Originally published January 31 2006
Expert talks about the relative benefits of flaxseed and fish oils
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Pharmacist Suzy Cohen updates readers on the use of flaxseeds, which can substitute for fish oils.
What can they do for me and how should I use them?
I don't know if you bought the actual seeds or the powder, which is just ground-up seeds.
The itty-bitty seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid, similar to the omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils.
Vegetarians seeking omega-3 fatty acids always opt for flaxseeds over fish-oil supplements.
Don't be thrown by the name, though; these aren't fattening at all.
In fact, the fatty acids found in flaxseeds protect the heart.
Plus, when you consider the fiber content in the flaxseeds, you realize they can lower cholesterol and help digestion.
They sweep up harmful, cancer-causing substances from the body.
As for flaxseed powder, you can sprinkle it in salads, sandwiches, baked breads and muffins.
The supplements that are available now probably won't help with that, but a recent study published in Gene Therapy pointed to some benefit.
The herb is best known for its ability to stabilize mood and alleviate depression.
What really sets St. John's wort apart from traditional prescribed antidepressants is its side-effect profile.
Researchers weren't investigating St. John's wort for its anti-viral abilities, but they were examining other effects on the brain.
To everyone's surprise, they found a protein (labeled p27SJ) that stifled HIV replication in brain cells.
That's good news because current pharmaceutical drugs commonly suppress HIV levels in the blood, while the infection still eats away at the brain.
Granted, these results happened in a Petri dish, but I read hope between the lines.
Scientists noted something important: that over-the-counter St. John's wort supplements don't have enough of p27SJ protein to combat HIV.
And taking too much of the herb creates harmful side effects.
When researchers tested supplements, no effect was seen.
Suzy Cohen, a registered pharmacist, writes for Tribune Media Services.
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