This is a wonderful blend of cold-pressed oils..Flax and Olive!
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFA’s)?
EFA’s are fatty acids that are necessary for normal growth and development and cannot be manufactured in your body; you must obtain them from your diet. There are two families of EFA’s “omega 6” Linoleic Acid (LA / n-6) and “omega 3”Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA/ n-3) EFA’s have been described as “The missing nutrients” in our modern diet.
THE ROLE OF ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS IN THE HUMAN BODY
EFA’s form part of the membranes of every one of the billions of cells in our bodies
EFA’s are precursors of a series of local hormones called prostaglandins
EFA’s are vital for the formation and balance of a large group of compounds called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins can be thought of as local hormones, (they have hormone-like functions in the regulation of cell activity) and are active in fine-tuning the way the body functions at cellular and molecular level. These prostaglandins act on all tissues and have many functions.
FLAXSEED AND ITS COMPOSITION
Research on flax is well under way. The value of flax, one of the wonder grains of the world, is being “newly rediscovered” by researchers. Their work is simply confirming and giving better scientific explanations for its curative properties, which have been known since antiquity. Flax seed oil is the richest source of edible omega 3 (EFA’s) we know. It has a rich, deep-golden colour like fresh liquid sunshine – which is what it is, sunlight energy stored in bonds of carbon and hydrogen atoms of which oils are composed.
Science has proven that fatty acids play an important role in the functioning of the entire body. Fatty acids (a component of cellular lipids) are vital for all growth processes, brain and nerve functions, even for the sensory organs (eyes and ears), for the body’s adjustment to heat, cold and quick temperature changes and renewal of cell membranes. The membrane protects the cell and functions as a “gate keeper” it allows certain substances into the cell, while turning others away. If a membrane is damaged, the cell may not function optimally, nor be able to expel harmful waste products. Continual and cumulative damage to cell membranes erodes cell health and accelerates aging. To repair and replace cell membranes Essential Fatty Acids are necessary. Our energy resources are based on lipid metabolism.
Lignans
Flaxseed contains 100 times the quantity of lignans when compared to the next best source, which is wheat bran. Lignans are plant phyto estrogens, molecules with anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties. A substantial amount of research has shown that flaxseed lignans are changed by the bacteria in the human intestine to compounds, which are extremely protective against cancer, particularly breast cancer. Their richness makes flax seeds useful for treating viral, fungal and bacterial infections, as well as cancers. Lignans have been shown to have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women.
OLIVE OIL AND MONOUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (MUFA)
The most important MUFA in nutrition is oleic acid (OA). Omega 9 fatty acid, or Oleic acid (OA), is sometimes mistaken as an EFA, but as humans we can synthesize this fatty acid.
Olive oil is a very rich source of MUFA and together with the many antioxidants such as Tocopherols and polyphenols, it offers many health benefits. Much research has shown Olive oil to be associated with;
Reduced arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries),
Possible protective effects against certain types of cancers, in particular breast cancer and colon cancer. Numerous studies point to a modest beneficial effect of Olive oil consumption on breast cancer.
WHY Aimega?
1. The intake of Omega 3 (an EFA) has decreased by 80% over the last 100 years.
2. The intake of Omega 6 (an EFA) has increased dramatically over the last 100 years.
3. An Omega 3 (an EFA) deficiency contributes to many modern day illnesses.
4. By supplementing your diet with foods rich in Omega 3 (an EFA), you may help to alleviate existing heart problems.
5. Olive oil not only contains a high content of Omega 9 (a MUFA) but also has a high content and variety of antioxidants
A critical finding is that your body functions best when you diet contains a balanced ratio of EFA’s, yet the typical Western diet contains approximately 20 to 25 times more omega 6 fatty acids than omega 3’s. This imbalance and/or lack is now being linked with a long list of serious conditions:
Heart Attack
Stroke
Cancer
Obesity
Insulin Resistance
Diabetes
Asthma
Arthritis
Lupus
Depression
Schizophrenia
ADHD
Postpartum Depression
Alzheimer’s disease
AIMega’s unique blend of Cold pressed Flaxseed oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil was developed with this imbalance in mind, supplementing the body on a daily basis with the necessary EFA’s for optimal health. Further the blend has been made to supplement shortages in the average persons diet. The strong presence of different anti-oxidants in this blend is also very advantageous to health, besides protecting the fatty acids against oxidation. Scientists claim the consumption of high mono-unsaturated fatty acids (OA – Omega 9) – the principal component of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, helps guard against;
Detrimental effects of aging on the brain,
Lowers rates of coronary heart disease,
Reduces arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Maintains the ideal cholesterol balance between the LDL and HDL,
Reduces insulin resistance and thus improves glucose (blood sugar) maintenance,
Improves immune system function and for possible protective effects from some cancers.
Numerous studies point to the beneficial effect of Olive oil consumption on the risk of breast cancer. The MUFA’s, supplied by both oils, however, largely by the olive oil, together with all the antioxidants present, are to be recommended as a substitute for saturated fat, with clear health benefits as illustrated by the new consensus Mediterranean diet.
The high content of Alpha Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) in flaxseed oil will restore the ratio of Omega 3 (n-3) to Omega 6 (n-6) in our body lipids, as Omega 6 (n-6) fatty acids are more readily available in our western diet. This allows the correct ratios of PG’s to be made by cells, which too adds to optimal cell function.
Omega 6 – Prostaglandins series PG1 and PG2
The PG1 prostaglandins play an important role in reducing inflammation and swelling and some PMS discomforts. These prostaglandins reduce clotting, lower blood pressure and aid in intercellular nerve function. The PG2 prostaglandins are inflammatory and contribute to clot formation. This is sometimes necessary, yet when these series PG2 dominate the series PG1, there are obvious detrimental consequences.
Omega 3 – Prostaglandins series PG3
The PG3 series are anti-inflammatory and hence their importance in arthritis (particularly rheumatoid). They reduce clotting, lower blood viscosity, improve the circulation and assist in decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Longer chain highly unsaturated fatty acids like EPA and DHA are essential in infant growth and brain development. In Omega 6 PG2 series (AA) is necessary for brain development. The Omega 3 PG 3 series (DHA) is necessary for brain development. AIMega assists in bringing these very two important components into your daily diet naturally. Adhering to Aim’s Healthy Cell Concept would assist in ensuring the availability of the enzymes, vitamins and minerals (the co factors) necessary to facilitate these pathways. Poor lifestyle, bad habits and dietary intake (alcohol, smoking, margarines, hydrogenated oils, fast food, refined sugars, carbohydrates, etc.) all deplete the body of the enzymes needed for these pathways.
The AIMega Ratio
AIMega provides you with a healthy, balanced ratio of omega 3,6, and 9 fatty acids through a combination of flaxseed oil and olive oil. By supplementing your diet with AIMega, you are adding “good fat” to your diet (MUFA and Polyunsaturated Fatty acids PUFA). Natural antioxidants vitamin E and Carotene are necessary to stabilize the Flax oil in both the bottle and the body. The flaxseed oil contains lecithin and other phospholipids that help emulsify fats and oils for easy digestion and contribute to physical health. The polyphenols, together with the tocotrienols found in olive oil are very powerful antioxidants, which have proven to be protective to the body and the oil.
It is suggested that you take from 2tsp up to 3 Tablespoons daily. We prefer taking ours with our Garden Trio in a glass of water, but many people prefer taking it with a salad. Never ever heat Aimega or flax oil.
“LET YOUR FOOD BE YOUR MEDICINE, AND LET YOUR MEDICINE BE YOUR FOOD” - HIPPOCRATES 500BC
References:
Prof Nola Dippenaar PhD
Udo Erasmus PhD
Michael T. Murray N.D.
Journal of American Dietetic Association 91 (3) 331-7 1991 Mar
Artemis P. Simopoulos M.D.
PUFA Newsletter – Daniel Raederstorff PhD
Rudin Donald Dr
WHY AIMega?
The uniqueness of AIMega is in the balanced ratio of the omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. This (AIMega) came about not through asking ourselves as to how many oils we can mix together, but working with deficiencies, pathologies (symptoms/illnesses) and the latest research on what our body requires coping with the imbalances and stresses caused by our 21st century diet. AIMega is a supplementation. To be used in conjunction with sound dietary advise.
Our current dietary intake is high in omega 6’s, the current trend has been to supplement with flax oil. Flax seed being high in omega 3 was a good way of balancing the ratio of omega 6 to 3. However, it is not recommended to take flax oil indefinitely as it will create a further imbalance. Flax oil being polyunsaturated fat with 3 double bonds renders the oil “very” unstable. Management and proper care of flax oil is imperative. The result of taking an oil that is oxidised (due to many reasons, oil mis-management, poor manufacturer protocol, poor seed quality, etc) itself results in toxicity and severe health effects in the body.
Supplementing with AIMega will supply you with “good fats” (MUFA and PUFA’s), natural antioxidants, vitamin E and Carotene, which are necessary to stabilise the flax oil in the bottle and the body. Flax oil contains lecithin and other phospholipids that help emulsify fats and oils for easy digestion and contribute to physical health. The polyphenols, together with tocotrienols found in olive oils are very powerful antioxidants. Olive oil adds chlorophyll to AIMega also known to us as liquid sunshine.
Each batch of AIMega is tested to ensure the Omega balance remains in tact. Testing ensures the product gets to you free of oxidation and transfatty acids. Soil analysis is done prior to seed pressing to ensure correct mineral balance. The oils are mechanically pressed at biologically friendly temperatures of 35 to 39 degrees C; the oil is protected from elements and light.
The usual quality expected from Aim can be found in AIMega with quality assurance, certification of analysis, Prime management, storage and transport of oil being of absolute concern.
How to get started ordering directly from AIM in South Africa : click HERE to download in pdf or in word format (doc).
