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Phillips Close Quarter Combat Training News
Flaxseed Oil
By Stanley
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Fifty-four percent of Americans are overweight, and 22% of them are considered obese… is that so startling, considering there’s a fat, I mean, fast-food joint on nearly every street corner? Fifty-four percent of Americans are overweight, and 22% of them are considered obese… is that so startling, considering there’s a fat, I mean, fast-food joint on nearly every street corner? With many of us following a “low-fat” diet to avoid being overweight and doing our best to stay healthy, why are we still gaining so much weight – fat weight to be precise? Well, it’s not too much fat in our diets (literally) killing us but too little of the “right” kind of fat. In reality, many Americans are suffering from a massive fat deficiency that is contributing to the rise of obesity, diabetes, arthritis, breast cancer, depression, immune-system dysfunction, PMS, hyperactivity in children, and many more ill-fated complications common today. Believe it or not, it takes (good) fat to lose (bad) fat. This is what’s wrong with many “low-fat” nutrition programs offered these days. “Good fats,” also known as essential fatty acids, on the other hand, actually increase our metabolic rate and improve our overall health at the same time. Essential fats are so named because they are “essential” to our body’s normal cell functioning, and we cannot produce them on our own; thus, they must be supplemented or consumed as part of our normal diets. Essential fatty acids, or EFA’s are required for our overall health, including proper metabolism, energy production, regulation of cell functions, and healing of tissues and injuries. EFA’s can help us stay fit and healthy, while those dreaded unhealthy “bad” fats, such as the processed fats found in fried foods or margarine, compromise health and performance. Flaxseed is one the “best” readily available sources of essential fatty acids (EFA’s). Flaxseed contains a very important substance known as omega-3 fats-labeled by many leading nutritionists as “the fat that heals.” Like most unsaturated oils, flaxseed oil contains linolenic acid. But flaxseed differs from most vegetable oil because it contains alpha-linolenic acid or (ALA), which is high in these all – important omega-3 fats. In fact, it is the best-known source of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fats) available, as well as being a good source of some very important vitamins and minerals. Active people report that flaxseed supplements help them recover more quickly after workouts and help decrease post-workout muscle soreness. Researchers believe this effect may be because flaxseed has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers also believe flaxseed oil may increase the body’s metabolic rate and help the body burn fat more quickly. Animal studies support this theory, although more research is needed to determine if it is an effective weight-loss for humans. Therapeutic uses Recent studies suggest flaxseed oil offers powerful cardiovascular protection by improving arterial circulation, arterial function, and energy production. And, as little as one tablespoon of flaxseed oil a day has also been shown to significantly lower blood pressure. The National Cancer Institute became interested in flaxseed after European studies revealed it could shrink certain tumors and combat cancers found in breast, prostate, and lung cells. Flaxseed also contains a type of anti-inflammatory agent that may help relieve the painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions. High-protein dieters Too much protein in our daily diet and what tends to happen? The unpleasantness of constipation occurs. Working in opposition of protein’s tendency to constipate, flaxseed oil helps soften protein hardened stool, allowing us to be more “regular.” And it does so without adding “fattening” or bad fats to the diet. One of the downsides to flaxseed in the form of oil is its instability when exposed to light, air, heat, or metal. For that reason, some individuals prefer taking flaxseed oil in capsule form or including flaxseeds in their daily diet regimen. But a working refrigerator is all that is needed to keep your flaxseed oil fresh and cold. In conclusion While the research continues on, many sports nutrition experts are already highly recommending this powerful “good” fat. Because the research has already revealed flaxseed may support healthy hormone secretions, decrease muscle soreness, and fight both free radicals and inflammation, at the very least, it could supply your body with an extra aid for recovery and allow you to exercise more intensely – or just plain live a healthier life. So, before taking this or any supplement check with your doctor, and enjoy good health.
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