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Benefits of Flax
What is flax?
Flax is one of the most ancient of useful herbs. Its Latin name, Linum usitatissimum, means "most useful." Flaxseed excavated from ancient Greek archeological sites has been dated back to 1900 to 1700 B.C., and the use of flaxseed is inscribed on tablets at Pylos. Both the Greek historian Thucydides and the Roman Pliny mention the use of flax for food. In fact, so impressed with this gift of nature Pliny wrote, "What department is to be found in active life in which flax is not employed?" Of flax Bartholomew had this to say, "None herbe is so needfull to so many dyurrse uses to mankynde as is the flexe." And Dioscorides extolled flaxseed's power for "mollifying all inflammation inwardly and outwardly." Hippocrates encouraged the use of flaxseed for the relief of abdominal pains, while Theophrastus recommended flax mucilage as a cough remedy. Hildegarde of Bingen used flax meal in hot compresses for the treatment of both external and internal ailments.
The value of flax to these early cultures is reflected in the rich folklore that surrounds the plant. Flax was believed to be a blessed plant; one that could bring good fortune and restore health. French leader Charlemagne, so impressed with the herb's culinary, medicinal, and domestic usefulness, passed laws and regulations requiring its cultivation and consumption. Flax was much loved and widely cultivated throughout Europe after that, and its cultivation and use continued to expand to other lands and cultures.
So why are the Omega-3 essential fatty acids found in flaxseed so vital to good health?
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to regulate gene transcription and expression, thus altering enzyme synthesis, and to modify several risk factors for coronary heart disease, including reducing serum triglycerides and blood pressure. They also protect against thrombosis and a variety of cancers, plus they enhance immune response and inhibit inflammatory reactions.
EFAs are required for maintaining the structure of cell membranes and the permeability of the skin. They are also needed as precursors for eicosanoids such as prostaglandins and thromboxanes, and in cholesterol transport and metabolism. EFAs -- Hearty Protectors. Once again population studies reveal that a diet high in Omega-3 significantly reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
It is interesting to note that of all the common causes of premature death -- heart attack, stroke, cancer, accidents, diabetes, and infectious diseases -- the odds of dying from a heart attack are greatest. That goes whether you are male or female. Most assume that cardiovascular disease afflicts primarily men, mainly because the symptoms show up ten years earlier in men. But following menopause, women catch up rather quickly. In fact, every year more women die from heart attacks than men. Per annum, five times more women die from a heart attack than from breast cancer. As you can see, heart attacks don't play favorites when it comes to gender. It is an equal opportunity disease.
Until recently, heart-healthy diets and nutrients good for the heart usually have only one goal; to lower cholesterol levels, which is helpful to the heart. But as research into what makes the heart tick continues, new revelations on how to achieve and maintain heart health are coming to light. True heart health is achieved through a variety of means, not just one. For instance, one might also consider lowering other blood fats besides cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, lowering homocysteine levels, increasing arterial flexibility, and decreasing blood platelet stickiness.
Flaxseed oil assists in the prevention of cardiovascular heart disease (CHD) by helping to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, raise HDL (good) cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and lower platelet stickiness. In clinical trials, Omega-3 rich flaxseed exerts a positive effect on blood lipids. Overall clinical findings suggest that significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels can be achieved, without a change in HDL-cholesterol levels, by adding flaxseed or flaxseed oil to the diet.
Substituting flaxseed oil for saturated fats in the diet enhances its beneficial effect. Epidemiologic studies have been excellent ways in which to study the effects of Omega-3 on heart health.
Scientific Studies concerning Omega-3, flax, ALA, EPA, DHA
Articles concerning Flax and Omega-3:
Equine
SENSIBLE SUPPLEMENTS – “HORSE” SENSIBLE, THAT IS!
Part 1 of 3: Supplements: What are new now and what should never change?
By Omega Fields – Nutrition for the Healthy Equestrian Life
Low carb. Heart healthy. These are popular terms we hear, time and again, in reference to our own health. We supplement our diets with the hope of obtaining nutritional balance perfection. But what about our best four-legged friends? Our horses' domestic diet is a far cry from that of their wild ancestors living on nothing but natural grasslands -- but so too is the type of work we expect from them. We ask our horses to be resilient athletes, healthy producers, and relaxed companions. As we learn more about our nutritional requirements, what have we learned about our horses' needs for supplements to help them meet what we are asking of them?
Part 1 in this series of three articles attempts to address what's new now and, when it comes to feeding horses, what should never change?
A huge buzz word is "Omega-3". Just about every time you turn around you encounter one of media channels touting the super health benefits of Omega-3 essential fatty acids. This is the result of literally thousands of scientific studies done over the last 30 years concerning Omega-3 essential fatty acids.
 Why the buzz about Omega-3? Omega-3 fatty acids make up the molecules in the structure and activity of the membranes of all cells throughout the body.(Talk about affecting health from the inside out!) They are vital in the process of new tissue formation. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to play a part in keeping cholesterol levels low, stabilizing irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) and reducing blood pressure. In addition, they may act as blood thinners, keeping (arteries from "sticking") and their anti-inflammatory properties may be useful in treating a number of autoimmune dysfunctions as well as in easing the symptoms (sore aching joints) of arthritis.
Stabilized ground flax seed also contains a high amount of insoluble fiber and soluble fiber which is very high in mucilage. Flax mucilage swells and takes on a gel-like consistency that traps and suspends sand, carrying it out, helping prevent sand colic and impaction. The flax also acts to buffer excess acid and aids in the stabilization and modulation of blood glucose. All these things help maintain optimal health.
Since Omega-3 essential fatty acids are necessary for normal growth and development and cannot be manufactured in the body (that's why they're called essential), sufficient amounts of Omega-3 must be added to the diet. One of the safest ways to add Omega-3 to the diet is from ground, stabilized flax seed -- which is one of the richest known sources of Omega-3 of any plant in the world. Flax seed contains 40 percent oil, of which 55 percent is Omega -3 essential oil -- an excellent source indeed.
 Another area of interest is the low carbohydrate equine diet (especially the NSC - nonstructural carbohydrate - level) for horses with Cushings, Insulin Resistance, or Laminitis. The dietary management of these horses is very complex and involves controlling the simple carbohydrate level in their diet (absolutely no grain whatsoever of any type, etc.), regular exercise if they don't have laminitis already and very very strict balancing and supplementation of key minerals.
Regarding Cushings horses and whether stabilized ground flax would be good for them, please see the following advice given (and printed with permission) from Eleanor Kellon, DVM -- (Veterinary Editor for Horse Journal and Perfect Horse, and Renowned Equine Health Author).
“Although ground flax has an NSC in the neighborhood of 25 percent, four to six ounces of flax (or a 75:25 combination of flax and rice bran) is usually okay. Horses battling laminitis, allergies or inflammatory conditions may do best on 100 percent ground flax because of the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and other anti-inflammatory components.”
To learn more, visit the Equine Cushings/Insulin Resistance Group website co-owned and monitored by Dr. Kellon -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/.
Note: One of the safest, most economical ways to add Omega-3 to your horse's diet is by supplementing with Omega Horseshine® -- – formulated with stabilized, ground, fortified flax seed – the only flax-based horse supplement with a full 12 month “FRESHNESS GUARANTEE”!
A fun way to supplement Omega-3 is treating/supplementing with Omega Nibblers® -- yummy treats with the most stabilized ground flax and Omega-3 of any on the market! Flax for horses is a win / win solution.
SENSIBLE SUPPLEMENTS – “HORSE” SENSIBLE, THAT IS!
Part 2 of 3: Have a Heart – a Healthy One That Is!
By Omega Fields™ – Nutrition for the Healthy Equestrian Life
If you thought you were spending too much time dwelling on what your horse should eat – RELAX – you are not alone. Truth of the matter is that there really is a lot to think about when it comes to feeding your horses. In Part 2 of SENSIBLE SUPPLEMENTS we'll be discussing information concerning horse heart health -- what's new now, and when it comes to feeding your horses – what should never change.
Heart health isn't just for humans anymore. Perhaps we all have either personally known horses that have suffered strokes or heard about them. Although equine cardiac study is relatively limited, work conducted in 2002 at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine demonstrated that horses are susceptible not only to the geriatric concerns of degenerative valve disease, fistula, and congestive heart failure, but also pericarditis, arrhythmia, and bacterial endocarditis.
Omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources, such as flax seeds, are important for a healthy heart. Flax seeds provide an Omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the horse's body converts to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Although there are no specific equine studies on the effect of omega-3 on equine heart disease, preliminary laboratory and human clinical scientific research points to ALA (Omega-3) as an effective stroke reducing agent. Research is also learning that ALA appears to protect the heart against arrhythmia, a decrease of the electrical stability of the heart. ALA inhibits atherosclerosis, an inflammatory condition. ALA may also be important in lowering blood triglyceride levels and because of this, it is believed to lower the risk of heart disease. It also reduces the chances of blood clots forming in the vessels. ALA may protect against sudden cardiac death. One of the safest ways to add Omega-3 to the diet is from ground, stabilized flax seed.
Flax seeds are the greatest plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids (just as fish is the greatest animal source of Omega-3 fatty acids) and its presence helps balance the ratio between Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, which is vital to the immune system. Flax for horses is also rich in lignans, antioxidants shown to benefit the metabolic system in many animals.
Mother Nature already provides a heart-healthy diet if you stick with the best-quality pasture. According to Eleanor Kellon, DVM -- (Veterinary Editor for Horse Journal and Perfect Horse, and Renowned Equine Health Author), “... fresh grass has anywhere from a 6:1 to 20:1 ratio of Omega-3s to Omega-6s. Because they're so fragile, very little, if any, Omega3s are likely to survive hay curing. Flax for horses has an Omega-3:Omega-6 ratio of about 6:1, just what we need to replace what's missing in dried diets.” Note: Visit the Equine Cushings/Insulin Resistance Group website co-owned and monitored by Dr. Kellon http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/.
Of course, we all know that there is nothing that can substitute for a regular exercise program. Extra weight in a low-activity, unconditioned horse can also cause stress on the cardiovascular system – the same as it can do for your horse's best two legged friend – you! Enjoy exercising together and you'll both reap the benefits.
Note: One of the safest, most economical ways to add Omega-3 to your horse's diet is by supplementing with Omega Horseshine® -- – formulated with stabilized, ground, fortified flax seed – the only flax-based horse supplement with a full 12 month “FRESHNESS GUARANTEE”!
A fun way to supplement Omega-3 is treating /supplementing with Omega Nibblers® -- yummy treats with the most stabilized ground flax and Omega-3 of any on the market! Flax for horses is a win / win solution.
SENSIBLE SUPPLEMENTS – “HORSE” SENSIBLE, THAT IS!
Part 3 of 3: Horse Stress, Balance, and Pregnancy
By Omega Fields™ – Nutrition for the Healthy Equestrian Life
In this last part of our series of Sensible Supplements, we'll be discussing information concerning horse stress, supplement balance, and nursing/pregnant mares / young horses.
There seems to be an increasing trend towards supplements that offer a calming or soothing effect on high-strung horses. Supplementing for increased manageability is a hot topic. Some horse nutrition experts believe that equine products used for calming and soothing purposes can be compared to similar products available for humans. It is very important to use them with caution since these products have not been on the market long enough to provide long-term sound results. However, there is a plethora of scientific evidence that Omega-3 essential fatty acids have a natural “calming effect”.
Dr. Udo Erasmus, Ph.D., one of the most serious health gurus today, especially concerning fat metabolism, and the author of Fats That Heal Fats That Kill – explains why. Although his explanation is a bit technical, it is important to understand how natural, proven Omega-3 fatty acids really work in the body: "Essential fatty acids are Omega-6 (linoleic acid - LA) and Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid - ALA). Omega-3's seem to have better benefits in terms of energy levels, cancer, high triglycerides, etc. It's the more therapeutic fat in society today. From Omega-6's and Omega-3's, the body makes derivatives, from which it makes hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins come in good-guy and bad-guy varieties.
Simply put, Omega-3's make the good guys that block the production of the bad guys. Omega-6's and stress will make the prostaglandin 2's; these are the bad guys. But Omega-3's will block the production of prostaglandin 2's, so they have a remarkable calming effect. You end up with more energy from them, but you actually feel calmer."
One of the safest ways to add Omega-3 to the diet is from ground, stabilized flax seed – as found in Omega Horseshine® and Omega Nibblers®.
Keeping everything in the recommended balance is one of the "basic rules" for supplementation. The consequences of the imbalance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 in the diet may show up in any number of organs and bodily functions -- but the most common are a dull coat with dry itchy skin, skin allergies (including "sweet itch"), cracking thin-walled hooves, joint stiffness, and excitability. Hormonal problems, frequent infections, and immune deficiency also may have their roots in the imbalance of Omega-6 to Omega-3.
The fact is that your horse needs a minimum level of key fats to maintain good health. These are the essential fatty acids (EFAs) -- so named because the horse can't manufacture them in its body, making them "essential" in the diet -- linoleic acid (the Omega-6 EFAs -- found in your horse's pasture, hay and grain) and alpha-linolenic acid (the Omega-3 EFAs found in natural pasture and flax seeds). Normally, the horse's body contains more Omega-6 than Omega-3 EFAs, so it would seem the horse's diet should match that distribution. But "normal" is somewhat misleading, and therefore the emphasis turns to increasing the level of Omega-3s in the horse's diet while maintaining a good supply of the Omega-6s. One of the safest ways to add Omega-3 to correct that imbalance is from stabilized ground flax seed.
 It is safe (and recommended) to supplement mares in foal with stabilized ground flax. Pregnancy is one of the conditions most associated with Omega-3 essential fatty acid deficiency. During pregnancy the mare's body becomes deficient in Omega-3 because the fast-growing brain, eye, and sensory organs of her foal utilize all available Omega-3. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are necessary for normal growth and development and cannot be manufactured in the body. Sufficient amounts of Omega-3 must be added to the mare's diet. After the colt is born and eating solid food, it should also get Omega-3 – with the amount adjusted according to its weight. One of the safest ways to add Omega-3 to a pregnant mare's or young foal's diet is from ground, stabilized flax seed because it is heavily tipped in favor of the Omega-3s the diet is lacking.
Note: One of the safest, most economical ways to add Omega-3 to your horse's diet is by supplementing with Omega Horseshine® -- – formulated with stabilized, ground, fortified flax seed – the only flax-based horse supplement with a full 12 month “FRESHNESS GUARANTEE”!
A fun way to supplement Omega-3 is treating/supplementing with Omega Nibblers® -- yummy treats with the most stabilized ground flax and Omega-3 of any on the market! Flax for horses is a win / win solution.
Canine
Coming Soon!
Human
Coming Soon!
CAN AN ESSENTIAL FAT REDUCE THE CANCER-PRODUCING POTENTIAL
OF CANCER-CAUSING CHEMICALS?
Fats are generally considered to be a contributory cause of cancer. Scientific evidence is now showing that although it is true that several types of fats increase the incidence and growth rate of tumors in rats, there is one class of fats that can actually reduce the incidence and growth rate of tumors.
Omega-3 is an essential nutrient for all mammals, since mammals cannot manufacture it. In 1993, the American Institute of Nutrition increased the recommended level of Omega-3 in the diet of rodents four-fold because of immune disorders in the rats fed the AIN-76 diet for the longer term.
Nineteen research papers on carcinogenesis have been published showing that when Omega-3 - perilla oil, flax oil, or purified fish oil - is added to the diet of test animals, fewer and smaller tumors have been observed after various mutagenic chemicals - methynitrosourea, benzopyrene, dimethyl benzanthracene, etc. - have been added to the diet. When using whole ground flaxseed as a source for Omega-3, established tumors in rats have actually shrunk in size within six weeks.
The same general effects have been observed when Omega-3 is present in the test diet.
- Fewer tumors are initiated.
- Tumors grow slower.
- Tumors are less lethal.
- Chemotherapy is more effective.
Omega-3 has been found to prevent excess inflammatory reaction and has been found to counteract the effect of PGE2 made from Omega-6.
For more information on contact: info@OmegaFields.com or Omega Fields 800-962-9536.
SOURCES OF ALPHA LINOLENIC ACID
FOR RUMINANTS, AND THUS CARNIVORES
By Paul A. Stitt
Leaves are unusually rich sources of alpha linolenic acid. For example, fat in the leaves of the corn plant contains 66% linolenic acid and 8% linoleic acid; fat in the leaves of barley contains 64% linolenic but only 6% linoleic; fat in the leaves of brood beans leaves contains56% linolenic and 14% linoleic; fat in the leaves of pea leaves contains 53% linolenic and 25% linoleic; and fat in the leaves of spinach contains 56% linolenic and 16% linoleic. This data is from the Lipid Handbook, edited by Frank Genston.
The fat of animals that eat leaves that contain such high levels of linolenic acid will contain considerable amounts of Omega-3. However, if the animals eat the seeds of these plants, the resulting fat on their bodies would be very different. For example, corn seed contains 1% linolenic acid, 60% linoleic; barley and wheat seeds contain 7% linolenic and 65% linoleic; beans and peas contain 7% linolenic and 54% linoleic. Thus the seeds are a rich source of Omega-6 (linoleic) but much poorer source of Omega-3 (linoleic). Flax seed is the exception containing 55% linolenic and 15% linoleic acid.
Other seeds are also much higher in linoleic than linolenic. Sunflower and peanut contain 69% and 34% linoleic respectively and virtually zero linolenic. Canola contains 26% linoleic and 10% linolenic.
Beef tallow varies depending on the diet of he animal. If the animal’s diet is all grass or leaves, it will have about 2% linolenic and 2% linoleic; but if the diet is predominantly corn or other grains, and lesser amounts of hay, it will contain only 1% linolenic and 3% linoleic. Pork and chicken fat are predominantly linoleic, since nowadays they are fed mostly corn. Present figures show 1% linolenic in chicken or pork and about 17% and 11% linoleic, respectively,.
Most experts recommend a diet of four parts Omega-6 to one part Omega-3. To achieve this ratio, one must limit the amounts of animal fats and most plant fats in the diet, and use mostly soy or canola oils or whole ground flax seed to balance the other fats in the diet.
COMPARISON OF OMEGA-3 & OMEGA-6 CONTENT BY PERCENTAGE
|
SEEDS |
LEAVES |
SOURCES |
OMEGA-3 |
OMEGA-6 |
OMEGA-3 |
OMEGA-6 |
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
Corn |
1 |
60 |
66 |
8 |
Barley |
7 |
65 |
64 |
6 |
Beans |
7 |
54 |
56 |
14 |
Peas |
10 |
45 |
53 |
25 |
Spinach |
- |
- |
56 |
16 |
Flax Seeds |
55 |
15 |
- |
- |
Sunflower Seeds |
0 |
69 |
- |
- |
Canola Seeds |
10 |
26 |
- |
- |
Peanut |
0 |
34 |
- |
- |
Beef Tallow (Varies) |
1 |
3 |
- |
- |
Chicken Fat |
.8 |
17 |
- |
- |
Pork Fat |
1 |
11 |
- |
- |
THE MIRACLE OF OMEGA-3
The old adage that a shiny coat is a sign of good health has now been proven scientifically.
The very compound, Omega-3, that gives an animal’s coal a beautiful shine is the same compound that helps prevent the animal from developing cancer, arthritis, other inflammatory diseases and bone problems. That is saying a lot¾but it is true, and it is backed up by thousands of scientific articles (available on the Internet at pubmed..org – and type flax, omega-3, lna, ala, alpha linolenic acid, or other relevant words in the search box
Dogs’ original food was wild game. Wild game is very rich in Omega-3. However, modern meats are corn-raised and are low in Omega-3¾especially chicken and pork products. Lamb is richest in Omega-3, but it is expensive and scarce. An interesting note on this subject comes from Dr. James Corbin, a well-recognized authority in canine nutrition. According to Dr. Corbin, “There is four times as much “lamb-based” dog foods sold in this country as there is lamb meal available worldwide”.
Animals that are corn-raised tend to have meat that is quite high in Omega-6. Omega-6 competes with Omega-3 in the body. High Omega-6 diets predispose an animal to having cancer, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases later in life. Omega-6 doesn’t directly cause these diseases. If an animal gets injured, or has exposure to cancer-causing compounds or certain infectious organisms, the animal will end up with serious problems such as cancer and arthritis. The solution is to limit Omega-6 (chemical name is linoleic acid) and to seek out products of the Omega-3 family (chemical name is alpha linolenic acid, EPA or DHA).
Fish are a good source of EPA and DHA, but are becoming more scarce all the time.
Flax is the only grain that is rich in Omega-3¾and it is a super-rich source! The drawback of flax is that, to some people, it can be unpalatable and unstable (just like fish). However, Stabilized Flax has a very good flavor and a shelf life of six months.
What’s a customer to do?
- Search out products that contain lamb, fish or flax.
- Ask the food manufacturers what is the total Omega-3 content in their products.
- Contact us at info@omegafields.com for more information about flax.
Flax/Omega3 Glossary
Coming Soon!
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