Flax Seed Oil

[hitman]

I was at my local supplement shop today picking up some whey protein and the lady at the counter told me I need to add some fatty oil to my shakes so that my body can dissolve it properly. So I got this Flax Seed oil in soft gel capsules (this is what she recommended)
This junk ran me $20 and now that I think about it I could have gotten fish oil capsules at the drug store for about $6…

Can someone explain to me why she recommended that I take these capsules with my shakes? Was she just trying to sell me some placebo?
In the future could I just get fish oil from the drug mart or will that not work?

Thanks

[DerekB]

The capsules are worthless.  You typically need 10+ capsules to equal a single tablespoon of the liquid oil that is refrigerated.

Flax & Fish oils are great and adding it to your shake is a good idea to get your essential fatty acids (the Omega 3 fatty acids). I personally dont mix it in as some would be wasted clinging to the sides...I just down a tablespoon and follow it with the shake.  I recommend taking it twice a day (3 times if you have a very low fat diet).

[hitman]

the thing is im not on a low fat diet..

[DerekB]

It all depends on what type of fats you are getting.  The Omega 3's are something you should never deprive yourself of.  If you arent eating alot of fish/walnuts ect, you should supplement with flax or fish oil.

If you eat fish 2x a day and a handfull of nuts here and there then you are fine.

[hitman]

ya this junk has omega 3 and some other fat..
Eating fish 2x a day? who the hell does that?
The reason I got this junk is because the lady at the store told me it will help my body better absorve protein.. is that true?

[DerekB]

No.  Whey protein is easily absorbed by the body once broken down, and flax/fish oil will not aid in its absorption.

I was just recommending you DO take them, just not for the reason(s) given to you by the store clerk.  But i'd take it back and get the actual liquid oil (not capsules) from your local supermarket.

[hitman]

thanks for your help.

[Jack Tragic]

[/quote]

.
Eating fish 2x a day? who the hell does that?
The reason I got this junk is because the lady at the store told me it will help my body better absorve protein.. is that true?

   .....Ahem...I DO......I eat tuna two to three X a day my friend. It's an awesome source of protien in a pinch as well as Omega 3 oils. For fatty acids I prefer CLA, but Flax oil is fine (you'd be shocked if I were to tell you what I have learned to eat tuna on/with... ) . And yes. By mixing a fatty acid oil into your protien shake it is absorbed into your system at a slower rate, thus allowing your body to make better use of every protien shake as protien powder alone absorbs and digests very quickly.

[hitman]

Jack aren’t u worried about the high amount of mercury?
I would eat tuna every day as well but I don’t want the long term risks so I just eat chicken and keep my tuna intake at 3-4 cans a week.

[p.s.]

Jack aren’t u worried about the high amount of mercury?
I would eat tuna every day as well but I don’t want the long term risks so I just eat chicken and keep my tuna intake at 3-4 cans a week.

I'm quite sure Jack will be fine, and NEVER put to much stock into what you read in the media regarding the latest scare tactic. Jack is of course bang on with the whole protein absorption thing as adding EFAs (flax) does slow the digestion of a shake by quite a bit. I also agree that capsules are a HUGE waste of $$ and the refrigerated flax oil you get at the grocery store is by far and away more cost effective. Just remember to always keep this type of oil refrigerated or it will "turn" rather quickly at room temperature.

[hitman]

So how much tuna is safe in your opinion?

[ShoreThing]

I remember I once bought flax oil from *sigh* Wal-Mart and the stuff was nasty. Think that would that be because it was stored at room temperature in Wal-Mart, or just the fact that it came from Wal-Mart? How should it normally taste?

[hitman]

it doesnt have a taste..

[DerekB]

Flax Seed Oil has a mild grassy type flavor to it.  If it has no flavor either you are taking pills (which suck) or a placebo.  To avoid tasting it too much I allways down the tablespoon first then while holding my breath follow it up with the protein shake or a bottle of water.

Room temperature will definately make the taste stronger 

[dancerqueen]

You should always store it in the refrigerator.  HC and I just throw it in our shakes.....you don't taste it at all.  You just see the oil kind of floating around in your shake.   Looks gross, but tastes fine.