What brand flax seed do you use?

[MrMatt]

For those of you using flax seed, what brand do you use? I'm thinking of buying this brand off amazon, "Bob's Red Mill Organic Raw Whole Flaxseed". Any thoughts?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Can I ask why you're buying flax seed? It's not really as healthy as everybody likes to make you think. Flax seed contains omega-3s, but not ones that are very bioavailable to humans. ALA (alpha linolenic acid) is an omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid that is frequently found in plant material. The problem with ALA is that humans do not have the proper enzymes to convert these to functional omega-3s, such as EPA and DHA. Sure, flax seeds are good for the fiber, but there are much cheaper fiber sources out there. I'd personally say spend the extra money on honing your diet in... or just save your money.

 

[Kipper]

SC, we do have the enzymes (enlongases and desaturases) but they aren't expressed very high, meaning that about 5% or less of the omega-3 is converted to DHA.

There are a few additional beneficial phytochemicals to be found in flax but you have to grind it or chew it very well to fully obtain the benefits (tough outer shell). Overall I think it is quite over-hyped - but it can make a nice addition to salads.

Bob's Red Mill is a terrific brand with very good products.

 

[MrMatt]

Hmmm...what are these better sources of fiber?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

SC, we do have the enzymes (enlongases and desaturases) but they aren't expressed very high, meaning that about 5% or less of the omega-3 is converted to DHA.

There are a few additional beneficial phytochemicals to be found in flax but you have to grind it or chew it very well to fully obtain the benefits (tough outer shell). Overall I think it is quite over-hyped - but it can make a nice addition to salads.

Bob's Red Mill is a terrific brand with very good products.

Sorry. I don't know why I said that we don't possess the enzymes. I guess it was the long day. Enzyme concentration is very low and thus conversion is very ineffective.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Here's what I know about Flax Seed and my source. I bought a book called "Healthy Bread in 5 minutes a day" One of the ingredients discussed is Flax Seed.

Bob's Red Mill is one of the brands suggested as being excellent. You can also get milled flaxseed from Hodgson Mill.

My advice is to buy small amounts of whole flax seed and mill it yourself when you need it. Flax Seed oil can sour and turn rancid. It takes only a few weeks in the right tempertures for its flavor to change. Typically, a few tablespoons can be used in a smoothie or sprinkled on cereal are all you need to get your Omega3's for the day.

Just remember when buying it. Make sure it's as fresh as possible. Don't buy milled unless you're going to use it quick. Store it in an airtight container. Don't use too much or the flax flavor will overwhelm whatever you're using it in. Some people think flaxseed oil tastes fishy and depending on how old it is, they might be right.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Hmmm...what are these better sources of fiber?

Better sources of fiber include leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grain oats, beans, etc...

More specifically, here are some of the best foods if you want high fiber (go to the bottom of the list):

http://www.dietbites.com/article1125.html

 

[Kipper]

Hmmm...what are these better sources of fiber?

Fruits
Vegetables
Whole grains
Nuts & seeds
Beans
...etc.

 

[MrMatt]

Fruits
Vegetables
Whole grains
Nuts & seeds
Beans
...etc.

I meant specific ones.

The more I read about Flax the more I like it actually. The ALA has it's own benefits besides the whole DHA benefit. They also have a ton of fiber, and the Lignans (sp?) actually decrese aromatization of Testosterone to estrogen in the body.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

I meant specific ones.

The more I read about Flax the more I like it actually. The ALA has it's own benefits besides the whole DHA benefit. They also have a ton of fiber, and the Lignans (sp?) actually decrese aromatization of Testosterone to estrogen in the body.

Eat beans. All kinds of beans. Eat salads. All kinds of salads. Your fiber will take care of itself if you're utilizing a lot of fruits, veggies, and legumes in your diet.

Also, just to mention, basal testosterone levels do not increase potential for hypertrophy. Normal ranges between males can differ quite widely while their body composition does not. It is the delta testosterone (or change in testosterone) that results in significant addition of muscle mass and strength. Since testosterone jumps when we're younger, we go through puberty, and gain a ton of muscle. Once we're done, we maintain a fairly high level of test. If you use anabolic steroids, you induce another massive delta, which signifies a pseudo-puberty in the body, resulting in muscle mass addition. I'm saying this because increasing testosterone levels through diet has an insignificant effect on hypertrophy and strength gain. You have to substantially increase your testosterone (and cycle it up and down) to have those effects.