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Date: | Wed, 13 Jun 2001 14:51:41 -0400 |
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Siobhan,
Very interesting about the flaxseed/thyroid connection. Sally Fallon and
Mary Enig seem to recommend only small amounts of flaxeed, and I never knew
why, especially since the conversion rate of the ALA is so low.
>It has been found that cooking the flax seed (usually in
> something else) deactivates the cyanogen
I would assume that would damage the oil in the process.
-Karen
----- Original Message -----
From: "siobhan" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2001 8:47 AM
Subject: Re: Question regarding Neanderthin
> Karen wrote:
>
> <<A recent study ('98 I believe), showed that the ALA in flax (and other
> plant
> sources) are very poorly converted to the bioavailable EPA and DHA.
> (something like 6 % and 1 % respectively). The enzyme responsible for the
> conversion may be affected by the following factors: presence of Omega-6
> oils in the diet; deficiencies of magnesium, zinc, and B6; and presence of
> trans-fats in the diet.>>
>
> ** This is true. The presence of high levels of saturated,
> monounsaturated, trans-fst, and cholesterol will inhibit conversion of ALA
> to EPA.
>
> The conversion of ALA to EPA relies upon adequate levels of B3, B6, C,
> Magnesium and Zinc to fuel the action of the D6 desaturase enzyme (this
> action of this enzyme is required for conversion).
>
> In general, it takes about ten grams of ALA to convert to one gram EPA.
>
> Flaxseed also contains cyanogen that our bodies convert into the
chemical
> thiocyanate. If one has large amounts of this in the blood (more than 3
> tablespoons a day of flax seed) it can interfere with the take up of
iodine
> by the thyroid. It has been found that cooking the flax seed (usually in
> something else) deactivates the cyanogen.
>
> <<The popularity of flax oil seems to be part of the health food industry
> hype
> that I'm finding out is more rampant than I knew.>>
>
> Flax oil spoils easily when exposed to air, heat, or light.
>
> I don't know that I'd consider the talk of flax oil "hype". It's a
> reasonable alternative for vegetarians.
> Siobhan
>
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