by Jade Beutler, R.R.T., R.C.P.
So what's all the hype surrounding flaxseed oil anyway? I'll tell you what all the hype is about, its about the fact that flaxseed oil has been found to be essential for optimum health and athletic performance. Yeah, essential meaning that flaxseed oil contains special fatty acids (Omega-3) that are required for optimum health and must be ingested directly in the diet. So what's the big deal? The big deal is that most Americans are deficient in these critical nutrients. In fact, upwards to 20% of the population exhibits undetectable blood levels of Omega-3. Athletes and bodybuilders may easily fall into this category due to an increased demand and utilization of nutrients, and a tendency toward fat phobia. Okay, so Omega-3 in flax oil is essential and I may be deficient, why is it so important anyway? The essential Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil are ultimately converted in the body to hormone-like compounds that dictate literally every biological process including...

• Stimulate steroid production
• Synthesization of hormones
• Mediating immune response
• Directing endocrine hormones to target cells
• Regulating smooth muscle and autonomic reflexes
• Construction of healthy cell walls
• Transportation of oxygen to body cells
• Keeping saturated fats mobile in the blood stream
• Regulation of nerve transmission
• Serving as the primary energy source for the heart muscle

This is to name a few of the over 1000 biological actions of essential fatty acids. Athletes report these benefits with flaxseed oil.

• Enhanced athletic performance
• Improved stamina and endurance
• Shortened recovery time from athletic events and strenuous workouts
• Reliable source of energy without increasing body fat
• Reduced muscle soreness after strenuous workouts
• Increase uptake and utilization of oxygen

The fatty acids in flaxseed oil are essential nutrients. They are the starting point, or the mortar and bricks if you will, for manufacturing all other fatty acids and hormone precursors necessary to support and build strong lean muscle, while prolonging stamina required for endurance sports. Beyond providing essential nutrients flaxseed oil provides valuable fuel required by today's high intensity athlete. That's right, flaxseed oil provides 9 calories per gram of energy, compared to only 4 calories per gram with carbohydrate and protein sources. Here's the good news, while the fatty acids in flax oil are defined as fats -they actually act in the body as anti-fats. Instead of adding unsightly and slowing body fat, they actually stoke metabolic processes in the body that speed fat loss. While technically defined as fats because of their molecular structure, they are the antitheses to saturated fats in the body - as black is to white, and as hot is to cold.

What's the word on the Street
Flaxseed oil has received an overwhelming response from the athletic and bodybuilding community. The consensus is that unlike many of the "fad" products on the market flax oil is here to stay due to its profound health benefits. An article entitled Best of the Best, and published in the bodybuilding and health enthusiast magazine Muscle Media 2000, claims flaxseed oil as "the hottest idea in bodybuilding" and "a surprising new category of bodybuilding supplements." Mr. Dan Duchane in his column "Ask the Guru" also writing for Muscle Media 2000, ranked flaxseed oil as the number one bodybuilding supplement compared to all other available products. In an article written by bodybuilding columnist Jay Robb for Exercise for Men, he cites the importance of essential fatty acids in flax as primary building blocks of healthy cells, in lowering cholesterol levels, forming nerve and brain tissue, playing a key role in regulating the cardiovascular, immune and digestive systems, promoting healing and in helping to burn calories.

Do you really need this stuff? If you are walking, talking, eating and breathing the answer is yes. In fact, flaxseed oil is as important, if not more important than the prevailing popular products on the market such as creatine, protein powder and chromium in sustaining, maintaining and excelling in athletic performance. Most athletes find it easiest to work flaxseed oil into their daily regimen by simply blending it in with their daily protein drink. The general recommendation is about one-tablespoon per every 100 pounds of body weight. Be aware that not all flax oil products are created equal. Many of the "cheap" brands have been either refined or filtered. The Barlean's brand ranked #1 by Dan Duchane and Jay Robb is pressed fresh, unrefined, unfiltered and organic.

Flaxseed oil is quickly losing its status as a "best kept secret" among bodybuilders and athletes as everyone is rushing for a bottle of what has become known as liquid dynamite!

Mr. Jade Beutler is a licensed health care practitioner with over a decade of hospital and clinical experience in adult and neonatal intensive care, pediatric and emergency medicine. He is the author of Understanding Fats and Oils, Your Guide to Healing with Essential Fatty Acids and Flax For Life.