April 14, 2009
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode
In this April 14, 2009 free audio episode, I address the following listener Q&A's:
Listener Jenny asks via call-in audio: Is there any difference between fish oil and flax seed oil? Will I get an advantage with taking one vs. the other? Or should I just take them both?
-In my response, I give Jenny a detailed explanation that goes into the difference in oxidation, toxins, mercury, PCB's and saturated fat in fish oil vs. flax seed oil.
Listener William asks:I was just reading an article in the newspaper about some people who have quit giving their children dairy in an attempt to get rid of skin eczema. How much of a correlation is there between milk and dairy consumption and presence of acne or other skin problems?
-My response to William goes into great detail on all the different hormones in cow's milk and why they may be potentially hazardous, not just for acne, but for many other health conditions. I personally use powdered goat's milk, from a company called Mt. Capra.
Listener Valarie asks: In your conversation with Dr. Akers, you talked about a stick. What is that? Where can I get one? How do you use it?
-In the podcast, I reference a Muscletrac device, which, in my opinion, is one of the better options on the market.
Listener Frank asks: I listened to your Podcast Episode #38, in which you talked about prostate health, especially for male cyclists. Can you talk more about the saw palmetto extract and rye pollen that you mentioned?
-To answer Frank's question, I've featured in the podcast interview section a fantastic talk on the use of natural remedies such as saw palmetto extract, prostelan and rye pollen for prostate health, erectile dysfunction, and urinary issues. This is one of the best talks I've ever heard on the issue. It features Cary Nosler, who served as host of The Wide World of Health on KSTE-AM since 1994, and was previously the host of Best of Health on KFIA-AM, a spokesperson for IMPaX Healthprime and the developer of Captain Carrot Nutritional Products. Here's a link to the “Prostelan” that Cary talks about.
Do you have a question? Remember, you can now ask your questions via *audio* to me via the free Skype software by simply “Skyping” me at username “pacificfit“. You can also call toll free to 1-877-209-9439 and leave a voicemail for Ben Greenfield. The first audioquestion I receive this week (meaning you actually have to call in via Skype or the toll-free number), will receive a FREE 3-Month Premium Subscription to TrainingPeaks, the world's top online fitness software. That's a $49 value!
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Also in this podcast episode…
Special Announcements:
-Congratulations to Farah, the 32 year old stay-at-home mom who has already tried Slimfast, Atkins, Herbalife, Body for Life, interval training, personal training, detox, low-fat diet, horseback riding, Slim in 6, a home treadmill and elliptical, mini-trampoline, gym membership, cleanses, Weight Watchers, hoodia, green tea, calorie counting, walking, hiking, Tai-bo, Wii fit, Denise Austin, bands, exercise balls, yoga and Lean for Life! Since her training with me began in January 2009, she has lost 17 pounds of fat! Just click here to read her story, watch her videos, listen into her phone calls and get free nutrition and fitness training advice from her program.
– “Holistic Fueling for Ironman Triathlon”, class by Ben Greenfield, Friday, April 24, 6-7pm at Pilgrims on 1316 N. 4th Street, Coeur D' Alene Idaho: Learn exactly how to holistically fuel the body for Ironman triathlon training and racing. Designed and taught by triathlon coach and certified sports nutritionist Ben Greenfield, this hour-long clinic will teach you how to use healthy nutrition to maximize recovery, enhance performance, delay fatigue, boost immune system and achieve your ultimate Ironman goals. Whether training or racing, you'll discover that it actually is possible to consume the thousands of necessary calories per day without sacrificing your health. You'll leave with a triathlete grocery shopping list for pre-workouts, post-workouts, race day and much, much more!
-Sunday, April 26, 6pm LIVE online video Q&A: “Ben Greenfield's Top Metabolism Boosting Exercises That Require NO Fancy Gym Equipment.” – Learn the best body weight exercises for instantly burning fat, boosting heart rate, and enhancing lean muscle tightening and toning. On Sunday, April 26, at 6pm Pacific Time, simply click here to go to a LIVE online video Q&A and demonstration with Ben Greenfield (WATCH the video below to see why you don't want to miss this!). This free online live video conference was originally scheduled in March, but has been moved to April 26!
– Saturday, May 9 – Thursday, May 14, 2009: The Critical Speed Coeur D' Alene Triathlon Camp – Come train on the Ironman Coeur D'Alene course with coaches included Ben Greenfield for 4 days. The timing of this camp, just six weeks out from race day, cannot be better for those training for Ironman CdA. Race strategy, nutrition lectures, physiology testing, biomechanical analysis, and much, much more from American and Canadian coaches, physicians, and sports scientists.
– Triathletes can have access to full training programs written by Ben Greenfield at a fraction of the cost of monthly coaching. Just click here to go to a website where you can review your training plan options and get a free TrainingPeaks account (P.S. Use code “BGF” for a $20 savings on any Ironman training plan, including the nutrition plan).
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Absolutely! Keep both fish or flax oil in the fridge and don’t use flax oil that has been open for more than a couple months or so. I use flax oil to make salad dressings and such but not specifically as a supplement.
I just listened to your podcast on fish vs flax oil and I thought I’d drop you a line to clarify some of the points you made. I am a Naturopathic physician in Eugene, Oregon and the primary focus of my practice and a focus of my interest is nutrition.
Flax oil contains the omega-3 fatty acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is a precursor to the DHA and EPA fatty acids that our body actually uses as an anti-inflammatory substance. The body must convert the ALA to DHA and/or EPA and the human body isn’t actually all that efficient at that conversion. This is one reason fish oil is a much better supplement than flax oil.
Another reason that fish is better than flax as a supplement is that flax oil goes rancid very easily. It is the most unstable oil in our food supply and that’s why reputable flax oil makers put the date of the pressing on the label and bottle it in light-proof bottles. If you’re going to do flax oil, don’t use it after a couple months in the fridge. Rancid oils are very inflammatory, no matter the fatty acid profile.
I understand the concern with toxins including mercury and PCB’s and these can be minimized with the purchase of a high quality oil from a company that uses a 3rd party to test the oil for these substances. Companies that do this are very proud about it and will have it on the label. Carlson is one such company. (I have no financial ties to either fish or flax oil companies)
I enjoy your podcast and appreciate the service you’re providing to folks around the ‘net.
Kalli Phillips ND
Eugene, OR
Great comment! Do you recommend keeping flax seed oil in the refrigerator?
Ben