just some of the growing list tools in the health toolbox available to natural health advisers.
References
Mizuno K, Tanaka M, Nozaki S, Mizuma H, Ataka S, Tahara T, Sugino T, Shirai T, Kajimoto Y, Kuratsune H, Kajimoto O, Watanabe Y, Antifatigue effects of coenzyme Q10 during physical fatigue, Nutrition, Published online ahead of print 13 February 2008, doi:10.1016/j.nut.2007.12.007/
Malaguarnera M, Gargante MP, Cristaldi E, Colonna V, Messano M, Koverech A, Neri S, Vacante M, Cammalleri L, Motta M, Acetyl l-carnitine (ALC) treatment in elderly patients with fatigue, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Volume 46, Issue 2, Pages 181-190, March 2008.
I have a son who is 3 years old. He has very bad eczema and I have heard of a lady whos son also had bad eczema and found the allergen through hair analysis.
We have tried a Naturopath and homeopathics, and numerous other natural things and also been to a Medlab and had medical tests done to find the cause.
Nothing has worked.
Do you think that analysing a hair sample of his will concluded what the problem really is???
If you think that a child with eczema is a good candidate for this, I would really appreciate a reply. _____________________________________________________________________ Gary Moller replies:
While I do make a lot of use of the HTMA test, I do not think it will be of much help for your son.
However; eczema and other childhood allergies is a topic I have spent many years wrestling with because eczema and asthma have been rampant in my family. While the conditions continue to percolate away below the surface, I can tell you that we have got both pretty much licked. Here is what we did:
First of all, we had the children skin tested for allergens and discovered high reactivity to animal dander and dust mite - and pollens to a lesser degree
We then had the house tested and found high levels of dust mite in the carpets and no shortage of animal dander.
Here is what we did:
We ripped out all of the old carpet and eventually replaced with new carpet
We gave away the cat
We fitted allergen covers to the mattresses and pillow cases
We fitted an attic ventilation system to reduce dampness and pollen in the house
We scrubbed, vacuumed and dusted the house (It took months to get rid of all of the cat fur)
These measures brought about near immediate improvements in the health of the children.
We never noticed any improvements from medications like steroid creams and various other potions including antihistamines. Asthma medication worked but has now been dispensed with completely.
What has really worked for their long-term health has been the use of omega 3 oils taken internally and applied externally to affected skin. Here is the regime:
Omega3 Smartbites twice daily and/or a teaspoon or so of Waihi Bush Flax magic
Apply Waihi Bush Flax Original to the skin as a moisturiser. Wash the affected skin daily with soap and then apply the oil to the skin at least twice daily. Flax oil seems to have remarkable benefits for skin.
You could add 500 to 1,000mg of vitamin C to the diet which is great for collagen and healing
Eliminate refined foods like white bread, flour, crackers, noodles and most breakfast cereals. Soft drinks, sweets and anything with refined sugars, preservatives and colourings are out. No margarine or other processed oils. Use butter and whole milk. You can do much more with regards to diet; but this is a good start.
The biggest challenge with children; especially as they get older, is to get them to be consistent with these dietary measures.
Purchase some Epsom Salts and bathe your child daily in a solution of one cup to a warm bath. The magnesium and sulphur is highly beneficial for the skin, leaving it silky smooth and it aids healing and collagen strength.
All of the products mentioned in this article are available from my web store.
Please let us know how you get on and do let us know what works and what doesn't.
(This is an article from my principal supplier of flax seed oil: Waihi Bush of Geraldine in the South Island)
We are often asked this question by consumers as fish oil companies confuse the issue by directly comparing flax and fish oils.
Their argument is that fish oils directly deliver the long chain Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, whereas the Omega-3s in flax seed oil need to undergo conversion in the body to the long-chain Omega-3s
However, a number of points are being missed with this argument...
It assumes that the Omega-3 essential fatty acid in flax seed oil, alpha linoleic acid (ALA), does not have functions of its own in the body. We know, however, that as well as being converted to the longer chain Omega-3s ALA is also important for energy production and as a structural element in healthy cell membranes.
Waihi Bush organic farm have developed two unique oil blends that address the issue that conversion to long-chain Omega-3s may be inefficient in some individuals. Our unique flax boost and flax magic blends contain blackcurrant seed oil, which contains the secondary Omega-3 stearidonic acid. This by-passes the first step in the conversion process.
Flax seed oil contains Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids too - making it a more balanced source of essential fatty acids than fish oil. Our unique flax boost and flax magic blends also contain the secondary Omega-6 gamma linolenic acid, providing a very broad fatty acid profile.
Both blackcurrant seed oil and fish contain secondary Omega-3's, which means the body does not need to make the conversion from primary to secondary Omega-3. Blackcurrant seed oil also has secondary Omega-6 as does borage seed oil. These ingredients are found in our flax boost and flax magic products.
Our flax is grown organically, is free of pesticides and other toxins so no concerns about contamination with dioxins, PCBs or heavy metals
Flax is a sustainably farmed and depletes no resources
Flax seed oil is a vegetarian source of Omega-3
Flax seed oil is less fragile than fish oils, which oxidize extremely readily.
Furthermore, we handle our products with special care to protect their integrity
The flax seed used to create our products is grown here in New Zealand and all manufacturing is done in New Zealand too
OUR FAVOURITE – Mixed with yoghurt, plain or flavoured but ideally acidophilus. Add fruit or a spoonful of your favourite jam.
ON FOOD - · on muesli, cereal or porridge; top with yoghurt. · in soups and casseroles after serving. · on stir fry vegetables after serving · on potatoes instead of butter. Top with cottage cheese or sour cream.
BLENDER CREATIONS - · Basic Smoothie - Banana, yoghurt, milk or juice, 15-30mls Waihi Bush oil Add any of the following to taste · fresh fruit, honey, maple syrup or jam · muesli, freshly ground nuts, or seeds, spirulina, or barleygreens
SPREADABLE BUTTER - soften 125g butter, place in a food processor and slowly add 65ml of Waihi Bush Oil until thoroughly mixed. Store in a light proof container in the refrigerator. Ideal for making healthy sandwiches. Do not, however, cook with this butter.
STRAIGHT FROM THE BOTTLE - by the spoonful, and followed with raisins or nuts or juice to clear the palate.
SALAD DRESSINGS and DIPS
Creamy Italian
Add cider vinegar and Italian herbs (basil, oregano) to taste.
A delicious dressing on crisp greens or as a dip for raw vegetables.
Thousand Island
Add a little lemon juice and tomato juice, chopped hard boiled egg and dill pickle.
Honey to taste.
Green Goddess
Mince cucumbers, spinach leaves and a little parsley (or other herbs).
Blend into the Oil-Protein mix and season with dill.
Poppyseed Sweet & Sour
Add honey for the sweet and lemon juice for the sour.
Spark with a little Dijon mustard and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Wonderful on both fresh fruit salad and the traditional green salad.
Russian
Add honey (sweet), lemon juice (sour) and tomato juice to taste.
Hot Stuff - Add cayenne pepper, minced chilli peppers, diced red bell pepper and onion and blend well.
Refrigerate for an hour to bring out the flavours and use as a dip for crisp raw vegetables.
MAYONAISE -
1. Prepare the following oil mix: · 120ml (half cup) Waihi Bush Flax Original or Flax Boost · -120ml cold pressed oil (olive oil, fresh sunflower, safflower or canola) or 240mls (1 cup) Flax Balance 2. Break an egg into blender then add -30 ml lemon juice or vinegar -dash of mustard (dry or prepared) -dash of cayenne or white pepper -60 ml of oil mix 3. Blend at low speed JUST until it begins to thicken 4. Immediately add remaining 180 ml of oil in a steady stream,
*Note: Vegans may use tahini or sundried tomatoes instead of egg
Sundried Tomato Mayonnaise
1 cup Waihi Bush Cold Pressed Flax Original or Waihi Bush Balance 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 cup total of vinegar- try mixing different types ½ to 1 cup of sundried tomatoes Approx. 1 tsp each, or to taste try Basil and Oregano Salt & Pepper to taste Blend tomatoes into a smoothish paste. Add seasonings and vinegar, then drizzle the oil in fairly fast. If the end result is too thick then add more oil and vinegar (or just water). If too thin, add a little tahini or an egg yolk.
Sesame-Herb Mayonnaise
1 cup Waihi Bush Cold Pressed Flax Original or Waihi Bush Balance 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 cup total of vinegar- try mixing different types Approx. 2 Tbsp tahini - unhulled is better Approx. 1 tsp each of herbs, or to taste try Basil, Coriander, Oregano Salt & Pepper to taste Mix/Blend all ingredients together and the tahini last. If possible leave to stand for a few hours for the flavours to mix and ‘develop’ a little. More tahini will thicken it.
Vinaigrette - Combine Waihi Bush Oil, vinegar and herbs to taste. Store leftover dressing in a light proof container in the fridge. Non Dairy Dressing - Combine: 60 ml apple cider vinegar 5 ml Tamari sauce (optional) 5 ml maple syrup or sugar 3 - 5 cloves garlic 6 drops Tabasco sauce 1 tbsp sweet basil ½ tsp tarragon ½ tsp oregano 1 tbsp capers 1 tsp Dijon mustard 180 ml Waihi Bush Oil Blend together. Store left over dressing in a light proof container in the fridge.
"The murder of 77-year-old Doreen Reed was so brutal it attracted the attention of the FBI.
When Supervisory Special Agent Mark Safarik - a behavioural analysis expert at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia - picked up the story, he made contact with Auckland police with an offer to help catch the killer...A 15-year-old Glenfield boy is in custody,". (Click on headline for the whole story)
Wayne wrote this:
"How does somone get into such a mental state to do this?
a dental anthropologist travelled the world and amongst native tribes on traditional diets he found nothing but pleasant temperaments.
A policemen in london, put young offenders on a wholesome diet and had an almost 100% success rate of turning the offenders onto the straight and narrow.
If we let the children growing up thinking its OK to eat empty calories, and take drugs, we will end up with more of this, The States has amongst the highest consumption of processed food, in the world, and is one of the most violent nations in the world." _____________________________________
Gary Moller comments:I wonder as well and it just so happens that I have been having discussions about this sort of thing with Impact Taurange, a charitable trust that provides residential care and schooling for troubled teens who have just about run out of options. This charity runs on the smell of an oily rage and most of the parents are not in a position to contribute much at all.
We have been discussing adding to these teens' diets a Blend of flax oil specially formulated for their needs. This is on the basis of exciting research that indicates supplementing teenage diets with omega oil may improve behaviour and academic performance. Impact Taurange wants to try it with their teenagers. Many, if not the majority, have been raised on suspect diets.
Because these teenagers are in residential care and formal education, their are objective measures in place of their behaviour and academic performance. If there is an effect from supplemenmting their diet, this should be apparent to their supervisors and educators and measured.
We are seeking a sponsor for trialing this intervention for a three month period. The cost is approximately NZ$600. If you can assist with this cost, that would be fantastic, as would referral to a potential sponsor.
Despite diminshing fish stocks, the push is on to have us consume more and more fish oil. Apparently fish oil is superior to plant derived omega oils like flax seed and evening primrose oil. Is this true, or is it merely big budgets getting in the way of the facts? I am not convinced that one source is superior to the other from a health point of view, although I am tending towards being in favour of flax seed oils. What I am convinced about is that these oils, regardless of their source, are of undoubted benefit and the list of benefits grows by the day. Here are some basic facts about fish and flax oil ingredients:
Flax seed contains Omega-3, 6 & 9; fish oil only has secondary Omega-3
Flax Boost (A blend of flax seed, black currant and star flower) contains secondary Omega-3 EFA (Steriodonic Acid), as well as primary Omega-3 and Omega-6 EFAs. Taking these secondary EFAs means the body means your body does not have to perform the conversion from primary to secondary EFAs.
Fish oils are often recommended because they contain Omega-3 derivatives EPA and DHA, rather than the Omega-3 precursor Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA) found in flax seed oil. The thinking is that if these derivatives are taken directly, the body does not have to make them from the precursor.
It is however beneficial to consume some ALA because it is thought to have some specific functions in the body.
So, if that has left you confused, don't worry. The guts of this is that it is a good idea to get your healthy nutritients from a variety of sources, rather than one alone. Your body will take care of the rest!
Having said this, flax seed has some emotional and convenience advantages (I am referring to Waihi Bush flax seed in particular) because:
It is organically grown and free of pesticides, heavy metals etc
It is from a sustainable source
It is a vegetarian source
Fish stocks need preserving - not further depletion
Toxic residues concentrate in fish stocks, although we are assured that fish oils are free of these
Flax seed oil is rich in natural vitamin E
Flax seed is pleasant tasting, so can be used as a butter substitute on bread, drizzled on salads, or simply taken straight from the bottle
