Guest guest Posted October 17, 2001 Report Share Posted October 17, 2001 Subject: [oxyplus] Flax Seeds vs Flax Oil Flaxseeds vs. Flax Oil - What's the difference? or, Why can't ground flaxseeds be used instead of, or in addition to flax oil? (The short answer) First of all, all seeds including flaxseeds have an important substance within them that keeps them, well, seeds. That substance is an enzyme inhibitor. Gerson patients particularly are working to promote vital enzyme absorption for healing purposes. Second, flaxseed oil is rich in the amino acid: lysine, also valuable for healing. Ground flaxseeds on the other hand are rich in arginine (a nonessential amino acid except during infancy when it is " essential " ). Arginine can depress the immune system response, a this works directly against the goal of the Gerson Therapy. Third, flaxseed oil is a valuable carrier of Vitamin A from the carrots and other vegetables, and in the reabsorbing of tumor masses. Fourth, Flaxseed oil is a rich source of linoleic acids and unsaturated fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) essential in nutrition when used in proper amounts. (The long answer - by Charlotte Gerson) We are frequently asked why patients should not use flax seeds when they are supposed to use flax seed oil. There are a number of reasons. Flax seeds, like all seeds and legumes, are nature's way to preserve life for the next generation. In order for those seeds not to sprout when conditions are not right, for instance, on a hard floor or table, or in a sack with many more seeds, nature endows them with an enzyme inhibitor. This preserves the seeds in a 'dormant' condition until they are in a warm, moist soil. This enzyme inhibitor, however, also inhibits human digestive enzymes. Therefore seeds and legumes interfere with good digestion. Patients already have enough digestive problems; we must not add to those, since these inhibitors tend to cause gas. That is why sailors are said to have gas since they eat a lot of beans. A second point is that the flax seed oil is important to carry vitamin " A " to all the cells of the body, thus activating the immune system. However, Vitamin " A " is fat soluble and works better with the flax seed oil as a carrier. In order to obtain an adequate quantity of oil from the seeds, a huge quantity would need to be consumed, along with the enzyme inhibitors. Another reason for not using the flax seeds is that all nuts and seeds, while they are fairly rich in proteins, contain proteins that are not in good balance. These seed proteins are usually high in l-arginine (one of the amino acids) and low in l-lysine (another amino acid). That is not acceptable, this ratio should be reversed, since l-lysine stimulates the immune system while the high l-arginine depresses the immune system. It is very important to obtain the right amount of flax seed oil. Rather than the seeds, the oil contains adequate amounts of the invaluable linolenic and linoleic acids. These help to dissolve and carry off cholesterol plaque that has formed in the arteries of virtually all people. Thus, circulation improves and plaque clears, also preventing possible heart attacks and/or strokes. Some people consider flax seed oil unpalatable. It is actually very tasty and can be used as part of the salad dressing (with vinegar or lemons) or as a dressing for baked potatoes - after these have cooled down from excessive heat. Never cook or bake with flax seed oil! Gerson Institute 1572 2nd Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 619-685-5353 The names Gerson and Gerson Therapy are TM and/or SM of the Gerson Institute. © 1992-2001 Gerson Institute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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