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They are required for the transport and metabolism of both cholesterol and triglycerides. They are able to lower high cholesterol levels by up to 25 % and high triglycerides by up to 65 %. |
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They are required for normal development and function of the brain. The highest concentrations of Omega-3 EFAs occur in the brain and retina and there is irreversible damage to vision and learning ability if the foetus and young baby are deficient in Omega-3 EFAs. Recent research is linking brain disorders as diverse as Multiple Sclerosis, Post Natal Depression, Schizophrenia and Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD / ADHD) with lack of Omega-3 EFAs. |
| 3. |
Omega-3 EFAs are required in the structure of the membranes that surround each cell and organelle in the body. Lack of Omega-3 EFAs causes ‘leaky’ membranes, allowing substances which ought not, to pass in and out of the cell, which can cause allergies, eczema, skin conditions, asthma etc |
| 4. |
Omega-3 EFAs and sulphur amino acids together are involved in oxygen transport across the cell membranes. They increase lowered vitality and many people feel an increase in energy when first taking flax oil. Muscles recover more rapidly after exercise, because of an increased rate of lactic acid breakdown, and athletes often experience improved performance. At high levels of intake (45 – 60 ml per day) metabolic rate is increased, which can assist in burning excess body fat.
Because of this increased oxygen transport, Omega-3 EFAs and sulphur amino acids together effectively improve blood ‘circulation’, and therefore decrease the risk of gangrene in diabetics. |
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Omega-3 EFAs slow down the growth of cancer cells, candida and other anaerobic organisms which cannot live in the presence of oxygen. |
| 6. |
The body makes the Series 3 prostaglandins from Omega-3 EFAs, which regulate the following functions:
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platelet stickiness. A single 15 ml dose of flax seed oil can restore platelet stickiness to normal, but the dose must be repeated daily to maintain these levels. High platelet stickiness is the first stage of clot formation which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, phlebitis and pulmonary embolism. |
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arterial muscle tone, which involves them in maintaining normal blood pressure. |
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the inflammatory response, which involves them in controlling all inflammatory conditions like arthritis and psoriasis. |
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sodium excretion, which involves them in controlling water retention - PMS and overweight. |
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immune function, which involves them in conditions such as virus infections, cancer, AIDS and allergies. |
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Nature's richest source of the Omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA) a-Linolenic acid - it is important to realise that ‘essential’ means just that - we absolutely have to have them to live and be healthy, our bodies cannot make them, so we have to obtain them from our food or from food supplements.
So what do Omega-3 EFAs do in our body?
All these regulatory functions are reversing the ‘fight or flight’ or stress response in the body, so if your body is deficient in Omega-3 EFAs you do not wind down normally from the stress response.
Flax Seed Oil has also been proven to be beneficial in treatment programs against diabetes; as Omega-3 EFAs have the function of normalising fat metabolism, and decreasing the amount of insulin required by diabetics. The removal of sugar and saturated fatty acids, and addition of Omega-3 EFAs also helps to treat diabetic neuropathy in Type II diabetes.
It is important to remember that there are co-factors required for metabolising Omega-3 EFAs: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, Vitamins A, C, & E, Pantothenic acid, Zinc Iron, & Potassium. Ideally most, if not all of these will already be in your diet in sufficient quantities, but often in disease or sicknesses there are multiple deficiencies operating.
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