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R.B. · 04-06-2006, 02:35 PM

I am not an expert. There are no absolute answers.

I have read fairly widely.

If you have not looked at the posts on flaxseed on this site that would be a good starting point. (search engine top right above type in flaxseed). There is debate as to whether flax seed is good or bad in terms of phto estrogens but there are cogent arguments that it is benificial. The arguments links etc are contained in the psots on this site. These arguments realte to flax and cannot be generalised to soy.

There is a link on articles of interest the importance of omega three and six to breast cancer which is good background reading. Print it out and go back to it when you need to. It does not matter if you only get the gist at the start you will find you go back to it.

Do you need fish oil preferably in fish and omega three sources (linolenic acid n3 18:3). Linolenic acid found in flax seed is the starting point and basic ingredient in a chain that allows the body to make DHA and EPA and other n3 derivates. There is debate on how well the body does this. Many suggest the body does not do it very well, and particularly if it is not functioning 100% which is most of us. So apart from the fish stock implications the safest solution is to consume some oily fish / fish oil. Some fish contain toxins. Generally the longer lived the fish the higher the toxins. I have seen trials suggesting that the body usage of DHA tails of at over 2grams, which would suggest a dosage of abouts two grams a day.

There are no hard and fast rules. The subject is open and hotly debated, with no guarantees although it does seem to be accepted now in some medical circles that if nothing else it will help with heart health. I personally think it has much wider implications.

It really is best to try and get to grips with the subject yourself so you have a better idea of the implications of the omega three six balance.

For me the key is to cut down on omgega sixes and try and balance the threes and sixes. This takes a little effort and application to work out what contains what, including label reading etc.

It is always best to discuss significant dietary change with your advisors. You can alaways print out technical items to take along with you.

I hope this helps -

RB

04-06-2006, 02:35 PM	#2
R.B. Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,843	I am not an expert. There are no absolute answers. I have read fairly widely. If you have not looked at the posts on flaxseed on this site that would be a good starting point. (search engine top right above type in flaxseed). There is debate as to whether flax seed is good or bad in terms of phto estrogens but there are cogent arguments that it is benificial. The arguments links etc are contained in the psots on this site. These arguments realte to flax and cannot be generalised to soy. There is a link on articles of interest the importance of omega three and six to breast cancer which is good background reading. Print it out and go back to it when you need to. It does not matter if you only get the gist at the start you will find you go back to it. Do you need fish oil preferably in fish and omega three sources (linolenic acid n3 18:3). Linolenic acid found in flax seed is the starting point and basic ingredient in a chain that allows the body to make DHA and EPA and other n3 derivates. There is debate on how well the body does this. Many suggest the body does not do it very well, and particularly if it is not functioning 100% which is most of us. So apart from the fish stock implications the safest solution is to consume some oily fish / fish oil. Some fish contain toxins. Generally the longer lived the fish the higher the toxins. I have seen trials suggesting that the body usage of DHA tails of at over 2grams, which would suggest a dosage of abouts two grams a day. There are no hard and fast rules. The subject is open and hotly debated, with no guarantees although it does seem to be accepted now in some medical circles that if nothing else it will help with heart health. I personally think it has much wider implications. It really is best to try and get to grips with the subject yourself so you have a better idea of the implications of the omega three six balance. For me the key is to cut down on omgega sixes and try and balance the threes and sixes. This takes a little effort and application to work out what contains what, including label reading etc. It is always best to discuss significant dietary change with your advisors. You can alaways print out technical items to take along with you. I hope this helps - RB