The Queen of Health

SMART OILS...THE GOOD ONES!
By Tami Hulcher, Health Educator

Scientists at Purdue University found that individuals with symptoms of A.D.D./A.D.H.D. have lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s possible that behavior and school performance, as well as violence and aggression may also have similar links to dietary fatty acids.

According to Dr. Michael Schmidt, Ph.D., “some doctors have reported cases in which learning difficulties, memory problems, mood disorders, behavior problems, seizures, stroke, autism, and other brain-related disorder have been corrected or improved by a diet with the right concentrations of brain-boosting fats.”

Our brains need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. We can get DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid from cold water fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies and bluefin. Other brain-protecting omega 3-fatty acids are found in flaxseed oil, canola oil, chia seeds, hemp seed oil, and wheat germ oil to name a few. I, however do not personally recommend canola oil.

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in the fat of beef, pork, chicken and turkey, although I prefer to get it from cod-liver oil, peanuts and few species of seaweed and marine algae

Dr. Donald Rudin, author of The Omega-3 Phenomenon has estimated that over the past 75 years we have reduced our intake of omega-3 fatty acids by 80 percent! We eat less fish, and we take in more of the bad oils, like hydrogenated oils. Our consumption of trans-fatty acids has skyrocketed as much as 2500 %, with a 250% increase in sugar consumption. This interferes with the enzymes that body needs to use fatty acids.

THE MIRACULOUS FLAX

For more than 7,000 years, humankind has been consuming flax seed. Mahatma Gandhi observed: “Whenever flaxseed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health.” Flax has a high dose of LNA (omega-3) fatty acids; a proper ratio of LNA to LA (omega-6) fatty acids; fiber which lowers cholesterol; and lignans, a fiber that is a potent blocker of some kinds of cancer.

Flax seed offers protein with all the amino acids, which means it’s a complete protein. It also offers: complex carbohydrates (assists in digestion and regulation of protein and fat metabolism); fiber (good for keeping the digestive tracts from clogging with mucus, keeps colon clean), and mucilage (like pectin in apples keeps bowels regular).

Flax seed is rich in minerals (phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulfur, sodium, zinc, iron and trace amounts of others. Flax seed contains vitamins such as E, carotene, B1, B2, and vitamin C.

This marvelous, miraculous seed has proven benefits: cancer therapy, treatment for heart disease, reversal of symptoms of diabetes, skin conditions, inflammatory conditions (diseases that end in “itis”), sexual disorders, water retention, helps with vitality, and increased calmness (good for stress).

Some doctors and researchers have found that the “nutrient brain-starved” A.D.D./A.D.H.D. patients are helped with proper doses of flax seed and more fresh fruits and vegetables. I can attest to this, my own son has been diagnosed with A.D.H.D. and with proper diet, no longer takes Ritalin or any medications at all!

Excerpted charts from The Omega-3 Phenomenon, shows typical periods of time from a pilot study. Patients saw the following benefits:

2 hours mood improved, depression relieved
2-7 days smoother skin, hands and fingers smoother
2-14 days relief for disturbed mental patients, relief of anxiety
2-6 weeks osteoarthritis relieved, less inflammation and pain, tinnitus and noises in ears subside, dandruff less noticeable
2-4 months rheumatoid pain diminished, easy bruising reduced, no nighttime leg cramps, improved skin color, fewer muscle spasms
3-6 months diminished food allergies, improved cold tolerance, overall increased calm and feeling of well-being

Now that you’re convinced, please be cautious when running out to buy flax, flax seed oil or any supplements. Producing flaxseed oil is a very delicate process. You don’t want to heat, thereby damage or destroy the vital LNA. Flax seed oil becomes rancid quickly. How long has that flax seed oil supplement that you just bought been sitting in a warehouse, then the shelf of the health food store? Flax seed and flax seed oil should always be refrigerated! And flax seeds must be freshly ground for maximum benefits. Whole seeds will go through your system.

I buy organic flax seeds and grind them fresh daily. I put the flax meal over salads, in pancakes, in health shakes, in hot cereal, wherever I can. It tastes like ground almonds, but drink lots of water. The mucilage absorbs five times its own weight in water. About 1-2 tablespoons a day is good.

Another good source is fresh flax seed oil sold in the refrigerated section of most health food stores. Although a great source, still you have to worry about when it was processed, and taking it straight is not appetizing. Never cook with flax seed oil, but you can with the flax meal.

As you can see, flax is truly a miraculous “super food”. Your health regime should include flax for better overall health. And don’t forget your elderly parents or your children, everyone benefits from flax.

(Always check with your doctor, prior to taking any supplements. However, if you can eat other seeds, flax should meet with his/her approval.)

(sources: Choose Radiant Health and Happiness by Dr. Susan Smith Jones, Ph.D.; The Omega-3 Phenomenon by Dr. Donald Rudin; Smart Fats by Dr. Michael Schmidt, Ph.D..)

(Tami Hulcher is a health educator, motivational speaker, and president of Ola Loa, Inc. She has made appearances on NBC’s Today in L.A. show, KTLA’s Morning Show, and KESQ-ABC TV. Her popular lecture series “Getting You and Your Kids To Eat Right” has been featured in many schools, businesses, churches, health spas, and she has appeared in many magazines. Tami is also the former Mrs. California~America 2002.)