Flax oil & the importance of healthy fats

If you want to be fit and healthy -- and especially if you want to lose weight -- you HAVE to eat fats! Too many people make the mistake of cutting out all fat from their diet, thinking that this is the proper way to lower body fat levels. This is absolutely not true and is actually one of the most dangerous "diet myths" around. Simply put, your body needs fats -- especially healthy fats like those found in flax seed oil -- to function properly. Adding a few spoonfulls (per day) of flax oil to your diet is one of the smartest things you can do...

From eDiets.com:

Most people who are looking to get lean avoid dietary fat like the plague. This is one of those great myths that never seems to die. Dietary fat is absolutely essential in your quest to get lean, but it must be the right type and in the correct amounts.

One of the most amazing fats you can consume is flaxseed oil. The magical flaxseed has health benefits that will make you run out and buy some after reading this article.

There are two essential fats that your body is unable to produce, the omega-6 fat called linoleic acid and the omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid. These fats, which are both in flax oil, are essential, because they actually help to form parts of the structure of your brain, eyes, ears, adrenals, joints and just about every cell in the body. When these two fats are deficient, body function declines. Plus, these essential fats help reduce body fat. Yes, you read that right -- they help reduce body fat.

According to The Complete Guide to Fats and Oils in Health and Nutrition by Udo Erasmus and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, clinical and physiological research has shown that the majority of diets are deficient in omega-3 fats and this deficiency can result in:

Coronary Heart Disease: Studies show that oils containing omega-3 can have a number of beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease. Omega-3’s have been shown to reduce the cholesterol ratio, blood pressure, triglyceride levels and cardiac arrhythmia.

Cancer: Omega-3 has been shown to selectively kill human cancer cells in tissue culture studies, without harming normal cells. Clinical studies are confirming the potential of high doses of omega-3 to reduce tumor growth.

Arthritis: Several double blind studies have shown that when oils rich in omega-3 are taken as a dietary supplement, about two-thirds of patients are able to discontinue their non-steroidal drugs and a further 20 percent can cut down their drug use.

Skin Problems: Skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, dry skin and other allergic conditions have all been shown to be partly related to omega-3 deficiency.

Stress: Omega-3 fatty acids are the precursors for the Series 3 prostaglandin's, which regulate immune function and are responsible for reversing the body's physiological response to stress. Some clinical studies have indicated a sense of calmness in response to omega-3 's.

Take a look at some other interesting facts about flax oil:

# Assists in the protection of the body against inflammation, water retention and lowered immune system.

# Shortens recovery time for worked-out muscles after high exertion.

# Assists in the healing of sprains and bruises.

# Increases the metabolic rate by stimulating brown fat cells, making it easier to lose body fat.

Lignan, a phytochemical that acts as an antioxidant, is found in flax. Populations that have high amounts of Lignan in their diet show low incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer.

It’s important to look for high quality flaxseed oil. Based on the fact that flax oil can easily be destroyed by light and oxygen, it should come in a dark or amber brown bottle. In addition, it should be refrigerated and never used for cooking. It can be combined in a protein shake or poured over your favorite food.

As with everything in the world of health, flax is not the sole answer to all your issues. It’s a great supplement, but you still need to train with weights, perform cardiovascular exercise and consume nutritious foods. Flax oil is marvelous fat and one more ingredient in your arsenal for great health and fitness.

Learn more at eDiets.com...


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