Recently, I've been taking Udo's Oil (1 tbs per day) after reading how deficient most of us are at getting Omega-3's in our diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, among other benefits, enhance circulation by dilating small vessels, which is essential to EQ. These fatty-acids are also beneficial in the regeneration process that occurs as a result of PE (which is how we all get bigger!).
Now I'm starting to research Omega-3s and I'm finding conflicting information for using these fatty-acids as a supplement for PE.
First, Omega-3s found in Flaxseed oils (like Udo's) are composed mainly of ALA fatty acids. However, it's the DHA and EPA fatty acids which the body needs to improve cardiovascular performance. Supposedly, ALA converts to DHA and EPA in the body. But the rate of conversion seems controversial. Additionally, Flaxseed oils contain phytoestrogens, which may fool the body into thinking they are estrogens. Although testosterone levels may not be affected, there seems to be conflicting information as to whether or not this occurs.
So, that's a few marks against using Flaxseed oils as your source for Omega-3s.
Fish oils seem like the best solution. Fish oils contain DHA and EPA in varying proportions. Supplementing with fish oil tablets or 4-5 servings of fatty fish per week in the diet would seem to be the best solution. However, there is a very real danger of methylmercury contamination in both supplements and fish (mercury poisoning). Methylmercury, is a highly toxic compound which has profoundly deleterious effects on both the cardiovascular and nervous system. So essentially, if your fish oils are contaminated, you've completely defeated the purpose of taking them in the first place and also exposed yourself to long-term harm.
So how do you decide? Does anyone know of a trustworthy supplier of fish oil tablets? Or is it best to go with Flaxseed?
Now I'm starting to research Omega-3s and I'm finding conflicting information for using these fatty-acids as a supplement for PE.
First, Omega-3s found in Flaxseed oils (like Udo's) are composed mainly of ALA fatty acids. However, it's the DHA and EPA fatty acids which the body needs to improve cardiovascular performance. Supposedly, ALA converts to DHA and EPA in the body. But the rate of conversion seems controversial. Additionally, Flaxseed oils contain phytoestrogens, which may fool the body into thinking they are estrogens. Although testosterone levels may not be affected, there seems to be conflicting information as to whether or not this occurs.
So, that's a few marks against using Flaxseed oils as your source for Omega-3s.
Fish oils seem like the best solution. Fish oils contain DHA and EPA in varying proportions. Supplementing with fish oil tablets or 4-5 servings of fatty fish per week in the diet would seem to be the best solution. However, there is a very real danger of methylmercury contamination in both supplements and fish (mercury poisoning). Methylmercury, is a highly toxic compound which has profoundly deleterious effects on both the cardiovascular and nervous system. So essentially, if your fish oils are contaminated, you've completely defeated the purpose of taking them in the first place and also exposed yourself to long-term harm.
So how do you decide? Does anyone know of a trustworthy supplier of fish oil tablets? Or is it best to go with Flaxseed?
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