Waihi Bush Organic Farm

Health Concerns

 

We recommend Waihi Bush organic farm Flax seed oil to be part of and not a replacement for a healthy and balanced diet. Please follow all label instructions. Waihi Bush organic farm is a natural whole food and is not meant to prevent, diagnose or cure any disease condition. People with specific nutrient deficiencies may also need professional advice and should consult their Healthcare Practitioner.

 

 

ADHD

In 1987, E A Mitchell found a correlation between attention deficit/hyperactivity and low blood levels of the Omega-3 fatty acid DHA and the Omega-6 fatty acid AA. 8 years later, researchers at Purdue University found that children with ADHD had too many Omega-6 fatty acids in relation to Omega-3s and they found that boys with lower Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood had more learning and behavioural problems than those who had normal levels. The most common behavioural difficulties in those with low Omega-3 fatty acids were temper tantrums, impulsivity, anxiety and hyperactivity. Classic signs of fatty acid deficiency e.g. excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry hair and dry skin often accompanied these problems.

 

Flax seed oil is effective at rebalancing a skewed Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio because it contains 3 times as much Omega-3 as Omega-6.

 

flax boost and flax magic are the products of choice to address fatty acid imbalances associated with behavioural problems because they contain a wide range of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, making them easy for the body to use.

 

See the [articles|Articles > Research] section for an article on Brain Function and Omega-3.

 

For information on the ADHD Association, a charity Functional Whole Foods New Zealand Ltd. is proud to sponsor (50c from the sale of every bottle of flax magic goes directly to support children with ADHD).

 

Arrhythmia Prevention

Arrhythmias are abnormal rhythms of the heart muscle, for example skipping a beat an extra beat, or a totally disorganized heartbeat (fibrillation). Some of these conditions are life-threatening.

 

The pumping of the heart is controlled by electrical impulses generated by special cells in the wall of the heart (the pacemaker).

 

There is growing evidence that increasing Omega-3 fats in the diet can help to prevent sudden death from arrhythmia. It appears that the Omega-3 fats help the heart muscle cells to remain electrically stable.

 

Summary of studies:

 

• A ration of milled flax raised the alpha linolenic acid (ALA) content of heart tissue in rabbits, and protected them against ventricular fibrillation. (Ander BP et al, J Nutr. 2004;134:3250-3256)
• Pure preparations of ALA (found in flax seed oil), EPA and DHA (found in cold water oily fish) were found to be equally effective in protecting against fatal arrhythmia in dogs. (Billman GE et al, Circulation. 1999:99:2452-2457)
• Elderly humans who regularly ate tuna or other broiled or baked fish had a lower incidence of arterial fibrillation than those who rarely ate such fish, or who ate fried fish. (Mozaffarian D et al, Circulation. 2004;110:368-373)
• Men and women with the highest intakes of plant Omega-3 were found to have shorter QT intervals when their heartbeat was checked by electrocardiogram. A shortened QT interval is associated with a lesser incidence of arrhythmia. (Djousse L et al, J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;45:1716-1722) )
• Patients who had suffered a heart attack were found to be less likely to have a further, fatal heart attack or stroke if given an Omega-3 supplement. (GISSI-Prevenzione Investigators, Lancet. 1999;354:447-455)
• Omega-3 administration during hospitalization in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery substantially reduced the incidence of post-operative arterial fibrillation and was associated with a shorter hospital stay. (Calo L et al, J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;45:1723-1728)

See the Articles > Research section for an article on Heart Health, Through Diet

 

Athletes and Muscle Recovery

Many sports people add flax seed oil into their dietary regimen to take advantage of the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Omega-3s can help with:

 

• Shortened recovery time for fatigued muscles due to increased rate of lactic acid breakdown
• Increased oxygen uptake and utilisation leading to increased energy levels
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Improved endurance and stamina
• Anti-inflammatory properties reduce muscle soreness after workout/game
• Reduced healing time for bruises, strains and sprains
• Better regulated steroid production and hormone synthesis
• Increased metabolic rate
• Providing the body with the essential fats it requires without increasing body fat
• Enhanced protein metabolism (while reducing catabolism)

Bowel Health

Flax can benefit bowel health in a number of different ways.

 

Firstly, flax contains both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre.  These fibres absorb water and thus increase intestinal bulk, helping with both constipation and diarrhoea.  Unlike harsh fibre supplements like wheat bran, flax is soothing and gentle on the intestinal walls because it forms a gel-like mucilage on contact with water.  A study of the effects of flax fibre on laxation demonstrated that both healthy young adults and the institutionalised elderly (who often have chronic constipation due to their inactivity) experienced an increased frequency of bowel movements eating muffins containing flax fibre for 4 weeks.

 

For inflammatory bowel conditions, the Omega-3 fatty acids in flax seed oil act as precursors for anti-inflammatory eicosanoids.  Flax seed oil and even the residual oil in flax fibre can therefore help to soothe inflammation in conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

 

The lignans in flax are converted in the colon to mammalian lignans which have an antioxidant and immune-boosting effect on the human body.  Mammalian lignans have been shown to inhibit the growth of human colon cancer cells in a test tube study.  Studies with rats have also demonstrated an anti-cancer effect from eating flax fibre.

 

See FAQs Technical > Flax Lignans

 

Read Graham Bisley's testimonial.

 

Read Michelle Brown's testimonial.

 

Read Lorina Musgrave's testimonial.

 

Cancer Prevention

Cancer is a complex process that involves many small, gradual changes in the behaviour of normal cells. Many factors affect the growth of mutant cells, including cytokines, hormones, oxygen, eicosanoids, energy and nutrients. When conditions are favourable, mutant cells may grow to form a tumour that may develop its own network of blood vessels to sustain its growth.

 

Flax may inhibit certain cancer processes:

 

• Alpha linolenic acid (ALA), the Omega-3 fatty acid found in flax seed oil alters the composition of cell membranes, inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids which are agents that help to control the growth of tumour cells and modulate the cycle of natural cell death
• The lignan SDG in flax works as a phytoestrogen and antioxidant. In an animal study, SDG was found to decrease the number, size and metastasis of melanoma
• Foods high in dietary fibre like flax contain bioactive substances like antioxidants that may inhibit cancer processes

Breast Cancer

In animal studies, flax seed oil has been shown to have a preventative effect against breast cancer, slower growth rate of tumours and decreased metastasis. A French study found that the concentration of ALA, DHA and total Omega-3 fatty acids in fat tissue were all related to low risk of breast cancer. A preliminary study in Canada found that women who ate a daily muffin containing ground flax experienced significant reductions in breast cancer growth compared with women eating a whole wheat muffin.

 

Colon Cancer

An animal study showed that those animals fed ground flax and defatted ground flax had less colon cancer markers and cell proliferation than control animals. Tests done with human colon cancer cells have also shown lignans derived from flax to have an inhibiting effect, particularly enterolactone.

 

Prostate Cancer

Prostate tumour growth is hormone sensitive, affected by levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Ground flax supplementation appeared to inhibit the progression of prostate cancer through increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) and decreased cell proliferation in animal studies. A preliminary clinical study demonstrated the same results in men awaiting surgery for prostate cancer. Test tube studies have shown flax lignans to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.

 

Test tube studies using prostate cancer cells have thrown up mixed findings related to the effect of ALA and other Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, however. Some have demonstrated an inhibiting effect and some have stimulated growth.

 

See the Articles > Research section for an article on Dietary Fibre for Health

 

Read Russel Wood's Testimonial.

 

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Flax can help to reduce some of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

 

Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. See the section below on 'Inflammation and the Immune System'. Flax seed oil consumption has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers C-reactive protein, cytokines and platelet activating factor (PAF).

 

Flax fibre is a good source of soluble dietary fibre. High soluble fibre intake has been linked to a reduction in elevated LDL cholesterol levels, another cardiovascular risk factor. Clinical trials demonstrated a 9 -18% reduction in LDL cholesterol after eating 2 - 6 tablespoons of milled flax daily for four weeks. This benefit has also been seen in trials with whole flax seeds and with muffins containing partially defatted flax seed.

 

The flexibility of the arteries has been shown to be favourably affected by flax seed oil consumption.

 

The level of cell adhesion molecules, which contribute to plaque build up in the arteries and subsequent atherosclerosis, have been shown to be decreased on a diet rich in alpha linolenic acid (ALA).

 

Several large population studies have suggested that the Omega-3 essential fatty acid alpha linolenic acid (ALA) found in flax seed plays a role in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

Studies found that diets rich in ALA were inversely associated with fatal ischemic heart disease, risk of heart attack, risk of recurrent heart attack and death, risk of stroke, risk of death from CVD and risk of arrhythmia, which are a major cause of death from acute heart attacks.

 

A 1992 review by the British Nutrition Foundation of over 600 studies on the role of EFAs in nutrition found that flax seed oil consumption reduces blood pressure.

 

See the Articles > Research section for an article on Heart Health, Through Diet

 

See James Kewene's Testimonial.

 

Depression and other Mood Related Disorders

The brain is 60% fat. This gives us a clue to the significance of essential fatty acids for mental health. It is important for nervous system function that the correct fatty acids are present in the correct ratios.

 

Depression has been associated by some researchers with deficiency of essential fatty acids and imbalance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Researchers have theorized that post-natal depression may also be associated with essential fatty acid depletion in the mother as the foetus has taken the fats it needs from her for its development. It therefore makes sense to ensure adequate consumption of essential fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation. See 'Pregnancy'.

 

Flax seed oil can help to redress fatty acid imbalance because it contains three times as much Omega-3 as Omega-6.

 

See the Articles > Research section for an article on Brain Function and Omega-3

 

Diabetes

Flax has been demonstrated to lower blood glucose in healthy young adults, and may protect against diabetes in a number of ways:

 

• Low carbohydrate, high protein so has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels
• High fibre so slows down the absorption of glucose in the gut, which also stabilizes blood sugar levels
• Flax fibre also lowers abnormal blood lipids like cholesterol, which often goes hand-in-hand with diabetes
• Flax lignans have an antioxidant activity, which reduces free radical damage which may be associated with diabetes
• EFAs have been associated with improved blood sugar control

See the Articles > Research section for an article on Dietary Fibre for Health

 

Eye Health

The Omega-3 DHA is essential for health of the retina, in fact the retina contains the highest concentration of DHA of any tissue in the body. Adequate DHA is therefore required for visual acuity and is particularly important for the developing foetus and infant.

 

waihi farm organic farm flax seed oils are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that serve as precursors for DHA synthesis in the body.

 

Omega-3 also helps to increase eye moisture and comfort.

 

General Good Health

Essential fatty acids should be part of the daily diet for everyone.

 

Dietary analysis shows that while most people consume adequate Omega-6, intake of Omega-3 is often low. The Paleolithic diet, the one that the human race evolved on, contained Omega-6 and Omega-3 in a 1:1 ratio. This ratio is reflected in healthy brain tissue. However, a typical western diet supplies around 20 times as much Omega-6 as Omega-3, leading to a severe imbalance.

 

Because dietary sources of Omega-3 are limited to oily fish and a few oil seeds, it can be a challenge to obtain an adequate amount. waihi farm organic farm flax seed oils makes it easy to satisfy your daily requirement for Omega-3 fatty acids because flax seed oil is naturally very rich in Omega-3. Flax seed oil is versatile and pleasant tasting and can be easily incorporated into your foods.

 

Excema

See 'Skin Conditions'

 

Infants and Essential Fatty Acid Requirements

Infants have a high requirement for essential fats for the development of the nervous system, including the brain and the immune system.

 

Two fatty acids in particular have been identified as being important for infants, the Omega-3 DHA and the Omega-6 arachidonic acid. DHA is obtained from cold water oily fish in the diet or is made in the body from ALA, the most plentiful fatty acid in flax seed.

 

DHA constitutes 50% of the fatty acid content of the retina and 25% of total fatty acids in the grey matter of the brain, the highest concentrations of DHA of any tissue in the body. The demand for DHA is highest during the latter part of pregnancy and the first few months of infancy.

 

The developing foetus obtains its supply of essential fatty acids from the mother via the placenta. It is therefore necessary for pregnant women to consume sufficient Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for their own health maintenance and for the developing baby. Ideally this should also be done as part of a woman's pre-conception care.

 

After birth, infants obtain essential fatty acids from breast milk and/or infant formula. Premature babies appear to have a greater need for essential fatty acids (EFAs) than full term babies.

 

The main Omega-3 fatty acid in breast milk is ALA, the EFA found in flax seed. Studies have shown that breast milk contains 3-10 times more ALA than DHA, depending on the mother's diet.

 

It is not yet known what the unique role of ALA in infants is, or what the optimum mix of EFAs is in infant formula. So far research suggests that infant formula is not as good for babies as breast milk. The best approach for pregnant and nursing mothers is to eat a varied diet containing sufficient ALA, DHA and other Omega-3 fats.

 

See the Articles > Research section for an article on Brain Development in Pregnancy and Early Childhood

 

Inflammation and the Immune System

When we are healthy, there is a balance in our tissues between the agents that promote inflammation and those that block it. Infection or injury triggers the release of pro-inflammatory agents such as cytokines and other cell signalling substances, which overcome infection and repair tissue. This acute response is normally resolved after a few days or weeks. However, in some cases the inflammatory response can become chronic and persist for months or years. Chronic low grade inflammation has been associated with atherosclerosis, diabetes, arthritis and the metabolic syndrome (a combination of hypertension, abnormal blood lipids, obesity and insulin resistance).

 

Inflammation can be detected by testing for C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß  (IL-1ß) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) in the blood. In atherosclerosis, all three of these cytokines are released from immune cells called macrophages and from foam cells in the vascular cell wall. In rheumatoid arthritis, IL-1ß and TNFα are found in high concentrations in affected joints. The presence of excess fat tissue in obesity is marked by increased blood concentrations of CRP, TNFα and IL-6. This is believed to contribute to insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, abnormal blood lipids and cardiovascular disease.

 

Flax has demonstrated valuable anti-inflammatory and immune system regulating effects such as a reduction in CRP, IL-1ß and TNFα It is thought that this may be through the following mechanisms:

 

• Alpha linolenic acid (ALA), the Omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA) found in flax, is incorporated into the phospholipid cell membrane, making it function more efficiently.
• ALA is metabolised into anti-inflammatory eicosanoids
• The lignans found in flax have antioxidant effects and influence certain mediators of immune reactions such as platelet activating factor (PAF)

Flax may therefore be of benefit in the prevention and treatment of disease associated with chronic low grade inflammation.

 

Its immune system regulating effect may also be useful in the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. In people with SLE, consumption of ground flax for four weeks improved kidney function and reduced inflammation.

 

Menopause

Given that flax lignans have a weak oestrogenic effect, flax should have a beneficial effect on menopausal symptoms arising from reduced endogenous oestrogen levels. More studies are needed to determine whether this is the case.

 

One study comparing the consumption of 40g/day ground flax with oral HRT found that both were as effective as each other in improving mild symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes. (Lemay et al, Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Sep;100(3):495-504)

 

Another study showed that dietary lignan intake was associated with improved cognitive performance in post-menopausal women. (Franco et al, J Nutr. 2005 May;135(5):1190-5)

 

See the Articles > Research section for an article on Dietary Fibre for Health

 

Read Lorina Musgrave's Testimonial.

 

Read a menopause Testimonial.

 

Osteoporosis Prevention

Phytoestrogens such as flax lignans may help to prevent osteoporosis. Researchers have noted that free radicals generated in bone tend to cause bone resorption, so it is thought that the antioxidant activity of flax may help to prevent this bone loss. However, other studies have had mixed results.

 

This is an area where more studies are needed to clarify the effects of flax on bone health.

 

PMS

PMS can take many forms, and can be extremely debilitating. Studies have shown that the Omega-6 fatty acid GLA (found in flax boost) can relieve mood swings and other symptoms of PMS. Some women get equally good results with flax original.

 

flax boost can be beneficial for women because it contains a range of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, including GLA.

 

Pregnancy

 

It is safe to take waihi farm organic farm flax seed oil when pregnant, as none of our oils contain lignans which have a hormone regulating effect. The use of high lignan oils is not recommended during pregnancy as the lignans can affect the foetus which is unable to regulate it's owns hormones. In fact, the foetus must obtain essential fatty acids from the mother for optimum brain, eye and nervous system development. We recommend flax bloom because it is easier for the body to metabolise.

 

See the Articles > Research section for an article on Brain Development in Pregnancy and Early Childhood

 

As a precaution, however, we recommend that you seek advice from a health care professional before taking flax fibre - original, as it contains phytoestrogens that could alter hormone levels. The developing foetus is very sensitive to fluctuations in hormone levels. See also 'Depression and other Mood Related Disorders'.

 

See also FAQs > General >How much flax seed Oil is appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, babies and toddlers?

 

Skin Conditions

Dry skin, dry unmanageable hair, brittle or soft nails, chicken skin on the backs of the arms, cracked skin on heels or fingertips, these are all ways in which a fatty acid imbalance can manifest itself.

 

A lack of Omega-3 in the body is the main cause of skin conditions. If the body's intake of Omega-3 is inadequate it will use inferior fats to build the skin cells. These skin cells can then be susceptible to toxins and irritants in the environment such as pollen, soaps, foods and various chemical allergens.

 

Many people report improved skin and hair condition when essential fatty acid balance is restored.

 

Flax seed oil can help with skin condition because it allows your body to build healthy new skin cells, healing from the inside and strengthening the membranes surrounding the skin cells. This reduces the amount of foreign substances passing into the cell causing irritation, while still allowing skin to absorb nourishment.

 

Essential Fatty Acids

 

• Help regulate inflammation, which is important in skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
• Form a barrier in our skin against loss of moisture and protect us from dehydration
• Could be considered an edible cosmetic, making the skin soft, smooth and velvety
• Help treat fungal infections like athlete's foot or those that take hold under finger and toe nails
• They also help stop yeast overgrowth (Candida)
• Make hair and nails visibly stronger and healthier and promote faster growth
• Lessen the incidence of ingrown hairs due to smoother, more supple follicles

Conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis can respond well to flax seed oil. flax boost should be the product of choice because it contains a wide range of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, making it easy for the body to use. flax magic should be the product of choice for children.

 

Read James Kewene's Testimonial.

 

Read Oliver's Story.

 

Weight Loss

Many people mistakenly believe that consuming any fat in the diet will result in weight gain.

 

Omega-3 essential fatty acids actually help us to keep slim by increasing our metabolic rate. This helps us burn body fat more rapidly and gives us more energy. It has been suggested by Udo Erasmus, a pioneer in essential fatty acid education, that taking 3 tablespoons (45ml) of flax seed oil per day can have the effect of boosting metabolism. This is the opposite of what happens when you reduce your intake of calories - the metabolic rate slows down and you are likely to put on weight in spite of reducing the amount eaten.

 

Another way in which Omega-3 fatty acids can help with weight loss is that they can help the kidneys to get rid of excess water retained in body tissues.

 

It reduces your need to snack on fatty foods (think 3 o'clock munchies!) beacuse it provides all of the fat that your body needs.

 

 

DISCLAIMER: This information has been compiled in good faith, based on current research findings. It is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified health practitioner.