Role of Flaxseed / Fish Oil

[gymBum]

hey
i hear a lot about flax seed and fish oil and how they are pretty important. what are their main benefits, do they make an actual difference?
thnx
peace

[gymBum]

flax seeds are 1/3 flax seed oil and the rest is primarily protein and fibers. The oil contains the fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6. (omega 3 is the fatty acid that salmon is primarily known for). Studies have shown that omega 3 deficiency are related to acne and other skin problems. As for working out, flax seeds improve digestion, cardiovascular health and help to stabilize glucose levels. The protein they contain are an excellent source for all the amino acids (necessary for muscle growth)

[gymBum]

the Omega 3 essential fatty acid (EFA) helps joint flexibility and the general health of your heart (your heart is fairly important btw)

[gymBum]

omega3 helps your body to burn excess nutrients quickly which is very helpful for controlling your weight and cutting down on body fat. Fish Oil/Flaxseed oil's omega 3 can also decrease cravings for fatty foods.

On a more scientific level, there is a chemical in the brain called galanin which is produced in large amounts when we eat fatty foods (cookies, oily foods and such) OR when we don't eat for a while. this is proposed to be one of the reasons we can't stop after just one cookie (gives an interesting look on pringles). The Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats help to curb this craving.

[gymBum]

I have heard that the flax seed oil is not as worth your money as the fish oil, unsure why but this is what a nutritionist just recently told me

[gymBum]

The omega-3s are known to increase your levels of serotonin which can help fight depression OR just make you feel better/more happy. I have definitely noticed this effect and would highly recommend the omega 3 containing supplements/foods. I tend to just take pills because salmon is a pain to eat on the fly

Hope this helps
Peace