|
|
|
|
|
Hunger Suppression with Pine Nut Oil |
 |
 |
 PINE NUT OIL SUPPRESSES APPETITE
A fatty acid extracted from pine nuts and found in pine nut oil may help suppress appetite and increase feelings of satiety and fullness, a study has found.
Winter has come and past and we've probably all over-indulged in a bit of comfort food, red wine and little-to-no exercise. With Spring on its way, most of us are thinking of the summer ahead and the long hours we'll have to put into losing that extra weight. Yes, this could be a dilemma for some but not to others because they have pine nut oil in their shopping trolley.
As an experiment, a few of us here in the office thought it worthwhile to see if the supposed hunger suppressant properties of pine nut oil are rooted in fact or fiction. While we've still got some way to go before we pass any verdict on the findings of a 2008 study that looked at the benefits of pinolenic acid, some of us definitely noticed an increase in satiety and feelings of fullness. To the point where lunchtime just wasn't the same anymore. So we thought we'd share some thoughts on pine nut oil and pinolenic acid and the findings of the study.
A British study was done on the effect of commercially produced pine nut oil in overweight women. These volunteers were randomly divided into a group that received gel capsules containing either pine nut oil product or olive oil, before eating a carbohydrate-rich breakfast of white bread and orange marmalade. One week later the researchers repeated the experiment, giving pine nut oil-containing capsules to the women who originally consumed olive oil and vice versa. The oil in the pine nuts appeared to promote the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), two gastrointestinal hormones that are known to send "satiety signals" - i.e. signals that the stomach is feeling full - to the brain. After taking the pine nut oil-containing capsules, the women reported a lower desire to eat and a desire to eat less food during their next meal than they did after consuming the olive oil supplements. Pine nuts in general are a good source of protein and healthy fats, particularly for vegetarians. Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that using pinolenic acid reduced the food intake of participants by 36%.
Another great thing about extra virgin pine nut oil is that, in addition to taking it straight by the teaspoon, you can use it in a variety of delicious and healthy recipes ranging from salad dressings and pastas to pesto and homemade nut butters. Extra virgin pine nut oil is gourmet culinary oil that can be used in your kitchen in a variety of creative ways. We have a special page on our site devoted to our very own favorite pine nut oil recipes. http://www.credeoils.com/recipes/pine-nut-oil.html
In addition to being a potent gastrointestinal healer and digestive aid, virgin pine nut oil may also be used in naturopathic medicine to help treat cardiovascular, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders. Pine nut oil also offers supposed antioxidant protection to those exposed to increased oxidative stress (a group that includes pretty much everybody living in industrialized countries in the 21st century).
For more information on how to take pine nut oil, check out our product page, or read up on the studies by clicking here.
 
|
|
|
Burn Scar Treatment with Organic Coconut Oil |
|
|
BURN SCAR TREATMENT WITH COCONUT OIL
Is it true that coconut oil can help with burn scar treatment? It seems that it can...
Recently there have been interesting studies done under laboratory conditions on paw and ear of rats which seemed to show anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. I spoke to Dr. Andrew Bruce-Chwatt, from the plastic and reconstructive unit at Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Pinelands.
He also believes in the healing powers of coconut. He uses it on patients with burn wounds because it is hypo-allergenic and all natural with no additives or preservatives that could be irritating or cause allergic reactions.
“We use regular applications of virgin coconut oil (VCO) after the burn has healed or on healed skin-grafts,” says Dr. Bruce-Chwatt. “The significance of coconut oil seems to lie in promoting thickening of the normally very thin and fragile epidermal layer as the scar matures, leading to a scar that is significantly more robust and flexible. It appears to make the skin more elastic with a better texture and improved skin thickness,” he says.
The reason why VCO favourably affects scar maturation is still a mystery. VCO contains about 45% lauric acid (also caprylic, myristic and palmitic fatty acids in lesser quantities). Lauric acid is an essential fatty acid (also found in mother’s breast milk) and is believed to fight viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. VCO also contains other organic trace substances that may affect healing - it is interesting that one study found a beneficial effect from cold-extracted coconut oil but less from heat extracted coconut oil (heat would destroy trace proteins or peptides).
“You go from observation to investigation,” says Dr. Bruce-Chwatt. “It is great for our patients, but we now need to substantiate this and find out why this is happening.”
“Scars don’t like bright sunlight and VCO does not contain any sun-blockers, so be sure to use a good sunscreen during the day,” he warns. “I ask patients to massage VCO into their scars for 20 minutes before they go to bed.”
For small minor burns, quickly put on something cold to the injury for about 10 minutes. Then gently apply a layer of coconut oil, reapplying it every hour or until the pain is gone. I had a minor burn accident last Sunday while cooking a roast, I applied coconut oil after the wound has healed on Wednesday, and applied it for 3 days thereafter today after a week a light scar is left which will probably be gone in another 2 days.
For larger or deeper burns, please see a healthcare professional.
To learn more about how organic coconut oil can benefit your health, click here.
|
|
Treating Dry Eye Syndrome with Omega-3 |
|
|
TREATING DRY EYE SYNDROME WITH OMEGA-3
Do you have itchy, agitated, red, burning eyes? You may have dry eye syndrome. But don’t despair – flaxseed oil can help relieve your eyes and stop you from wanting to attack them. Dry eye syndrome is a common eye disease caused by decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation. Without enough oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea. But what leads to these symptoms?
One of the most common reasons for dryness is the normal aging process. This is due to the fact that our bodies produce 60% less oil at age 65 then at age 18. This is more pronounced in women, who tend to have drier skin then men. As such, women frequently experience problems with dry eyes as they enter menopause due to hormonal changes. Other factors such as hot, dry or windy climates, high altitudes, air-conditioning and cigarette smoke also cause dry eyes. Furthermore, many sufferers find their eyes become irritated when reading or working on a computer. Contact lens wearers also suffer from dryness as the contacts absorb the tear film, causing proteins to form on the surface of the lens. Certain medications, thyroid conditions, vitamin A deficiency, and diseases such as Parkinson's and Sjogren's can also cause dryness.
There are, however, simple lifestyle changes that can improve irritation from dry eyes. Simply drinking eight to ten glasses of water each day keeps the body hydrated and flushes impurities. Another easy way to reduce dry eye syndrome is to make a conscious effort to blink frequently, especially when reading or watching television. Sufferers should also avoid rubbing their eyes as this only heightens the irritation. More importantly, incorporating more omega-3 EFAs into your diet has been shown to reduce dry eye symptoms.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) have been shown to alleviate dry-eye symptoms; although more thorough clinical research is needed. The connection between nutrition and dry eye syndrome has recently been spotlighted as increased consumption of omega-3 EFAs has resulted in a lower incidence of dry eye. Robert L. Latkany, M.D., from the Dry Eye Clinic, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in New York highlights that these new findings cannot be ignored. The possibility of nutritional healing is appealing to patients who prefer to stay away from medication.
Here is a synopsis of some of research from physicians that have explored the dry eye and omega-3 connection.
Omega-3 benefits
Omega-3 fatty acids may benefit dry eye by reducing inflammatory activity in the body and by possibly altering the lipid profiles of the meibomian glands. Some components of the omega-3 acids are thought to stimulate aqueous tear secretion. “Scientific research over the past decade has shown that specifically targeted nutritional supplements can restore function to the glands that provide lubrication to the eye. This includes both omega GLA as well as omega-3 EPA,” said Spencer P. Thornton, M.D., president of South Carolina-based Biosyntrx, which makes the dry eye nutritional capsule BioTears.
Studies and anecdotal reports
A study published last year in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, led by Biljana Miljanovic, M.D., Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, and fellow investigators connected omega-3 acids to dry eye syndrome.
Investigators used a food-frequency questionnaire with 32,470 women ages 45 to 84 participating in the Women’s Health Study, which assessed the risk factors related to cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Investigators found different dietary patterns in the 1,546 women with clinically diagnosed dry eye versus the rest of the group. It was discovered that women with a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids tended to have a lower risk of dry eye syndrome than women with a lower intake. They also found the participants to be at a higher risk for dry-eye syndrome if they had a higher dietary consumption of omega-6 acids.
Another study published in the February 2003 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that patients with Sjögrens syndrome had a lower intake of omega-3 acids. Dr. Colin C.K. Chan, M.D., F.R.A.N.Z.C.O., refractive and corneal surgeon, The Eye Institute, Chatswood and Bondi Junction, Australia was involved with an omega-3 related study at the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, Beverly Hills, which found that 3,000 mg a day of omega-3 flaxseed oil one week before and one week after LASIK was just as effective as doxycycline for dry eye when patients were seen three months post-op. He presented the study results at this year’s ASCRS•ASOA Symposium & Congress.
“The study found that there was no difference in dry eye outcomes between the 79 patients treated with flaxseed oil and the 73 patients treated with doxycycline. More importantly, no patient in the flaxseed oil group had anything more than mild dry eye at three months,” Dr. Chan said. Results are also positive with 80% to 85% of patients who use BioTears, which contains omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils, as well as GLA from black currant seed oil and the necessary co-factors to push the metabolic process and other ingredients, Dr. Thornton said. Patients usually notice a difference in their dry eye symptoms after two or three weeks, he said.
To learn more about how flaxseed oil can benefit your health, click here.
|
|
10 Ways to Stop Scratching Itchy Skin |
|
|
10 WAYS TO STOP SCRATCHING ITCHY SKIN
With the changing of seasons, my skin has become a lot more dry and irritated. As a child I suffered from eczema and it appears to be returning with a vengeance! Last night I woke myself up a number of times scratching behind my knees, as well as my legs and arms. So I decided to do some research and offer you all 10 ways to stop scratching irritated skin:
- Take an antihistamine at night as this will allow you to sleep and help the body keep up its immune system. During the day there are milder antihistamines that won't cause drowsiness which can be taken and are useful for the steadiness and focus needed for work and school.
- Moisturise with coconut oil, olive oil and other emollients which treat skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis. Be sure to put this on after a bath or shower before the skin has a chance to dry out.
- Take flaxseed oil, tumeric , bromelain and other supplements to reduce the intensity of itching.
- Use warm water as hot water can dry the skin. Oatmeal baths are gentle on the skin and will also give a few hours of itch relief. There are products on the market with oatmeal or you can design your own using rolled oats.
- Avoid using anything abrasive on the skin and after the shower or bath put on cotton clothing. Wool and other fabrics can be scratchy and irritate raised skin problems.
- Practice slow breathing taking ten to fifteen seconds to inhale. Hold or suspend the breath for ten seconds and then slowly exhale for ten to fifteen seconds. This has a calming effect on the mind and helps cultivate clarity.
- Meditation is helpful to gain some self-mastery. There are studies that show that itching from eczema or hives or any chronic skin problem is actually reduced when we breathe slower and relax our bodies.
- Cold compresses can be used throughout the day. Coolness feels good on the skin and will help to relieve the reaction response.
- Avoid too much sun and keep a food journal of ingredients that may be causing an allergic reaction. Taking these steps will help the eczema skin heal, avoid a bacterial infection due to scratching and allow the body to heal.
- Cut your nails short and file them down. Or even put socks on your hands to stop scratching while you sleep.
References
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2324913
http://www.itchyskinrash.net/how-to-stop-scratching-an-itch-from-eczema-hives-or-another-skin-problem.html
|
|
Lose Weight with Coconut Oil |
|
|
LOSE WEIGHT WITH COCONUT OIL
Western society’s perception of weight loss is affiliated with caloric restrictions and low-fat or no-fat diets. We have been told for many years that if we want to lose weight we must cut back on fat in our diet. This myth needs to be debunked with accurate information about what we should include in our diets. Our bodies do need fat; we need to eat the right fats and exclude harmful saturated fats in order to maintain a healthy weight. It is time the record was set straight; diets including the right fats such as coconut oil can actually assist in weight loss, not prevent it.
Weight loss associated with coconut oil is related to the length of the fatty acid chains contained in coconut oil. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These medium-chain fatty acids are different from the common longer-chain fatty acids found in other plant-based oils. Most vegetable oils are composed of longer-chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (LCTs). LCTs are typically stored in the body as fat, while MCTs are quickly burned for energy in the body. The medium-chain saturated fat in coconut oil is used primarily as a source of energy which helps to increase metabolism.
Lauric acid, the major fatty acid in coconut fat, has been recognized for its unique properties in food use, which are related to its antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal functions. Coconut oil consists of roughly 50% lauric acid which has documented anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-prozotoal properties. Capric acid, another of coconut's fatty acids, has been added to the list of coconut's antimicrobial components. Recent published research has shown that natural coconut fat in the diet leads to a normalization of body lipids, protects against alcohol damage to the liver and improves the immune system's anti-inflammatory response.
Weight loss can be achieved by increasing the intake of MCFAs that are found in coconut oil. This diet revamp, in addition to following a regular exercise plan, can help you lose that extra weight. The reasoning behind this weight loss is due to the fact that longer-chain fats nearly always go to fat storage, while the MCFAs are quickly burned for energy. In a study that looked at the effect of medium-chain fatty acids on metabolism, it was found that these fats could increase the metabolic rate by up to 48 percent and for up to 24 hours. If your metabolism has been damaged by dieting or stress, a daily dose of coconut oil can do wonders for getting it back on the right track. Since coconut oil helps to stimulate your metabolism, you may burn more calories each day, helping to accelerate weight loss as well as your activity and energy levels. Dr. Mary Enig, a renowned expert on fat, suggests that the average adult include about 3.5 tablespoons of coconut oil per day in their diet.
You may doubt the weight loss properties of coconut oil as you may have heard it being compared to carbohydrates in its ability to be ‘burned’ for energy. The difference between carbohydrates and coconut oil is that there is no insulin involved in the process of digesting the MCFAs in coconut oil; so you will not get those carb-related spikes in your blood sugar level. Coconut oil therefore assists in maintaining normal blood sugar levels as it can supply the body with energy similar to blood glucose without having a negative impact on blood sugar and insulin levels. As such, including coconut oil before or during a meal also lowers the glycaemic impact of what you're eating, which prevents blood sugar highs and lows.
The ability of MCFAs to be easily digested, to help stimulate the metabolism and be turned into energy has also triggered interest in the sports arena. Several studies have now shown that MCFAs enhance physical or athletic performance.
In sum, we need to overcome the perception that low-fat diets are the only way to achieve weight loss. For decades we have been told to cut back on fat in our diet if we want to lose weight; however, this is not true. We need to eat the right fats such as coconut oil and cut out harmful fats in order to slim down to a healthy weight.
For more information on our virgin coconut oil click here.
|
|
Menopausal Relief with Flaxseed Oil |
|
|
MENOPAUSAL RELIEF WITH FLAXSEED OIL
Have you reached that stage where menopausal symptoms have crept into your life? Do you suffer from hot flashes, mood problems or aching joints? Have you tried hormone replacement therapy but would prefer to go the natural route or combine both approaches? This blog will share some light on how flaxseed oil can help relieve you of these menopausal symptoms.
Due to concerns with traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), women are now looking for alternatives that have the same benefits but minimise the risks. This is not a new trend, however, as women have been using non-prescription medicines for many years. Survey results indicate that women’s views on menopause are divided into those who view menopause as a medical condition and those who see it as a natural transition that should be managed by diet, vitamins and exercise rather than prescription hormones. As such, some women prefer to deal with menopausal problems naturally and choose to discontinue HRT.
The increasing use of complementary therapies has been confirmed by recent studies: 68% of women attending a menopause clinic in London had never tried an alternative treatment for their symptoms, and 62% of these women were satisfied with the results. Furthermore, a North American survey of menopausal women found that women taking dietary supplements alone for menopause symptoms had the highest perceived quality of life, whereas women taking both dietary supplements and HRT reported highest overall control of their symptoms.
Further research suggests that flaxseed oil can reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. The Mayo study showed that twenty-one women who consumed 40 grams of ground flaxseed daily had a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of their hot flashes. The women’s hot flashes were scored over a period of six weeks, and those who took the flaxseed showed a 50% decrease in the frequency of flashes, and a 57% decrease in their “flash score” overall, resulting in major improvements in their quality of life. In addition, study participants noticed improvements in their mood as well as in joint and muscle pain.
Flaxseed is particularly promising as a treatment for menopause symptoms because it is a plant oestrogen containing both omega-3 fatty acids and lingans. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be protective in heart disease, and lingans contain antioxidants that are being studied for their ability to prevent cancer. Flaxseed also seems to have some anti-estrogen qualities that could decrease the risk of breast cancer.
Is Flaxseed Something You Should Try?
Think of it – fewer flashes, decreased heart disease and lower cancer risk. Flaxseed may turn out to be an ideal multi-tasking treatment for several common menopausal woes. If you are having trouble with hot flashes, mood problems or muscle pain, flaxseed oil is worth a try.
Women who consume flax oil with a high lignan content have found a reduction in breast tenderness, bloating, hot flashes and other symptoms related to PMS and menopause. Lignans in flaxseed also assist in the regulation of women’s menstrual cycles. One study found that women consuming lignans in flaxseed did not miss a single cycle when compared to the control group that missed several cycles.
Flaxseed oil is the richest natural source of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) which are required for the production of hormones, the absorption of calcium. EFAs also assist in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins that nourish our skin, nerves and mucous membranes. Furthermore, these EFAs benefit women’s immune, cardiovascular, reproductive and central nervous system health. Scientific studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids found in flax contribute to women’s overall health. Flaxseed oil has also been shown to relieve depression, fatigue, and allergies and acts as a healing agent for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne and dry skin. As such, flaxseed oil has many health benefits but can especially help with menopausal symptoms.
To learn more about how Flaxseed oil can benefit your health, click here.
|
|
Hemp vs. Marijuana |
|
|
HEMP VS. MARIJUANA
When you see or hear about hemp products, you probably automatically associate it with marijuana or weed, hash and illegal drug use. However, this is not the case as hemp, especially hemp seed oil, has many health benefits. This article aims to clarify the differences between hemp and marijuana and provide you with some information on how hemp seed oil can benefit your health.
Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. It has many medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic uses, making it an ideal multi-purpose ingredient. It has been used for many years medicinally, and was even used during Ming Dynasty by the Chinese under the name of Ma Zi.
What is the difference between hemp and marijuana?
Both hemp and marijuana are forms of the plant Cannabis sativa. They are essentially weeds that grow in a wide variety of conditions, climates, and soil types. Over the years both plant species have been used for a wide variety of uses. However, they are not the same. Marijuana plants and hemp plants have different appearances and are harvested differently. Marijuana plants tend to be short and bushy, while hemp plants can have stalks that can be up to 7.6m high.
Another major difference between the two is that smoking marijuana will make the user high, and smoking hemp will not. Hemp contains less than 1 percent of the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance that gives pot smokers a high. Marijuana plants, on the other hand, can contain 10 to 20 percent THC. THC is mainly found in the flowering tops of female plants before their seeds mature. Hemp seeds are thoroughly cleaned and washed before pressing, thereby removing any traces of THC on the seed. As such, you will not get high from ingesting hemp seed oil.
So how can hemp seed oil help you?
The suggested benefits of hemp seed oil include:
Anti-inflammatory properties
Helps lower blood pressure
Improves cardiovascular health
Helps reduce hyperactivity and learning difficulties (ADHD)
Improves general brain functioning
Immune booster
Treatment of psoriasis and eczema
Promotes healthy skin
Hemp seed oil provides an unusually high percentage of unsaturated fats, with a ratio of 3:1 of omega-6 and omega-3 EFAs, making it one of the most balanced oils available for human nutrition. Together with its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, hemp seed oil may help support the functioning of cardiovascular, immune, reproductive, and nervous systems.
Furthermore, hemp seed oil is free of PCBs and heavy metals found in many marine sources of omega-3 & 6 EFAs, making it a healthier and more sustainable source of essential fatty acids. Hemp seed oil is cold-pressed and unrefined suitable for a variety of medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic uses.
For more information, or if you would like to order some hemp seed oil or read more about it, click on this link: http://credeoils.com/products/omega-rich-oils/hemp-oil.html.
|
|
Love Your Heart with Flaxseed Oil |
|
|
LOVE YOUR HEART WITH FLAXSEED OIL
Heart disease is the 2nd highest cause of death in South Africa, after HIV/AIDS. It’s time to wake up and look after ourselves.
Research has shown that flaxseed oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can help lower cholesterol, regulate heartbeat and thin the blood therefore reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Flaxseed oil has also been suggested to lower blood pressure and assist in angina (chest pain). Furthermore, a study conducted by Boston Simmon’s College found that flaxseed oil may be useful in preventing a second heart attack. It may prevent elevated blood pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause poor circulation and artery-hardening plaque.
How does flaxseed oil do all this?
Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant and contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In fact, flaxseed oil is recognised as being the richest natural source of omega-3 fatty acids. In particular, the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body converts into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is what makes flaxseed oil so good for you. The following equation illustrates how much ALA and converted EPA and DHA is present in 1 and 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil:
2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil
1 gram
Therefore
2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil |
|
= 27.60g oil
= 0.47g ALA
= 12.972g ALA
= 12,972mg ALA
= 648mg EPA (5%) +
324mg DHA (2.5%)
|
These amounts are well within, or exceeding, the recommended daily intake of EPA and DHA outlined by leading institutes such as:
The International Society for the study of Fatty Acids & Lipids – 500mg EPA +DHA
The US National Institute of Health – 650mg EPA +DHA
The Australian National Health & Medical Research Council – 610mg EPA+DHA+DPA
The American Heart Association – 250-300mg EPA+DHA.
Several human studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids with ALA may lower blood pressure. DHA, converted from ALA, is the key ingredient for a healthy heart as it activates anti-inflammatory genes when excess inflammation is present. Since low grade inflammation is now recognized as a serious form of cardiovascular distress, DHA can prevent and reduce this. Furthermore, in serious situations such as a stroke, if you have adequate DHA levels it will limit the damage by activating highly protective compounds.
In fact, DHA is likely to prevent you from getting a stroke in the first place. As a natural component of healthy cell membranes it naturally incorporates itself into the cells of your arteries. DHA’s presence has been found to stabilize existing plaque so that it is less likely to break off, form a clot, and cause a heart attack or stroke. It also helps to relax your arteries so that blood flows easier and blood pressure is not as high. Furthermore, high DHA intake has been shown to prevent the thickening and hardening of the arteries.
DHA is also important to consume when you eat saturated fat, as it enables better circulation. This does not mean that you should eat excess fat. It just means that your body functions better when DHA accompanies dietary saturated fat, which is a rich energy source. DHA helps to lower triglycerides in your blood, which takes excess ‘fat blobs’ out of your circulation so that your heart can work easier without having to pump so much sludge around. DHA builds itself into your HDL and LDL cholestrol, which actually improves the quality of these vital nutrient transport vehicles so they are more able to perform healthy functions instead of becoming part of the problem.
So let’s reduce the mortality rate caused by cardiovascular problems and spread the word to make sure that your friends and family are aware of how important heart health is. A healthy diet incorporating flaxseed oil in combination with a regular exercise regime will help prevent strokes and heart attacks. For more information on our flaxseed oil products visit our site: http://credeoils.com/products/omega-rich-oils/flax-oil.html
References
http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/dha_is_vital_to_cardiovascular_wellness/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
http://www.healthvitaminsguide.com/natural-nutrients/flaxseed-oil.htm
|
|
Essential Fatty Acids & Male Fertility |
|
|
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS & MALE FERTILITY
Essential fatty acids can make a big difference to male fertility. EFAs and cholesterol are primary ingredients in sperm cell membranes. As such, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can boost men’s fertility in the following ways:
- Fatty acids improve the circulation to the genitals, which help support the prostate and the other element needed for reproduction.
- It helps lower blood pressure, which helps with erectile dysfunction.
- Omega-3s are important to the production of sperm.
DHA, present in omega-3 marine and plant sources, has a significant impact on the viability and health of sperm. When there are not enough fatty acids present, cholesterol replaces the needed fatty acid in the sperm membrane. This prevents sperm from proper maturation. This, in turn, helps create more free radicals, which damage any healthy sperm that may be present.
According to a University of Illinois study, omega-3 fatty acids may be good for more than heart health. The study observed mice that lacked the DHA-producing gene and were basically infertile with misshapen sperm and very low sperm counts. They found that giving the mice DHA fully restored their sperm and fertility. This may have implications for treating male infertility with DHA present in omega-3 fatty acids.
Men should therefore increase their intake of essential fatty acids through the consumption of fish or flaxseed oil supplements. This will aid healthier sperm with better motility and the chances of a successful conception increase.
For more information on our flaxseed oil, click on this link: http://credeoils.com/products/omega-rich-oils/flax-oil.html
References
http://natural-fertility-info.com/essential-fatty-acid-fertility
Lack of omega-3 fatty acid linked to male infertility, study suggests
ScienceDaily (Apr. 19, 2010) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100412151827.htm
|
|
Importance of Omega-3 & 6 during Preganancy |
|
|
IMPORTANCE OF OMEGA-3 & 6 DURING PREGNANCY
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to aid fertility by helping to regulate hormones in the body, increase cervical mucous, promote ovulation and improve the quality of the uterus by increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organs. Borage oil is rich in omega-6 fats, which can assist fertility by improving reproductive cell structure, decrease risk of inflammation and improve the condition of organs in the body.
As discussed in our previous blog, omega-3 fats contain two fatty acids that are crucial to good health: DHA and EPA. EPA and DHA naturally occur together and work together in the body but each fatty acid has unique benefits. EPA supports the heart, immune system, and inflammatory response whereas DHA supports the brain, eyes, and central nervous system, which is uniquely important for pregnant and lactating women. Low levels of DHA have been linked to depression, reduced brain development and other mental health issues. During pregnancy, a lack of DHA may be associated with premature birth, low birth weight and hyperactivity in children.
Although we get enough omega-6 fatty acids in our Western diet through meat and vegetable oils, we lack omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 deficiency has been linked with lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in infants, lower visual acuity and an increased risk of depression in adults. Furthermore, this deficiency is suspected to be a potential reason for an increased risk of chronic diseases with an inflammatory component such as cardiovascular disease.
As such, it is important to have a plentiful supply of essential fatty acids before becoming pregnant and to continue to take omega-3 supplements during pregnancy to maintain optimal health. If your diet contains enough omega-3 EFAs, your baby’s needed supply will pass easily through the placenta. If your diet is lacking, your baby will need to draw omega-3s from your own internal stores, which can lead to a long-term deficit that can negatively affect your health.
So if you’re pregnant or planning to fall pregnant, make sure you are getting enough omega-3 essential fatty acids to ensure that you and your baby’s health is optimum. For a suitable source of omega-3 fats, I recommend flaxseed oil as it contains no mercury, is cost effective, and is a fresher source of ALA, EPA & DHA.
References
Lisa S. Brown, PhD, RD in Sharlin, J. & Edelstein, S. 2010. Chapter 1 ‘Nutrition Requirements During Pregnancy’ in in Essentials of Life Cycle Nutrition. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
http://natural-fertility-info.com/essential-fatty-acid-fertility
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/omega3fishoil.html
|
|
Fish vs. Flax Debate |
|
|
FISH VS. FLAX DEBATE
In response to John’s comment seen below, I will discuss the flaxseed vs. fish oil debate in a bit more depth:
I was told that fish oils are more readily absorbed into your body compared to vegetable oils (like flaxseed oil) that needs to be converted first for absorption. Is this garbage? So I use tend to use fish oils although I dislike the ‘fish burps’ later.
When it comes to health and well-being, we are confronted with an information overload about products and dietary choices which can be a bit confusing at times. Specifically, there has been a focus on the dietary sources of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) that are readily available for human consumption. Of these, the consumption of flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, fish, and fish oil have emerged as the leading daily sources of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs. This debate, however, revolves around omega-3 EFAs in particular.
There are two main sources of omega-3 fatty acids: marine sourceswhich provide eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and plant food sources which provide alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The body absorbs EPA and DHA directly from marine sources such as fish oil. However, ALA is converted by the body into EPA and DHA. This conversion ratio differs according to age, and gender, and can also be influenced by other dietary factors.
From EPA, our body makes series 3 Prostaglandins which are beneficial in reducing clot formation, inflammation, and other cardiovascular conditions. ALA, EPA, and DHA have been shown to benefit general brain functioning and normal growth and development. They are present in all cells and also play a role in cell membrane functioning and human metabolism. Omega-3 deficiencies have been shown to contribute to conditions such as depression, fatigue, behavioural disorders, learning problems, allergies, and certain skin conditions.
This simple diagram illustrates the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA from plant sources whereas the marine sources provide a direct source of EPA and DHA. (http://credeoils.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82&Itemid=71)
Omega-3 EFAs are widely available in popular dietary supplements. Both plant and marine sources suggest similar benefits but this is still a controversial topic. In addition, there is no consensus on the optimal doses from different sources.
Fish oil is a direct source of EPA and DHA but does have the risk of containing contaminants, especially cheaper products available in supermarkets. As John mentioned, fish oil has an unpleasant taste which can be reduced by consuming fish oil capsules but this will not resolve the ‘fish burps’, unfortunately.
Flaxseed oil is a great solution for vegetarians who do not eat fish as well as pregnant women who are concerned about ingesting contaminants present in some fish. Not only is flaxseed oil a great sustainable source of omega-3 EFAs, it also allows your body to better regulate EPA and DHA levels without the risk of overdose of either fatty acids. The body’s natural ability to convert ALA to EPA and DHA also ensures that the EPA and DHA derived from flax and used by the body is fresher and not subjected to any harmful refining and purification processes that can cause damage to these essential fats.
In sum, it is up to you to decide which nutritional supplement you prefer to take as both fish and flaxseed oil are rich sources of omega-3 EFAs. Weigh up the pros and cons of what suits your body and lifestyle best. Perhaps even try both flax and fish oil supplements and see which one you prefer.
|
|
What is this blog all about? |
|
|
|
Last week, I asked my Mom why she religiously takes particular natural oil supplements such as her Omega 3, 6, 9 blend that lives in the fridge. Her response was that the lady at her local health shop advised her too. She didn’t really question the advice; instead, she picked up the product and went straight to the cashier to make her purchase. This revealed a trend – the lack of well-informed natural health supplement users.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Online Blog
Read up on our latest blog and give us your feedback. We always enjoy hearing from you. click here for access. |
|
Newsletter
Would you like to stay up to date with the latest product releases and more? Please use the form below to sign up for our newsletter. |
|
|
Blog
