Alpha linolenic acid is predominantly found in flax seeds. Flax oil is unique because it contains both linoleic (omega 6) and alpha linolenic (omega 3). ALA has shown immense promise in preventing cancer and improving immune system function. ALA can be converted by the body to other essential fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, which have shown positive effects on brain function, cardiac arrhythmia, and high blood tryglycerides.
High-lignan flax oil can help to normalize estrogen metabolism. It can be particularly helpful for peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness with as little as two tablespoons per day. Flax oil is not very stable; never cook with it as heat destroys it. It should always be refrigerated and used within three months of purchase. Date the bottle at the time of purchase and toss after three months if you have not used it all.
The best source of GLA is borage oil, followed by black current oil, and evening primrose oil. GLA is renowned for helping relieve PMS symptoms, alleviating arthritis symptoms, and beautifying the skin. It is particularly helpful for cramps, irritability, headaches, and sunburn.
Other food sources of EFAs include nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Essential Fatty Acid Thieves
There are a number of foods that we should avoid to protect us from EFA deficiency. Numerous foods and lifestyle factors can disrupt conversion of linolenic acid to GLA. For example, eating sugar, trans fatty acids found in hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (margarine, non-dairy creamers, snack foods), consuming alcohol, and getting too few vitamins and minerals—all can prevent GLA conversion.
Various foods and substance can contribute to EFA deficiencies, such as: alcohol, sugar, trans fats, cortisone, anti-inflammatory drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, cortisone, prednisone, and tobacco products.
Replenishing EFAs
Most people notice that the benefits of increasing EFAs are noticeable within a few weeks of beginning supplementation. Skin isn’t as dry or itchy. Hair begins to shine. Nails don’t crack or break as often. And skin conditions such as eczema often clear up.
Family pets can benefit as well. Not only will we help prevent allergic reactions to them, we can help them improve their skin and coat. When we got our schnauzer, MacKenzie, he had a bad case of eczema on his tummy. We added organic flax oil to his food and within three days it all cleared.
If any of these symptoms, even just a couple of them, apply to you, consider EFA supplementation. Make sure you get all four of these important fatty acids. Daily consuming these fats is very important for your good health and vitality. Eat more fish and make the supplements part of your daily regimen.
Cherie Calbom, M.S. is the author of eleven books including the best-selling Juicing for Life (Avery, 1992) with nearly two million books in print in the U.S. and published around the world in nineteen countries. Other best-selling books by Cherie include: George Foreman’s Knock Out the Fat Barbecue & Grilling Cookbook, The Juice Lady’s Guide to Juicing for Health, and The Ultimate Smoothie Book ( www.juicinginfo.com). Her latest book The Complete Cancer Cleanse was released September, 2003 (www.cancercleanse.com).