The benefits of flax oil (linseed) – Dr Johanna
Budwig
Omega-3 fatty acids are important nutrients that are involved in
many human biological processes. The body cannot make these chemicals and must
obtain them from dietary sources or from supplements. Omega-3 family comprises
three fatty acids namely : - Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Clinical studies on
animals have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may offer some protection against
cancer, heart disease, arthritis and kidney failure. Diet is the best source
of omega-3 fatty acids. Oils from some coldwater fish such as sardines, salmon,
herring, mackerel, halibut, stripped bass, tuna, shark and cod have high concentration
of omega-3 fatty acids. However, if they are caught in the wild, they are likely
to contain toxins absorbed from pollution. For instance, shark and swordfish may
also contain high level of mercury. Plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids
include kidney beans, navy beans, soybeans, flaxseed and flaxseed oil. In
1990 the National Cancer Institute (NCI) launched a program to learn more about
biologically active plant chemicals, phytochemicals, in certain foods that may
help to prevent cancer. Flaxseed was the first of six foods to be studied. Preliminary
results indicate that flaxseed oil can exert powerful anticancer properties if
the oil is high in lignan precursors based on clinical studies on animals. Lignans
can act as antiestrogens or as weak estrogens, which may play a role in preventing
estrogen-dependent cancers such as breast cancer and other cancers. Lignans may
also function as antioxidants and may slow cell growth by mechanisms not yet understood.
When flaxseeds are consumed, the lignans are chemically converted into active
forms by bacteria in the intestine. Dr Johanna Budwig, a German biochemist
and a seven-time Nobel Prize nominee, first brought attention to flaxseed oil
as a treatment in 1950s through a diet she devised for cancer patients. The patients
were given flaxseed oil mixed with cottage cheese and milk and meals high in fruits,
vegetables and fiber. She claimed that within three months, some patients
on this diet had smaller tumours, some had no tumour left, and felt better. Dr
Budwig mixed cottage cheese with flaxseed oil to make the oil water soluble and
easily digestible. Only highly unsaturated fats become water soluble when combine
with protein. If you wish to know more about Dr Budwig's dietary therapy for cancer
patients, you may refer to her books. - Flax Oil as a True Aid Against
Arthritis, Heart Infarction, Cancer and Other Diseases
- The Oil Protein
Diet Cookbook
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