The Value of Fresh Flaxseed Oil for Children
Flaxseed oil is our richest plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. Because these essential nutrients are commonly lacking in the modern Western diet, many children suffer from the wide-ranging and unrecognized effects of effects of essential fatty acid deficiency.
Essential fatty acids are the building blocks for every major membranes of every cell in the body and they are the raw materials for the production of local hormones that regulate the functioning of tissues. For growing children, it is imperative that their diets contain a rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids to build healthy new tissues and to prevent deficiency-associated diseases.
Fresh flaxseed oil can be a mother’s best friend for many reasons. First, ALA (the omega-3 fatty acid in flaxseed oil) protects her from breast cancer. Recent research indicates that enzymes in a mother’s body will convert 21 percent of ALA in her diet into EPA and 9 percent into DHA. (EPA and DHA are the omega-3s found in fish oil.) One tablespoon of flaxseed oil, is twice the daily maintenance dosage recommendation for these nutrients.
How does flaxseed oil benefit children?
· Omega-3 fatty acids serve as building blocks for nerve cell membranes in the brain and the retina of the eye. Mothers consuming flaxseed oil at daily recommended doses could readily provide these nutrients to fetuses in utero and nursing babies. The livers of nursing babies can also make the conversion of EPA to DHA as needed to optimize availability.
· Nourishing neurons with omega-3 fatty acids helps to optimize communication among nerve cells and maintain positive mood. Omega-3 fatty acids are effective in alleviating mood disorders, including depression.
· Even among developmentally uncoordinated kids, omega-3 fatty acids increase learning, reading, and cognitive skills. Optimizing nutrition for neurons helps to optimize learning ability.
· Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder. In addition to eliminating refined sugar and flour, as well as artificial colors and flavors from the diet, omega-3 fatty acids can help improve attention span, mental focus, and calm behavior in children.
· Muscle and joint inflammation. Omerga-3 fatty acids are the raw materials for tissues to manufacture local hormones that regulate organ and tissue function. In contrast to the local hormones made from omega-6 fatty acids, those made from omega-3s are non-inflammatory. This means that athletic kids will experience less inflammation after heavy workouts. This is the reason Hilary Swank’s personal trainer, Grant Roberts, recommended flaxseed oil during her intense preparation for her brilliant performance in the movie Million Dollar Baby.
· Asthma. Omega-3 fatty acids on the membranes of smooth muscle tissue in the bronchial tubes to reduce the tendency of these muscles to construct and reduce airflow. In addition, omega-3s also reduce the production of pro-inflammatory local hormones by white blood cells located on respiratory mucous membranes.
How much flaxseed oil should children take?
The basic recommendation for children and adults is one tablespoon of flaxseed for every 100 pounds of body weight. Using this concept, you can adjust the dosage according to the child’s weight.
Are there easy ways to get a child to take flaxseed oil?
Unlike fish oil, flaxseed oil can be used as an ingredient in delicious recipes by simply replacing the omega-6 laden vegetable oils with omega-3 rich flaxseed oil. Use flax oil in salad dressings, in muffin recipes, on hot cereal, and in smoothies.
Adding Flaxseed oil to your child’s diet will:
· Enhance brain development.
· Increase learning.
· Increase reading shills.
· Enhance nerve development.
· Help prevent asthma.
· Reduce muscle inflammation.
· Reduce joint inflammation.
ADD/ADHD Child:
· Improve attention span.
· Increase calm behavior
· Enhance memory.
Infinite Health Resources does not at any point, for any circumstances suggest that you do not follow or stop medical advice of your physician. We do not advocate any drugs that has not been prescribed by your physician, nor suggest that we are medical doctors nor are we giving medical advice. Infinite Health Resources is here purely as a resource. |
