AIMega™ – The benefits of flaxseed oil and essential fatty acids

AIMegaWith good reason, North Americans today are concerned about obesity and weight control, which is often linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and adult onset diabetes. We’ve heard so much about maintaining a low-fat diet but difficult decisions face us daily. Should we cut out all fats entirely? Should we continue to use butter and hydrogenated margarine, or try the healthier trend of olive or flax oil? Which is best for us?

Fats have gotten a bad reputation. The truth is that we not only like the taste of fat, but humans need certain types of dietary fat. EFAs (essentials fatty acids) are the main structural component of every cell membrane, and every cell requires them for healthy cell growth and division. EFAs restore energy, help us digest our foods, transport nutrients throughout the cells, and contribute toward healthy hormone balance. Our challenge is to discern the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ fats.
Know your fats!

According to the Mayo Clinic, saturated fats that come from animal products such as red meat, poultry, and whole milk, as well as tropical oils, may be considered ‘bad’ fats. These saturated fats can increase your blood cholesterol levels and put you at risk for coronary artery disease. If you’ve ever looked at the waxy, greasy pool of fat that remains after cooking red meat, it’s easy to see and imagine the type of damage that solid (saturated) fats can do to the human body.

Along with saturated fat, trans fat may raise your blood cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. Trans fat comes from hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are oils that are manufactured through a process called hydrogenation. These fats are commonly found in processed foods like cakes, cookies and crackers—as well as fried foods such as doughnuts and the ever familiar french fries. Oh, how we try to avoid them!

Other vegetable oils, such as flaxseed, safflower, corn, sunflower, soy and cottonseed oils are considered polyunsaturated fats. These types of fat usually remain liquid at room temperature and can be healthy in helping to lower blood cholesterol levels. In this group, one type of polyunsaturated fat—called ‘omega-3 fatty acids’—may be especially beneficial to good health. Flaxseed is a good source of omega-3s. “Omega-3 fat appears to decrease your risk of heart attack, protect against irregular heartbeats and lower blood pressure levels. It may even protect against some cancers,” states the Mayo Clinic.1

We’ve known for some time now about the rich source of omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring. However, excessive fish consumption is a concern for many today, especially if you live near polluted waters where the fish may be toxic with mercury. In recent years, increasing interest and research of flaxseeds has shown that the essential oil found in flaxseeds is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Finally, our last form of fat is known as monounsaturated fat, which is found in olive and canola oils, as well as avocados and most nuts. Along with polyunsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats are also thought to contribute toward heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the fatty deposits that may develop in the arteries. Perhaps this is the reason that many popular restaurants today are now serving olive oil as a topping for bread instead of hydrogenated margarine.

Why are omega fatty acids so important?

“Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are incorporated into the membranes of our body cells to keep them fluid. As a result, they act as ‘gate-keepers’ to allow the entry into cells of important nutrients as well as the removal of toxins. More importantly, EFAs are converted to hormone like substances known as eicosanoids that effect physiological functions such as cell growth and division, platelet aggregation (blood clotting), inflammatory responses, hemorrhage, vasoconstriction and vasodilation of blood vessels, blood pressure, and immune function. The activity of the eicosanoids impacts clinical conditions involved in cardiovascular health, inflammatory disorders, immunity, and certain cancers.”2
Although still being studied, research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids:3
Decrease risk of sudden death and arrhythmia

  • Decrease thrombosis (blood clot)
  • Decrease triglyceride levels
  • Decrease growth of atherosclerotic plaque
  • Improve arterial health
  • Lower blood pressure

Increasing the n-3 fatty acids through flaxseed supplementation has shown anti-inflammatory properties4; can protect the immune system and lower the incidence of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases5; and balance glucose levels. Flaxseed oil containing alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) has also been studied for use inhibiting the growth of cancerous tumors of the breast, colon, and pancreas.6

Flaxseed oil: the ‘new’ wonder of our modern age

Sometimes referred to as the new wonder of the modern age, the health benefits of the flaxseed are enormous. Flaxseed oil is typically low in saturated fat (9%), moderate in monounsaturated fat (18%), and high in polyunsaturated ‘good’ fats (73%).
A 10 g serving of flaxseed oil delivers an average of 5 g of alpha linolenic acid (ALA).7 Food processing has depleted much of the ALA and omega-3 content from our modern foods—so much so, that experts recommend supplementation since many North Americans are seriously deficient in omega-3 content. We may have an abundance of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids derived from unhealthy sources (hydrogenated vegetable oils). This creates an imbalance of essential fats and may impair healthy cell functioning. The AIMega formula, with omega-6 and 9 from healthy sources can help to provide better balance of EFAs.

AIMega™ delivers a balance of EFAs

AIMega™ is an organic seed oil blend that delivers healthful and essential omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil, plus omega-6 and omega-9 from healthy sources (sesame seed oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil). With AIMega™, you’ll receive a complete blend of EFAs—with a balanced ratio of omega-3, 6, and 9. AIMega™ is especially helpful for those who seek to restore energy, maintain healthy triglyceride levels, maintain healthy glucose levels, and improve overall immune system and cardiovascular health. As an organic seed oil blend, AIMega™ provides an alternative to fish oil supplements. Each soft gel capsule is enhanced with rosemary extract and medium chain triglycerides for additional health benefit. Look for AIMega™ coming soon!

1 “Fats: The good and the bad.” Mayo Clinic, Feb. 19, 2003.
2 AmeriFlax: www.ameriflax.com.
3 American Heart Association, press release, Nov. 18, 2002.
4 Am J. Clin Nutr, vol. 71, 2000.
5 Flaxseed in Human Nutrition, AOSC Press, Champaign, IL, 1995.
6 J Nutr, vol. 127, 1997.
7 USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.

The Healthy Cell Concept – Cell Environment

Cell environment

Although an important part of the Healthy Cell Concept™, cell environment is perhaps the most frustrating element because it’s probably the hardest one for us to do anything about. We can easily eat cell food and incorporate cell exercise, but changing our environment is much more difficult. Of particular concern are air and water pollutants. 

Air

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protects human health and the environment through the regulatory process and voluntary programs. It sets limits on how much of a pollutant is allowed in the air anywhere in the United States. Air pollution comes from many different sources such as factories, power plants, dry cleaners, cars, buses, trucks, and even windblown dust and wildfires. Although national air quality has improved over the last 20 years, many challenges remain in protecting public health and the environment. 

Air pollution comes in many different forms. The most well-known air pollutants are sulfur dioxide (power plants, diesel engines), suspended particulate matter (construction, industry, wood-burning), ground-level ozone (automobiles), and carbon monoxide (automobiles). 

Our indoor air is often polluted, too—approximately 35 percent of the office space in the United States has pollution levels higher than the air outside. This comes from chemicals in cleaners, carpet adhesives, plastic products, and other sources, and is compounded by poor ventilation. 

The result of these air pollutants is a decrease in quality of life and an increase in medical bills. Air pollution damages the lungs by causing irritation that leads to inflammation and the destruction of lung tissue. It weakens the lungs’ ability to fight further contamination, which makes the prolonged exposure to air pollutants increasingly destructive. 

Air pollution also hurts our natural defenses against airborne invaders such as dust, pollen, and germs. Air pollution dries up mucus and destroys cilia. This is dangerous because the mucus in our airways traps germs and particles before they reach our lungs, and the cilia—hairlike cells—push the mucus out of the body. 

Health statistics are telling. The examination of lung tissue from young people who were raised in cities indicate that 80 percent suffered from precancerous lung lesions, most likely due to breathing polluted air. Other studies estimate that five percent of the deaths in major U.S. cities can be linked to air pollution, and that some 60,000 deaths a year can be attributed to air pollution. 

What can you do?

Monitor outdoor air quality and on “bad air” days, stay indoors, especially if you are young, elderly, or suffer from heart or respiratory problems. You can contribute to outdoor clean air by limiting your driving—use mass transit, join car pools, ride bicycles, or walk. Indoors, use an air filter or air purifier to remove pollutants such as smoke, pollen, dust, and pet dander from the air. Ideally, avoid cigarette smoke altogether by not smoking and staying out of smoking areas. Finally, support strong federal, state, and local pollution-control laws. These may seem like a hardship, but they will help your health and save you money. After all, would you rather pay a few dollars a year for car emissions tests or thousands of dollars a month in hospital bills for respiratory disease? 

Water

Water is perhaps the most important nutrient in our bodies. Although water does not contain “nutrients” as we know them—protein, carbohydrates, enzymes, vitamins, minerals—without water, we cannot survive. 

What does water do? 

  1. Water helps break down foods into the nutrients we need. Without it, we would have no digestive juices.
  2. Water transports nutrients and helps us absorb them.
  3. Water helps remove from the body the waste created naturally by the body. If we do not dispose of this waste, we die.
  4. Water helps remove toxins that we get through foods and pollution.
  5. Water lubricates the body. It prevents friction from destroying our joints, lubricates our eyes, and makes it possible for muscles to work smoothly.
  6. Water keeps us from overheating by regulating our temperature.

Drink pure water 

One of the best things we can do for our health is drink water. The human body needs approximately 2 quarts (2 liters) of water each day. We get this through the foods we eat, through metabolism, and through drinking water. We should drink eight glasses (8 oz, 240 ml) of pure water throughout each day—try to drink a glass every hour. 

This is important because if you don’t give your body enough water, it takes it from your cells and from your blood. This causes your body to close some smaller blood vessels, called capillaries, and makes your blood thicker and harder to pump around your body. This has implications in high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Lack of water may also be linked to headaches, arthritis, and heartburn. 

Dehydration is also linked to obesity. Without water, your body can’t convert triglycerides (a type of fat) into energy. 

Just any liquid will not do. Soda, tea, and coffee often function as diuretics, which stop your body from recycling salt and water and cause you to lose important nutrients. 

What can you do?

Pay attention to what you drink. Tap water is polluted almost everywhere—according to the EPA, virtually every type of industrial substance we create ends up in our water supply. And when we use this water, the pollutants it carries harm our cells. 

This means you should consider the options. Many people buy bottled water, but be careful. There are no standards for bottled water, and it can be as bad as, if not worse than, tap water. Others buy water filters. Today, technology has made possible efficient and cost-effective filters. 

You can help maintain water quality by watching your habits. When you use fertilizer on your lawn or dump old paint in an alley, these substances eventually end up in the water supply. See if your community has a “hazardous waste day” when you can dispose of toxic substances. As with air-pollution standards, get together with others to ensure that water-quality standards in your community are sufficient and are met. 

The AIM products 

The AIM product targeted most closely at cell environment is AIM Prills™. AIM Prills™ are magnesium oxide balls. When you add them to your “regular” water, you make AIM Prill Thin Water™. “Thin” water has less viscosity than regular water, giving it additional benefits. As a spray, it refreshes; as a drink, it rehydrates; and when combined with AIM’s powder products— AIM BarleyLife®, AIM Just Carrots®, AIM RediBeets®, and AIM Herbal Fiberblend®—it results in a smoother and better-tasting product. 

AIM products that aid detoxification are also helpful in ridding the body of pollutants picked up in air and water. These include AIM Herbal Fiberblend®, AIM Herbal Release®, and AIM Para 90®. When mixed with pure water, AIM BarleyLife®, AIM Just Carrots®, and AIM RediBeets® contribute to a healthy inner environment. 

Use your knowledge

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is perhaps the best way to concentrate on cell environment. If you attempt to live a healthy lifestyle, you will be concerned with the environment both inside and outside your body. This will lead you to like-minded people and greater potential for interest in the AIM products and opportunity.