Various Oils

Herb Of The Week / Oils / Flaxseed Oil

I have chosen to feature oils in the next few posts. There are good
oils and bad oils. Some obvious (or maybe not so obvious) bad oils are
any kind of oil resulting from frying foods. But also hydrogenated
vegetable oils are in almost all the processed, refined foods that we
eat. Check out the prepared, refined, processed food in your
cabinets. They are loaded with hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVO's),
because HVO's increase the shelf life of food products. Some foods can
be stored indefinitely when hvo's are added. Notwithstanding that
hvo's are considered toxic by more than a few health experts, most off
the shelf cooking oils and shortenings are not the best of oils either.

You can learn more about oils at an excellent web site: (I wrote the
article!)

http://www.beginnersguidetoherbs.com/h3.htm

But on to flaxseed oil......

First cultivated in Europe, the plant's brown seeds were regularly
used to prepare balms for inflamed skin and healing slurries for
constipation. Today, flaxseeds--also called linseeds--are best known
for the therapeutic oil that is derived by pressing them. Rich in
essential fatty acids, or EFAs, flaxseed oil has earned a solid
reputation for treating a range of ailments, from heart disease to
lupus.


The reason oils are important in our diets is because healthy oils
contain what are called essential fatty acids (EFA's). There are
essentially (pun intended) two kinds of essential fatty acids, namely
omega 3 and omega 6. Besides being a great source of lignans,
vitamins, and minerals, flax seed oil is a rich source of essential
fatty acids in just the right proportions.


Americans usually don't get enough omega 3 in their diet, and flax
seed oil is an excellent supplement for this. The brain is largely
composed of fats called phospholipids, which are made from essential
fatty acids. Thus these oils are essential for the function and
structure of the brain and improve cognition, memory, moods and
concentration. The reason fish is called brain food is because it
also is a rich source of omega 3 EFA. Flaxseed oil is the only other
source for high concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 EFA
appears to *BALANCE* cholesterol (new research shows we need some
cholesterol for proper brain functioning) and reduce the risk of heart
disease as well.

Just 1 teaspoon contains about 2.5 grams, equivalent to more than
twice the amount most Americans get through their diets.

Flax seeds themselves contain 12% mucilage, which makes it a gentle,
natural laxative. Flax seeds are perfect for individuals who have a
sensitive stomach. Flax seed oil acts as a buffer for excess stomach
acids, soothes ulcers and irritable bowel disorders, lubricates and
absorbs toxins and prevents toxic build up in the bowels. Persons
suffering from constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS) can alleviate those conditions by adding flax seed to their
diets. Finally, flax seed is high in fiber. The unique combination of
fiber and omega-3 EFA's soften the stool and promote bowel movements
for relief of constipation. Flaxseed cleanses the colon and continued
use may help prevent colon cancer.

Flax seed oil also contains lignans that have anti-viral,
anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties. Flax seeds
have the richest source of lignans, 100 times more than the next best
source, wheat bran. Flax seed also contains lecithin, which emulsifies
fat and cholesterol. These little seeds improve digestion, help
stabilize blood glucose levels and fight tumors.


Without going into great depth, as this is a one page newsletter,
flaxseed oil (and flaxseeds) may help to:

Lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease and control high
blood pressure.

Counter inflammation associated with gout, lupus and fibrocystic
breasts.

Control constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders and
gallstones.

Treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea. The essential
fatty acids in flaxseed oil are largely responsible for its
skin-healing powers.

Promote healthy hair and nails. The abundant omega-3 fatty acids in
flaxseed oil have been shown to contribute to healthy hair growth (in
fact, low levels of these acids may cause dry and lackluster locks).

Minimize nerve damage that causes numbness and tingling as well as
other disorders. The EFAs in flaxseed oil assist in the transmission
of nerve impulses, making the oil potentially valuable in treating
conditions of numbness and tingling.

Reduce cancer risk and guard against the effects of aging. The lignans
in flaxseed oil appear to play a role in protecting against breast,
colon, prostate, and perhaps skin cancer.

Treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility and
endometriosis. Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant
estrogens (phytoestrogens) in flaxseed oil help stabilize a woman's
estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the
menstrual cycle, and relieve the hot flashes of perimenopause and
menopause.


Fight prostate problems, male infertility and impotence. The EFAs in
flaxseed oil may help to prevent swelling and inflammation of the
prostate, the small gland located below the bladder in males that
tends to enlarge with age.


Liquid flaxseed oil is the easiest form to use, although it must be
kept refrigerated. It should be COLD-PRESSED and sold in an opaque
container. Once oil is exposed to heat, light or oxygen it begins to
deteriorate and become rancid. Check the expiration date on the label,
as the oil spoils quickly. Should the oil develop a powerful odor,
discard it.


Flaxseed oil is also called linseed oil. The industrial types of
linseed oil found in hardware stores are not for internal consumption,
however. They may have poisonous additives.


But..... Why take my word for it? IT'S YOUR HEALTH.


You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com ...etc. Enter one or more keywords and do your
own research.

Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.


Until next time,
Quinnten, Editor

Herb Of The Week / Oils / Coconut Oil

Although coconut oil has been slandered as an unhealthy oil, quite a
bit of research supports coconut oil as one of the most healthiest
oils you can possibly ingest!!


To begin with coconut oil has been shown to REGULATE cholesterol in
humans. It lowers high cholesterol levels and raises low cholesterol.
Yes, we must have SOME cholesterol in our body. Cholesterol "greases"
the walls of our veins and arteries and prevents the blood cells from
wearing away the arterial walls. Extremely low levels of cholesterol
have been linked to violent behavior and other mental problems.
Coconut oil also contain lauric acid which is an antiviral chemical.
The only other significant food source of lauric acid is a mother's
milk. It prevents viral infections within the baby.


Dr. Mary G. Enig, of the US, is a consulting nutritionist, biochemist
and an expert in fats and oils analysis and metabolism. There is an
excellent document on coconut oils written by Mary Enig Ph.D. and
Sally Fallon (I never heard of Ms. Fallon but if Ms. Eng likes her,
she must be good) where a sudy of coconut oil concluded that "...Foods
containing trans fat sell because the American public is afraid of the
alternative-saturated fats found in tallow, lard, butter, palm and
COCONUT OIL, fats traditionally used for frying and baking. Yet the
scientific literature delineates a number of vital roles for dietary
saturated fats-they enhance the immune system,54 are necessary for
healthy bones,55 provide energy and structural integrity to the
cells,56 protect the liver57 and enhance the body's use of essential
fatty acids.58 Stearic acid, found in beef tallow and butter, has
cholesterol lowering properties and is a preferred food for the
heart.59 As saturated fats are stable, they do not become rancid
easily, do not call upon the body's reserves of antioxidants, do not
initiate cancer, do not irritate the artery walls....."

You can read this article at http://coconutoil.com/oiling_america.htm


An interesting side-note is that coconut oil STANDS AT ROOM
TEMPERATURE. You may be thinking.... ok? So what?


Well one of the main reasons for using questionably toxic hydrogenated
vegetable oil is that unlike regular vegetable, it stands at room
temperature and can be used to make artificial butter (margerine).
Plain old vegetable oils like corn oil, safflower oil or canola oil
(funny I never saw a canola plant before!!) are "liquidy" and will run
like .... well oil... when poured. But hydrogenated oil stands up and
can be molded like plastic into the shape of a stick of butter.


So the whole thing becomes odd when you consider that while
hydrogenated vegetable oil is linked to a plethora of health problems
while coconut oil which is a far healthier oil is ignored. The
research on coconut oil is factual and documented. So why not make
artificial butter (magerine) from coconut oils? Because coconuts grow
primarily in poor third world countries, economics, greed and yes
racism control the politics of the food industry.



According to Dr. Mary G. Eng, a major threat to using coconut oil in
food is the supposed negative role played by its saturated fat in
causing coronary heart diseases. But important health benefits such as
coconut oil's anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties should not be
sacrificed. According to Dr. Enig, the mainstream nutrition community
has apparently failed to recognise the potential of antimicrobial
lipids in treating HIV-infected or AIDS patients. These acids and
their derivatives are essentially non-toxic to humans. They are
produced in vivo by humans when they ingest common foods having
medium-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid. At the bottom of this
page is a very good book written by Dr. Mary G. Enig called "Know Your
Fats : The Complete Primer for Understanding the Nutrition of Fats,
Oils and Cholesterol"


In the l940s, farmers attempted to use cheap coconut oil for fattening
their animals, but they found that it made them lean, active and
hungry. (Editor's Note: "Lean and active" sounds good to me!) For a
few years, an antithyroid drug was found to make the livestock get fat
while eating less food, but then it was found to be a strong
carcinogen, and it also probably produced hypothyroidism in the people
who ate the meat.

(((Again, economics, greed and yes racism control the politics of the
food industry.))


During 1960s, the US edible oil industry began promoting its
polyunsaturated fats by adopting an anti-saturated fat bias. As a
result of the powerful lobbying, dietary goals and guidelines were
realigned to suit the mistaken idea that consumption of saturated fat
would cause heart diseases. This became the trend in the other parts
of the world too. The increasing rhetoric against saturated fat had a
devastating effect on the coconut industry even through the 1980s.


More recently, American Journal of Public Health acknowledged that
even though ``the focus of dietary recommendations is usually a
reduction of saturated fat intake, no relation between saturated fat
intake and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) was observed in the
most informative prospective study to date.''

Published research claims that lauric acid is one of the best
``inactivating'' fatty acid and its monoglyceride is even more
effective than the fatty acid alone.


But that ain't all.........

Coconut Oil and STD's
A study, carried out by the Philippine Coconut Research and
Development Foundation (PCRDF), the government's San Lazaro Hospital
and pharmaceutical giant United Laboratories since 1989, discovered
that coconut chemical lauric acid inhibits, delays and reduces the
spread of HIV virus. The Philippine breakthrough comes just after a
group of Canadian scientists was able to develop what it called
"invisible condom", a microbial gel that can prevent HIV. The gel
contains sodium lauryl sulfate, a chemical derived from lauric acid
and mother's milk, which is a known microbe killer. Sodium lauryl
sulfate, a soapy substance, dissolves viral membranes and pops them
open. In November's issue of the Discover magazine, the Canadian
scientists headed by Michael Bergeron, said that the "invisible
condom's components are sodium lauryl sulfate and a polymer gel that
is liquid at room temperature and gel at body temperature. On
insertion, the liquid can seep into the smallest vaginal folds, then
turn into a gel that forms a semi-solid physical barrier to infective
agents. The sodium lauryl sulfate acts as the viral killer, Bergeron
said. The "invisible condom", a colorless and odorless gel, can block
AIDS virus and other sexually-transmitted diseases but will not
prevent pregnancy, he added. The Canadians tested their research on
mice and proved to be 90 percent effective in killing genital herpes
virus. With the dual discoveries of coconut oil's importance, the
country stands to benefit in the future. The Philippines supply two
thirds of the global demand for coconut oil which is 45 to 50 percent
lauric acid. Besides all that, you can use it on your hair and skin as
well as eat it.

Herb Of The Week / Oils / Olive Oil

Time For An Oil Change?



Along with Omega 3 fatty acids, there is another essential fatty acid
(EFA) known as Omega-9. And this fatty acid is found in olive oil.

Briefly, the omega-9 in olive oil prevents the formation of plaque in
the arteries and the hardening of the arteries. Olive oil is good for
the heart. In laboratory studies, scientists note that even though
Mediterranean people like Italians and Greeks eat a lot of fatty food,
because of all the olive oil consumed the people have a lower
incidence of heart disease when compared to us (Americans). The
omega-9 fatty acids also help lower the amounts of "bad" transfatty
acids (like omega-6) in our arteries. Olive oil helps regulate blood
sugar and has antioxidant properties which help to prevent cancer.
Olive oil helps to prevent the blood from becoming sticky after a
fatty meal and forming dangerous clots.


Meanwhile ... "Scientists in Chicago say they have uncovered why a
diet rich in olive oil seems to cut the risk of developing breast
cancer. The key is an ingredient of olive oil called oleic acid, they
say. Northwestern University laboratory tests on breast cancer cells
showed the acid sharply cut levels of a gene thought to trigger the
disease. Cancer charities said the study, in Annals of Oncology, was
interesting, but more research was needed...."


THERE HAS BEEN AN EXTREMELY HUGE AMOUNT OF RESEARCH DONE ON OLIVE
LEAVES AND OLVIE OIL TO THE EXTENT THAT THE BENEFITS ARE BEYOND
QUESTION.

The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high
content of essential fatty acids and its high content of antioxidative
substances. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection
against heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels
while raising HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels. (1-3) No other
naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated as
olive oil -mainly oleic acid.

Olive oil is very well tolerated by the stomach. In fact, olive oil's
protective function has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis.
Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much
more naturally than prescribed drugs. Consequently, it lowers the
incidence of gallstone formation.

But while all types of olive oil are sources of monounsaturated fat,
EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil, from the first pressing of the olives,
contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and
phenols, because it is less processed.

Olive oil is clearly one of the good oils, one of the healing fats.
Most people do quite well with it since it does not upset the critical
omega 6 to omega 3 ratio and most of the fatty acids in olive oil are
actually an omega-9 oil which is monounsaturated.

Spanish researchers suggest that including olive oil in your diet may
also offer benefits in terms of colon cancer prevention (5). Their
study results showed that rats fed diet supplemented with olive oil
had a lower risk of colon cancer than those fed safflower
oil-supplemented diets. In fact, the rats that received olive oil had
colon cancer rates almost as low as those fed fish oil, which several
studies have already linked to a reduction in colon cancer risk. In
Oct 2004, Scientists from all over the world met in southern Spain for
the first international conference on olive oil and health.

"Olive oil and wine - healthy and divine," says a famous Spanish
proverb.

Spaniards are indeed three times less likely than northern Europeans
to contract heart disease.
They think it is largely thanks to their olives. But new studies show
that olive oil has an even healthier allure. It promotes strong bone
development, helps to prevent colon and breast cancer, Alzheimer's and
other aging diseases. More than 300 scientists from the world over are
attending the conference in Jaen, the centre of Spain's oil
production, to compare notes, in the hope of persuading their
respective governments to invest more money in olive oil medical
research.

Some facts we should know when purchasing olive oil are:

"Extra-virgin olive oil" comes from the first pressing of the olives,
contains no more than 0.8% acidity, and is judged to have a superior
taste. There can be no refined oil in extra-virgin olive oil.
Extra-virgin oil typically has a noticeable green color.

"Imported from Italy" produces an impression that the olives were
grown in Italy, although in fact it only means that the oil was
bottled there. A corner of the same label may note that the oil was
packed in Italy with olives grown in Spain, Italy, Greece, and
Tunisia. Since Spain produces nearly half of the world's olive
harvest, it is likely the oil "imported from Italy" was grown in Spain.

"100% Pure Olive Oil" sounds like a high-end product, but in fact is
often the lowest quality available in a retail store: better grades
would have "virgin" on the label. Having said that, 100% pure olive
oil might be perfect for baking and frying, since high heat can
destroy the rich flavor of extra-virgin oil.


AGAIN...


Exposure to heat, light or oxygen destroy the healthful properties of
oil used for nutritive purposes.

(Now think of the long rows of clear bottles of oils in the
supermarket already damaged by the light and the possible damage by
the heat while being stored in warehouses)

Flaxseed oil, olive oil, borage oil, primrose oil etc, should be sold
in refrigerated OPAQUE bottles.

So keep olive oil in a cool and dark place (or an opaque bottle),
tightly sealed. Oxygen promotes rancidity. Olive oil is like other
oils and can easily go rancid when exposed to air, light or high
temperatures. There is a device called the PumpNseal which allows you
to vacuum seal your olive oil in any jar, removing all the air. This
makes it possible to store the olive oil without having its quality
affected from air.
But..... Why take my word for it? IT'S YOUR HEALTH.

You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com ...etc. Enter one or more keywords and do your
own research.

Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.


Until next time,
Quinnten, Editor

Herb Of The Week / Oils / Borage oil

The borage plant (Borago officinalis) has been used for hundreds of
years for not only its healing properties but as a flavoring for foods.


Modern science has not found enough evidence that the plant itself has
any therapeutic effects but its seed oil does appear to help in
treating a wide variety of ailments. Borage oil's medicinal effects
are because of its high amounts of an EFA (essential fatty acid)
called gamma linolenic acid (GLA). While borage oil is often used
interchangeably with evening primrose oil, ounce for ounce, borage oil
contains twice as much GLA.


In borage oil, the GLA seems to calm inflammation overall, making it
an attractive treatment option for arthritis and other inflammatory
conditions.

Borage oils is often used to:

1. Reduce the aches and pains of rheumatoid arthritis.

Researchers have found that high doses of borage oil (1.4 grams a day)
led to a significant reduction in pain and swelling in arthritic
joints when compared with cottonseed oil or a placebo. Other
researchers reported reduced damage to joint tissues--and less joint
pain and swelling--in those rheumatoid arthritis sufferers given very
high GLA doses in the form of borage oil.


2. Ease the discomforts of PMS, endometriosis, and fibrocystic breasts.

By interfering with the production of inflammatory substances called
prostaglandins, which are released during menstruation, the GLA in
borage oil, may help ease related cramping and pain. And then some
peculiar to women have been linked to low levels of GLA in their
systems, which is why supplements may help so much.


3. Minimize the symptoms of and may clear up eczema, psoriasis, acne
and/or rosacea.


In some cases, skin disorders develop when the body has problems
converting dietary fats into GLA. Getting supplemental GLA from borage
oil may therefore be helpful because of its anti-inflammatory action.
Also by diluting sebum, a thick oily substance that is over secreted
in some people with acne, the essential fatty acids in borage oil may
reduce the risk of pores becoming clogged and lesions developing. The
oil's essential fatty acids help treat rosacea by reducing
inflammation, controlling the cells' use of nutrients, and by
producing prostaglandins, which stimulate the contraction of blood
vessels. Astringent substances in borage called tannins may also help
by tightening skin.

4. Alleviate inflammation associated with lupus.

Again, think anti-inflammatory action. Inflammation in the kidneys,
joints, skin, and other areas of the body caused by this condition may
subside as a result of borage oil's anti-inflammatory actions.


5. Prevent nerve damage (neuropathy) due to diabetes.

People with diabetes are more likely to lose feeling in their sensory
nerves, which can lead to tingling and numbness in the arms and legs.
An inability to convert GLA may be one reason for this. When diabetes
patients are given GLA-rich evening primrose oil, nerve damage
(neuropathy) symptoms improve. FOR UNKNOWN REASONS BORAGE OILE HAS NOT
PROVEN AS EFFECTIVE AS PRIMROSE OIL FOR THIS CONDITION, DESPITE IT'S
HIGHER AMOUNTS OF GLA.


6. Combat damage from multiple sclerosis.

Enough cannot be said for its anti-inflammatory action. The abundant
supply of essential fatty acids in borage oil may be valuable in
minimizing the inflammation associated with this progressive nerve
disorder. The fatty acids may also contribute to healthy nerve
development when taken over time. It is important to begin taking
borage oil as soon as possible after diagnosis.

7. Eases coughs and soothes throat disorders.

Besides GLA, borage oil also contains mucilage, a gummy, gel-like
substance that soothes mucous membranes often irritated by a cough.
Mucilage also works as an expectorant, making it easier to cough up
mucus. Mucilage is also found in other herbs for the throat and
coughing.. such as slippery elm.


8. Helps enhance memory in Alzheimer's-related memory deficiencies.

By boosting the transmission of nerve impulses, borage oil may be
valuable in treating this progressive brain disorder.


9. Nourish nails, scalp, and hair. The rich stores of essential fatty
acids in borage oil not only prevent nails from cracking but also help
to keep them generally healthy. In addition, the essential fatty acids
nourish the scalp, making the supplement potentially valuable in
treating a variety of hair problems.

10. Treat gout and consequently arthritis of other forms too.

Borage oil's anti-inflammatory actions--largely a function of its GLA
stores--make it potentially valuable in protecting against the sudden
and severe joint pain caused by uric acid buildup, which is known as
gout.

11. Counter impotence and female infertility.

By enhancing blood flow to the extremities, the GLA in borage oil can
help treat a primary cause of male impotence--compromised circulation
leading to impaired penile blood flow.


For the majority of ailments mentioned: Take 1,000 to 1,300 mg of
borage oil daily. This provides 240 to 300 mg of GLA (respectively),
the main healing ingredient. Nearly equivalent doses of GLA can be
found in 3,000 mg of evening primrose oil or 1,500 mg of black currant
seed oil.


(((If you take an anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication, check
with your doctor before trying borage oil)))

(((Because of the still-unproved but theoretical risk for liver damage
posed by the PAs in borage oil, people with liver problems may want to
use evening primrose oil instead.)))

(((Because the risks of using borage oil are still unknown, pregnant
or nursing women should avoid this herb.)))

But..... Why take my word for it? IT'S YOUR HEALTH.

You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com ...etc. Enter one or more keywords and do your
own research.

Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.


Until next time,
Quinnten, Editor