i just take 15ml (tbsp) at a time
as for what flax oil does for u?
http://www.udoerasmus.com/articles/udo/udo_index.htm
As you probably know, consuming dietary fat is an important part of a fitness orientated lifestyle, and more importantly, overall health. Fats can be broken down into two basic groups, saturated and unsaturated. More importantly, fats can be labeled as essential and nonessential.
Essential fats must be consumed through ones diet because the body cannot synthesize them. In this article, we will answer:
What are the essential fatty acids?
What do essential fatty acids do?
What happens if you do not get enough essential fatty acids?
Sources of essential fatty acids?
So let's get started!
The Essential Fatty Acids
Alpha linolenic acid (LNA) (omega-3) which can be converted into:
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (omega-3)
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (omega-3)
Linoleic acid (LA) (omega-6) which can be converted into:
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) (omega-6)
Dihomogamma linolenic acid (DGLA) (omega-6)
Arachidonic acid (AA) (omega-6)
What Do They Do?
Energy Production
Diffusion of oxygen into the bloodstream
Hemoglobin production
Vital for the transportation and metabolism of triglycerides and cholesterol
Brain and nerve tissue development
Control cell membrane fluids
Lower high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Stabilize insulin and blood sugar levels
Treat arthritis
Anti-inflammatory effect
Helpful in inflammatory conditions
Relieve asthma.
Ease PMS symptoms
Decrease allergy response
Strengthen immune system
Reduce water retention, by assisting in sodium and water removal.
Aids in skin texture
Alleviate psoriasis
Calming effect and regulates mood [2]
No doubt, essential fatty acids are of extreme importance. There is more to them though.
Prostaglandins
LNA and LA are metabolized into eicosanoids. Eicosanoids can be further classified as Leukotrienes, Prostaglandins, Thromboxanes. For the purpose of this article, we will only examine prostaglandins.
Prostagladins are hormone like chemicals that regulate cellular activity. Prostagadins (PGs) are categorized into one of three groups, depending on which fatty acid they were metabolized from. The groups are, Series 1 PG’s, Series 2 PG’s, and Series 3 PG’s.
Series 1 PG’s
Series 1 PG’s are formed from Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), (Which is converted from LA). Series 1 PG’s are labeled as "Good" prostagladins. This is because they improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, decrease inflammation, among other cellular functions [3]. Perhaps the most crucial effect is preventing arachidonic acid (AA) from being released by cells. The reason why this is so important is because AA is what makes Series 2 PG’s.
Some of the main reasons why Series 1 PG’s are so important to bodybuilders and those concerned with their health are:
Muscle cell protein synthesis is increased
Insulin Sensitivity is enhanced (Meaning less insulin is needed to deliver glucose)
Elevates Growth Hormone secretion [4]
Series 2 PG’s
Series 2 PG’s are labeled as "Bad" prostagladins. As said eariler, Series 2 PG’s are made from arachidonic acid. They facilitate sodium retention, inflammation, and the formation of blood clots [3]. Series 2 PG’s also increase cortisol release, a very catabolic hormone. Anyone interesting in building muscle does not want this to happen.
Series 3 PG’s
Series 3 PG’s are made from EPA (Which is converted from LNA). Series 3 PG’s are "Good" PG’s because they also prevent the formation of Series 2 PG’s.
Series 2 PG’s are not totally bad though. They are needed to ensure a proper testosterone level. I wouldn’t stress too much on this. Your body is constantly working to keep everything balanced. Trying to get overly technical and predict the exact amount of fat needed to get the best of both worlds is impossible. As long as you a getting the needed essential fatty acids, you shouldn’t be too concerned with this.
EFA Deficiency Syndromes
LA Deficiency Syndromes:
Eczema-like skin eruptions
Loss of hair
Liver degeneration
Behavioral disturbances
Kidney degeneration
Excessive sweating accompanied by thirst
Drying up of glands
Susceptibility to infections
Failure of wound healing
Sterility in males
Miscarriage in females
Arthritis-like conditions
Heart and circulatory problems
Growth retardation[1]
LNA Deficiency Syndromes:
Growth retardation
Weakness Impairment of vision and learning ability
Motor incoordination
Tingling sensations in arms and legs
Behavioral changes[1]
How Much Should You Be Getting?
We see the importance of essential fatty acids. Now how much do we need. The general recommendation is a ratio of LA to LNA of 4:1 or 3:1. The reason for this ratio is the fact that LNA is metabolized four times quicker than LA. So for every one gram of LNA, you should consume three to four grams of LA. Also, most diets get ample amounts of LA, but very low amounts of LNA. There is not an established RDA for essential fatty acids.
Choosing The Right "Supplement" For You
As you begin to look at essential fatty acids supplements, oils, or foods you will notice that just about all of them have more LNA than LA. You remember that you should be getting a ratio of LA to LNA of 3-4:1, but do not be alarmed. As mentioned, you get a good amount of LA in your diet already. But because you need LNA in your diet, most companies’ supplements contain more LNA than LA.
Capsules Vs. Oil
One of the first things people look at when buying anything is the price. It is much more economical to buy an oil, such as flax seed, than to buy capsules. You get more EFAs this way. But, one thing you will notice is the oil’s taste. I for one actually like the way flax seed oil taste. It makes other people want to puke though. If you feel you do not want to taste your EFAs, I recommend buying capsules.
Capsules are also more convenient. Just throw one in your mouth and wash it down with water. You can also easily take capsules with you one the go. You have to figure out how much money you have to spend, the need for convenience, and you personal preference for taste.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you can get all your EFA needs through food. Here is a short list of some foods that contain EFAs.
Where They Are Naturally Found
Omega 3:
Salmon
Tuna
Trout
Walnuts
Flax Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Flax Seed Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Soy Bean Oil
Omega 6:
Corn Oil
Soy Bean Oil
Sunflower Oil
Safflower Oil
Walnuts
Pumpkin Seeds
You can sprinkle flax seeds in your cereal or salads, eat fish, or grab a handful of walnuts to get your EFAs.
So what it comes down to is choosing what is best for you. The important thing is that you get those essential fatty acids and live a healthy life.
