Flaxseed oil is an Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) unique for its high content of essential fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid (ALA) which is especially helpful for conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, BPH, ulcerative colitis, constipation, and low energy. Flaxseed oil is also known to help soften skin, increase energy, burn fat, strengthen the immune system, manage diabetes, help prevent autoimmune disease, cancer, poor brain development, inflammatory disorders, and PMS.
Research from the Lyon Heart Study shows that including flaxseed oil in your diet daily can dramatically decrease risk of a heart attack. Other studies show that Omega 3 deficiencies are associated with arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, neuronal degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and complications during pregnancy.
Human research shows that the main omega 3 fatty acid in flax oil, alpha linolenic acid (ALA), is the first fat depleted during weight loss, yet with low levels of this essential fat, cells cannot remain fluid, detoxify, or optimally continue to burn stored fat. Thus, ALA is critical during weight loss, and can also help sensitize insulin receptors for blood sugar balance. Read more about the benefit of Flax at www.Flax.com
Borage oil is known for its high GLA content, the only anti-inflammatory omega-6 oil great for rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and infantile dermatitis. GLA is essential for smooth, healthy skin and female hormonal balance with conditions such as PMS and menopause. GLA has been researched for its ability to relieve PMS, reduce inflammation in arthritis, lower cholesterol, and help reverse diabetic neuropathy.
As we age, the delta-6-desaturase (D6D) enzyme activity declines, makes less and less GLA leading to low levels in our body. This increases our need to get GLA on a daily basis through supplementation for optimal health. (*Horrobin DF. Loss of delta-6-desaturase activity as a key factor in aging. Med Hypotheses. 1981;7:1211-20)
How are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) broken down in the body? Does
it require much work from the liver?
EFAs are broken down in the gut (hydrolyzed) and the individual fatty acids are absorbed by the enterocytes lining the GI tract. The enterocytes assemble the fatty acids and glycerol into triglycerides.The triglycerides and other fat soluble nutrients are collected and
assembled into chylomicrons, which are absorbed by the lacteals (lymphatic vessels of the small intestines). The chylomicrons flow with the lymph into the blood and reaches every tissue in the body. In the tissues the triglycerides are absorbed in a similar way as triglycerides are absorbed by the enterocytes. In the tissues the fatty acids can be metabolized into for example local hormones.
The hydrolization process in the gut requires lipase secreted by the pancreas and bile synthesized in the liver and secreted from the gallbladder.
Are there any drug contraindications with taking EFA supplements?
Warfarin or other blood thinners contraindicate EFAs since they can thin the blood as well.
GLA
GLA, in the form of borage oil can also be used in the treatment of immune weakness, chronic fatigue, high cholesterol, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, diabetes, skin disorders, dry skin, MS, fatigue. It may help prevent premature aging and autoimmune diseases.
Eczema
Patients with eczema appear to have altered EPA and prostaglandin metabolism. Tests show a tendency for linoleic acid levels to be increased while levels of longer chain polyunsaturated fatty acids tend to be relatively low. These changes lead to a greater tendency to allergies and inflammation. Supplementing with EPA provides great benefit for those with eczema, since it reduces inflammation.1
Asthma
Several clinical studies have been shown that children who eat fish more than once a week have one-third the risk of getting asthma as children who do not eat fish regularly. Several other studies show that increasing the intake of omega-3s (through supplementation with fish oils that contain EPA and DHA) offers significant benefits in treating asthma. In particular, improvements in airway responsiveness to allergens have been noted, as well as improvements in respiratory function.1
Cardiovascular disease
EPA’s main function is to lower blood fat levels. The intake of dietary EPA/DHA is enhanced by eating coldwater fish regularly or by taking supplements. Increased intake of EPA/DHA has been shown in numerous studies to lower blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels, while raising HDL. Because of it’s lipid lowering effects, along with it’s ability to reduce platelets and clogging, EPA is important in the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular disease or for anyone with high blood fats or low HDL. EPA/DHA supplementation has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and soreness and to improve flexibility.1
GLA may help prevent heart disease by inhibiting plaque formation, dilating blood vessels, and lowering blood pressure.
Rheumatoid arthritis
GLA may reduce inflammation.3
Diabetes
GLA supplementation helps nerve function and helps prevent nerve damage caused by diabetes.2
Cancer
GLA may help stop tumor growth and spread of cancer, particularly in the breast and melanoma.4
Eyes
GLA is beneficial in Sjögren's syndrome and may be useful in other dry eye conditions.
Age Related Disease
GLA supplements may help the symptoms of many conditions that occur with aging. It can also reduce the symptoms of alcoholism, atopic dermatitis, and osteoporosis.5
Menstrual problems
Essential fatty acids such as those found in flaxseed, evening primrose, and borage oils reduce inflammation and support hormone production.6
Omega-9
Omega-9s are non-essential, because the body can make them. Their role is to support the omega-3s and omega-6 fatty acids.
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