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
>