Flax and Figures by Jade Beutler R.R.T.,R.C.P. Many myths surround the role of fats and oils in attaining weight management and loss, let alone the maintenance of optimal health. The beliefs shared by the majority of Americans regarding this important area of nutrition have, by and large, been forged by food industries and mass media. We have been led to believe that saturated fats are unhealthful, and polyunsaturated fats, in the form of commercialized grocery store oils and margarines, are healthful. Although the excessive ingestion of saturated fats is linked to degenerative disease, their role is now believed to be smaller than once thought. As mortality rates attributed to fat related deaths continue to mount, a review of the literature from 1909 to present reveals a decreased consumption of saturated fats per capita, with a drastic increase in the consumption of altered (hydrogenated, commercialized) fats and oils. It appears as though the American public has been duped. Although significant scientific evidence exists to attest to the unhealthful nature of refined fats and oils, those charged with protecting our health appear powerless amid a market driven by strong consumer demand and huge commercial profits. The American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association now recommend a diet in which less than 30% of calories are from fat. A more prudent approach, as viewed by many forward thinking nutritionists, would consist of no more than 20% fats with careful consideration of type of fats consumed. In fact, unrefined expeller pressed oils, high in the essential fatty acids found most abundantly in flax seed and borage oils are considered valuable in weight management, weight loss, and numerous health maladies. One nutritionist, and fatty acid authority has gone so far as to suggest that any diet undertaken without the addition of the essential fatty acids is destined to fail. Cliff Sheats, nutritionist and author of Lean Bodies, echoes the sentiments. The hypothesis behind these beliefs could be attributed to what acclaimed researcher, Donald Rudin, Ph.D., describes as a modern deficiency state. His research has revealed that, as Americans, we consume only 20% of the essential fatty acids required for optimal health. Because of this overt condition, some individuals may crave foods rich in fats.  Perhaps our bodies attempt to attain the
all important essential fats. Unfortunately,
more often than not, we reach for saturated
fats, refined fats and oils, and foods
containing them. Unhealthful fats compete
with the essential fats (alpha linolenic and
linoleic) for metabolic conversion and
cellular membranes, further exacerbating
essential fatty acid deficiency. Those
undertaking a program to manage type,
quantity, and quality of fats consumed have
reported a lack of craving for unhealthful,
fat laden, and sweet food stuffs. Because all
of the fatty acids necessary for optimal
health can be metabolized from the
essential fatty acids, a generous percentage
of the recommended 20% of calories
consumed as fats may be taken in this
form.
Other attributes linked to essential fatty acid intake and weight management include thermogenesis and increased oxygen uptake at the cellular level. Thermogenesis is the result of activated brown adipose tissue. These specialized fat cells, which comprise roughly 10% of total body fat, are capable of burning approximately one fourth of calories consumed. A breakthrough came when it was discovered that gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a special fat nutrient, was shown to activate brown fat. GLA can be metabolized from the linoleic acid found in flaxseed oil or taken directly from nature's richest source in borage seed oil (24% GLA). Increased oxygen uptake is experienced when greater utilization of oxygen occurs in our cells. This precipitates an accelerated production of the cellular energy catalyst adenosinetri-phostate (ATP). ATP is important because it is necessary to supply the energy for all the work the body must do. For these reasons and more, competitive athletes have included essential fatty acids in their diets to facilitate athletic performance. Alaskan sled dog mushers have added flax seed oil to their dogs' diets for the same reasons. Increased energy production is associated with accelerated caloric burn. In seeking a dietary supplement of essential fatty acids, insist on certified organic flax seed and borage oils. One company that has set stringent quality assurance standards is Barlean's Organic Oils. Their protocol includes manufacturer direct delivery to retail health food stores and exclusive processing technology to exclude damaging light, heat, and oxygen. Barlean's attention to detail has won the support of many leading authorities in health and nutrition.  References:1) Hydrogenated Oils and Fats; The Presence of Chemically Modified Fatty Acids in Human Adipose Tissue, L.H. Thomas. (A.J.C.N., 1981) 2) Thermogenesis in Brown Adipose Tissue as an Energy Buffer, (New England Journal of Medicine, 1984) 3) Obesity Linked to Metabolism in Brown Fat, (Chemical Engineering News, February 16, 1981), 4) Weight Loss Produced by Evening Primrose Oil Administration in Normal and Schizophrenic Individuals, P. Vaddad, K.S. and D.J. Horrobin (IRCS Medical Science, 1979.) 5) Flaxing Your Muscles, Fatty Acids for Fitness, Jay Robb (Health World, 1990). |