Do you worrry about Omega 3s?

[Queen Bean]

Do you consciously try and eat Omega 3 rich foods?

I wonder how David Mason gets his Omega 3s as a fruitarian.

What is your viewpoint on this?

[luckitri]

Nope I don't worry about it. Flax seed has alpha linolenic acid. Check it out.

http://www.healthcastle.com/flax.shtml

Flax seed crackers are super easy to make if you have a dehydrator. Just soak, spice 'em up the way you want 'em, pour them on the tray and flip the switch.

[luckitri]

OK. I just went and looked it up. Maybe I should worry about it. It has been out of my diet for many years now so I will have to read more. Maybe someone with more knowledge than myself will have answer. I know lots of people who absolutely refuse to eat any fish and never have and they seem quite healthy.

[LoveLife]

Queen Bean..I just started eating raw..but I was a vegan b4 I went raw..and I have an excellent book called Becoming Vegan..with tons of scientific data..and nutritional info..I will write what they say about Omega 3..but u can find it at Barnes & Nobles most likely...There are 3 kinds of Omega 3's actually..LNA, EPA, & DHA..there r two problems..there is a lot of Omega 6 in veggies and excess of that creates problems with getting Omega 3's..also the EPA and DHA can only be found in seaweed and microalgae (all other sources are from flesh food)..LNA is supplied by flax and lots of other plants and nuts...the problem is that seaveggies most of the time do not contain enough to do any help (no matter what people think ..tests now show a lot less Omega3 than previously thought)..so their only suggestions for getting enough DHA/EPA is to take supplements (u'd have to eat a TON of seaweed to get enough)..unfortunately their are no vegan forms (pills without gel caps) as of this moment..also obviously they would not be raw..I'm sorry that this doesn't help much..I would say u should look up this book to read the full story..I summed up like 5 pages worth here..and look up more info from other sites and books...and we should all lobby companies to develop vegan-friendly products...good luck in your searches...:)

[DavidZaneMason]

My experiences/opinions:

-I tried to eat a HUGE variety of raw foods....and I supplemented....and I made sure to get plenty of raw Omega 3's...mainly during my transition years. As I became more comfortable.....and moved towards a simpler fruit diet....I found that supplements made me ill. As I mono-fed.....I became increasingly HONEST about how certain foods and supplements (and thoughts and emotions and situations) made me feel in the long run. Those that made me ill and sluggish....I made a commitment to cut out of my life forever. No worries! LOL.

-If the desire to show love to yourself is there....and you are willing to do whatever it takes....forever...to demonstrate that love......then the elements beyond what many folks think of as 'nutrition' (which is a VERY young science) will emerge to support your goals.

-The judgments that are made about physical requirements are often made via very digestive-compromised bodies and lifestyles. The requirements MIGHT not be the same for those that have no.......impediments to absorption......and live a life of constant flow of joy.

-Keep in mind there are MANY facets to a life that give rise to physical well-being: Sunlight, light fasting, light exercise, joyful living / avocation, pure air and deep breathing, etc.

-These are just my opinions. Have a great day everyone! Let the unknown be your water.....and joy a multiplying loaf that you have more of...for every loaf that you give away.

-David Z. Mason

[Dj 247]

I just read that walnuts have a good supply of Omega 3's. I looked it up because I just made the taco meat for taco salad. Which was very tasty and filling by the way. Like David Z. Mason said it is a new science. If we went by what the norm is we would be eating tons of animal protien thinking we are super strong and healthy when in fact it weakens the body esp. the bones.

[LightLover]

My experiences/opinions:

-I tried to eat a HUGE variety of raw foods....and I supplemented....and I made sure to get plenty of raw Omega 3's...mainly during my transition years. As I became more comfortable.....and moved towards a simpler fruit diet....I found that supplements made me ill. As I mono-fed.....I became increasingly HONEST about how certain foods and supplements (and thoughts and emotions and situations) made me feel in the long run. Those that made me ill and sluggish....I made a commitment to cut out of my life forever. No worries! LOL.

-If the desire to show love to yourself is there....and you are willing to do whatever it takes....forever...to demonstrate that love......then the elements beyond what many folks think of as 'nutrition' (which is a VERY young science) will emerge to support your goals.

-The judgments that are made about physical requirements are often made via very digestive-compromised bodies and lifestyles. The requirements MIGHT not be the same for those that have no.......impediments to absorption......and live a life of constant flow of joy.

-Keep in mind there are MANY facets to a life that give rise to physical well-being: Sunlight, light fasting, light exercise, joyful living / avocation, pure air and deep breathing, etc.

-These are just my opinions. Have a great day everyone! Let the unknown be your water.....and joy a multiplying loaf that you have more of...for every loaf that you give away.

-David Z. Mason
----------
Brilliant :)

LL
-----------

[dextera3]

No, I don't worry about it...I just include them in my diet. A tablespoon of ground flax seed (hidden inside a smoothie) each day will keep you covered. Walnuts are also a good source.

[Jeannine]

No, I don't worry about it...I just include them in my diet. A tablespoon of ground flax seed (hidden inside a smoothie) each day will keep you covered.

Exactly what I was going to say! I was just researching this a few weeks ago, and what I learned is that a tablespoon per day will give you the necessary amount. Also, buy the seeds but they MUST be ground up to get the best absorption. Those little buggers will slip right through your system if they are whole. :) The oil gets rancid quickly, so freshness is important.

I grind a small amount in my "coffee" grinder every week or so, and keep them in a container in the fridge.

[Queen Bean]

I am interested in this because I am doing an assignment on it in my Naturopathy course. It is very hard for me, as my viewpoint on food is more along the David Mason line, in terms of it not all being empirical. I am still really not sure how to reconcile my stance on raw foodism compared with the nutrition that I am being taught. I still don't know if it is the path for me, but I haven't quit yet.

I know that flaxseeds, seaweed and walnuts are sources. I was wondering about David, as he doesn't eat these foods.

I suppose I am scared that by doing this course, I will lose the simplicity of life. I will keep eating intuitively. Intuition incorporates intellect at some level for me. For instance, intellectually knowing that I should be eating more cold-pressed flaxseed oil, my intuition may reach for it when I make a salad dressing instead of no oil.

[Revvell]

Do you worrry about Omega 3s?

Nope, I don't. Actually, don't worry much about anything. If it's a factor in my life, I handle it. Worrying is a waste of energy.

Revvell

[magglepie]

well said Revell.

[Queen Bean]

Revvell, do you worry about B12? If I am coming from a scientific perspective (which I don't always do) I would worry about irreversible damage to the nervous system. Sometimes it is not an issue of a problem arising at the time, but damage that is done to the body due to a deficiency, that, by the time you experience a symptom, it may not be easy to correct. An Omega-3 deficiency cause depression (which can be picked up on), cardiovascular disease, heart and vision problems to name a few.

[DavidZaneMason]

Queen:

-Go by what YOUR heart/brain/mind/soul is telling you...not what you've HEARD. Have you met a b-12 or protein deficient person? I'm not saying it DOESN'T happen........I'm just suggesting that if you show me a b-12 or protein deficient person....I'll show you some one with a pre-existing condition or absorption issue....not an INTAKE one. This is just my opinion / experience.

-Each person has to walk backwards through the maze that THEIR mind has created.

-The long-term and comfortable raw food folks are some of the happiest...prettiest....healthiest...and most intelligent people I know. I KNOW I am! :)

-David Z. Mason

[Queen Bean]

DZM...

Call me Queen...or call me Bean...

My Biomedical Study Skills lecturer (very young and funky) said his housemate had a B12 deficiency. She became concerned when she experienced numbness in her extremities.

If your absorption is optimal, as I imagine yours would be, where do you get your B12? What is your opinion on this?

My heart/brain/mind/soul are totally torn on these issues. I tend to look at all sides of an argument. It is my nature. Nothing is ever cut-and-dried for me. Or should I say cut-and-dehydrated (from an enzymatic perspective).

[DavidZaneMason]

Queen Bean:

I hear you.

-Seeing many paths is good. Moving confidently down one path is even better. Being honest about how you feel about YOUR path is the best.

-I'm sure I get plenty from the fruits I grow and pick myself. If not, I'm sure my body will produce it. If not, I don't really care....because I will not/won't have chosen ANY other joyful lifestyle than the one I'm living now......whether it produces B-12.......or not! ;) You know?

-David Z. Mason

[Wendee]

I do fish oil everyday eaither on my salad or in smoothie.


Wendy from the WindyCity

[Queen Bean]

Hmmm DZM.

I get you. I really get what you're saying.

If I do end up pursuing the Naturopathy path, I will be unable to take that approach with my clients. So I am wondering if I should get all tied up in mental knots about it or quit and just focus on my artistic pursuits. I am still trying to work that out.

Raw food and the spirituality / understanding that often goes with it is hard to even articulate sometimes.

Thanks for your insight DZM.

I remember...about 10 years ago I just ate sweet fruit and nuts and seeds for three months...that was my perception of a fruitarian diet at the time. Often when I would stand up, I would blackout and fall onto the bed. At the time I thought 'that's just detox'. I don't want to fall into that trap either, of being too blase. It's a complex issue.

Wendee, I should try hemp seed oil too.

[Revvell]

Revvell, do you worry about B12?

No, as I said, I don't worry about things. If something is an issue, I handle it. Worry is a waste of my time.

Revvell

[Ireland]

The many sources of Omega 3:

World's Healthiest Foods ranked as quality sources of:
omega 3 fatty acids
Food Serving
Size Cals Amount
(g) DV
(%) Nutrient
Density World's
Healthiest
Foods Rating
Flaxseeds 2 tbs 95.3 3.51 140.4 26.5 excellent
Cloves, dried, ground 2 tsp 14.2 0.20 8.0 10.1 very good
Walnuts 0.25 cup 163.5 2.27 90.8 10.0 excellent
Oregano, dried, ground 2 tsp 9.2 0.12 4.8 9.4 good
Salmon, chinook, baked/broiled 4 oz-wt 261.9 2.09 83.6 5.7 excellent
Cauliflower, boiled 1 cup 28.5 0.21 8.4 5.3 very good
Mustard seeds 2 tsp 35.0 0.20 8.0 4.1 very good
Cabbage, shredded, boiled 1 cup 33.0 0.17 6.8 3.7 very good
Romaine lettuce 2 cup 15.7 0.08 3.2 3.7 good
Broccoli, steamed 1 cup 43.7 0.20 8.0 3.3 good
Brussel sprouts, boiled 1 cup 60.8 0.26 10.4 3.1 good
Winter squash, baked, cubes 1 cup 80.0 0.34 13.6 3.1 good
Tofu, raw 4 oz-wt 86.2 0.36 14.4 3.0 good
Summer squash, cooked, slices 1 cup 36.0 0.15 6.0 3.0 good
Halibut, baked/broiled 4 oz-wt 158.8 0.62 24.8 2.8 good
Collard greens, boiled 1 cup 49.4 0.18 7.2 2.6 good
Spinach, boiled 1 cup 41.4 0.15 6.0 2.6 good
Kale, boiled 1 cup 36.4 0.13 5.2 2.6 good
Soybeans, cooked 1 cup 297.6 1.03 41.2 2.5 good
Shrimp, steamed/boiled 4 oz-wt 112.3 0.37 14.8 2.4 good
Turnip greens, cooked 1 cup 28.8 0.09 3.6 2.3 good
Cod, baked/broiled 4 oz-wt 119.1 0.32 12.8 1.9 good
Strawberries 1 cup 43.2 0.11 4.4 1.8 good
Green beans, boiled 1 cup 43.8 0.11 4.4 1.8 good
Snapper, baked/broiled 4 oz-wt 145.2 0.36 14.4 1.8 good
Scallops, baked/broiled 4 oz-wt 151.7 0.35 14.0 1.7 good
Tuna, yellowfin, baked/broiled 4 oz-wt 157.6 0.33 13.2 1.5 good

Yah so, just eat the vegan stuff raw and call it good. :)

[luckitri]

Thanks for the list Ireland!

Queen Bean I have a question for you. I am sure that I have absorption problems as I have had IBS and heartburn for many years. I recently discovered that I have severe vitamin D deficiency syndrome cause unknown to me. Yet I make the flax crackers with the whole seed and I like to chew them very well and try to crunch every seed - I do not have a problem with digesting them like so many write in on here. They do not come out the way they went in because I check every day. How can this be when my system is so compromised?

Also in my reading I read that it is the alpha-linolenic acid that the body converts to EFA that is found in flax. The question is that most studies have shown that the body is very inefficient at converting it in the necessary amounts and that is why flax is not considered a valid source. Of course others are debating that and since the body is a remarkably adaptable mechanism perhaps the vegan body learns to make better use of the materials presented to it thus making the entire argument moot.

[RawVegan4Health]

I add ground flax seeds to a LEAST 1 smoothie every day. Yes, I always have a tleast one green smoothie every day. If I have a breakfast fruit smoothie, I add flax seed and hemp seed powder.

[vgloveforlife]

I don't really worry too much about omega 3's but I do try to make sure my daily diet includes sources. I do not consume the same source every day but will vary it with chia seeds, flax, DHA supplement, Hemp powder and one non vegan source.

I agree worrying about things is a waste of time. I went through a phase where I worried about nutrition and getting enough and I never felt more unhealthy in my life.

[Veganforlife]

Nope, I don't. Actually, don't worry much about anything. If it's a factor in my life, I handle it. Worrying is a waste of energy.

Revvell

Amen! I figure if I'm healing from migraines and a basically dead thyroid, I'm getting enough of this and that. I think we can get too carried away about wondering if we're getting enough every all that wondering/worrying is stripping us of a good quality of life. I like the freedom that raw eating provides. I let nature do the worrying for me. I KNOW I am eating well and healing well. I am living proof of it. Those days of counting, worrying, and fretting are over. Thank God!

[hypnocmt]

If I am concerned about something, I do not hesitate to supplement if I cannot get it from a raw food source. EFA's play a huge role in neurological health. Deficiencies have been linked to mood, cognitive and other sidorders, including MS. Conversely, eating a diet rich in them has been shown to improve PMS, skin disorders, MS, depression and even psychosis.

I do not hesitate to

eat flax seed crackers
have a daily smoothie with sprouted hemp seed, flax and maca powder
use cold pressed olive oil in my salads with an extra shot of flax or acapsule of evening primrose oil

I am considering taking a B-vit supplement for the very reasons you mention.
I also used to supplement with extra magnesium, and wouldn't hesitate to do it again if I had issues with muscle tension, headaches, or hypertension.

As is often emphasized here, everyone has a unique body with unique needs. It is most important to listem to YOUR needs, rather than adhering stubbornly to a philosophy which may not always serve your best interests. What works for one may not work for the next. No harm in that.

Whatever we choose to put in our bodies is ours. As long as we do it in a way which honors ( with moderation, compassion, gratitude) the life form which feeds us, be it flesh or fruit, we are in alignment with the universe.

Bottom line- trust yourself.

[girl81]

i had no idea cauliflower had omega 3's.
thank you Ireland!

[Queen Bean]

Revvell, when I was asking about B12, I suppose I was referring to the idea of irreversible nervous system damage...whereby it's not a situation of not worrying, then having some symptom arising which causes you to change your behaviour...but actually having something happen to your body that is irreversible and then not being able to do anything about it.

It is interesting seeing all of the different perspectives. Some people are taking a more scientific approach, wanting to make sure all of their bases are covered. Others don't want to be consciously involved in the details and complexities of eating, as in...animals (besides us) don't use Fitday, so why do we? I can understand both perspectives.

It's all very interesting.

[Revvell]

As long as we do it in a way which honors ( with moderation....

HAh! I always have to laugh when people speak of "moderation". Show me a bowl of ripe cherries and I'll show you UN-moderation. :D

Revvell

[Revvell]

Bean..

Well, since my world and communication revolve upon words, your use of the word "worry" is where I'm coming from. Even so, no, I have no concern, no consideration, no thought about Omegas or B-12. I don't cogitate, contemplate or meditate on these things. I know people who've been raw and or cooked vegan for well over 25+ years and none of them worry about B-12. I'm wondering if it depends on the amount of damage one has done to their bodies over the years that they don't make it themselves.

Even eaters of animal flesh have b-12 issues. *shrugs*

What to do other than eat as varied a food program as possible and enjoy life to the fullest. As Osho said: "Celebrate, whatsoever."

Revvell


Revvell, when I was asking about B12, I suppose I was referring to the idea of irreversible nervous system damage...whereby it's not a situation of not worrying, then having some symptom arising which causes you to change your behaviour...but actually having something happen to your body that is irreversible and then not being able to do anything about it.

It is interesting seeing all of the different perspectives. Some people are taking a more scientific approach, wanting to make sure all of their bases are covered. Others don't want to be consciously involved in the details and complexities of eating, as in...animals (besides us) don't use Fitday, so why do we? I can understand both perspectives.

It's all very interesting.

[Queen Bean]

Revvell. I can see what you're saying.

I wonder what Nora's stance is on this whole thing. Or Dr Gabriel Cousens.

I don't suppose cows munching on grass worry too much about it either. I probably wouldn't see it as so much of an issue, except for the fact that I may have potential clients who will ask the question all the time.

I feel that this is a new science and that a raw body reacts differently to food than a cooked body, as you say.

Do I want to enter into the complexity of it all? Or should I just focus on the arts. Aaaaaaaaaagggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!! :confused:

[hypnocmt]

HAh! I always have to laugh when people speak of "moderation". Show me a bowl of ripe cherries and I'll show you UN-moderation. :D

Revvell



Double Ha, Revvell! Cher ries are a "weakness" for me too. I went through a phase about 7-8 years ago whne food did not appeal to me very much. I would force myself to eat some hummus once in awhile, but mostly I would go to Whole Foods and buy about $25 worth of cherries and just eat them non-stop.

I felt very, errrr....clean.... when I was done. ;) I LOVE LOVE LOVE cherries. Grew up hanging out with a pal whose family owned orchards...so yummy and such great memories.

I gladly pay the insane price for fresh when they are in season....droooooollll.

If you're in Chicago during the summer, I will make you a raw cherry pie that will curl your toes!

[trinity082482]

Yes I think about it often and try to add it to my diet

[Revvell]

If you're in Chicago during the summer, I will make you a raw cherry pie that will curl your toes!

You make raw cherry pies????? I, like you, will be paying whatever price necessary to get my cherries!!!! :D

[luckitri]

Cherries are in the air! All I can think of is Cherries! Then I come here and you are thinking of it too! I have to get me to a store and see if there are any CHERRIES!

(pant pant drool aaaarrrgggghhh drool)

[Tropigal]

Everyone needs to go out & buy a big fat bag of HEMP SEED!

[Revvell]

Ummm, actually, no, we don't.

Revvell


Everyone needs to go out & buy a big fat bag of HEMP SEED!

[Elizabeth]

If you're in Chicago during the summer, I will make you a raw cherry pie that will curl your toes!



hmmm.... recipe please??? ;)

[Ariannah]

Queen:

-Go by what YOUR heart/brain/mind/soul is telling you...not what you've HEARD. Have you met a b-12 or protein deficient person? I'm not saying it DOESN'T happen........I'm just suggesting that if you show me a b-12 or protein deficient person....I'll show you some one with a pre-existing condition or absorption issue....not an INTAKE one. This is just my opinion / experience.

-Each person has to walk backwards through the maze that THEIR mind has created.

-The long-term and comfortable raw food folks are some of the happiest...prettiest....healthiest...and most intelligent people I know. I KNOW I am! :)

-David Z. Mason
well said.

[Ariannah]

This bears repeating :D


-The judgments that are made about physical requirements are often made via very digestive-compromised bodies and lifestyles. The requirements MIGHT not be the same for those that have no.......impediments to absorption......and live a life of constant flow of joy.

[Tropigal]

and why not revvell...something against Hemp?
Omega 3...and 6,in a good ratio!

[Revvell]

and why not revvell...something against Hemp?
Omega 3...and 6,in a good ratio!

Nope! Just that nobody "needs" to do that. Some may wish to ~ if they worry ;) ~ yet, it's not a "need".

Revvell

[honeybee joy]

Originally Posted By DavidZaneMason
"I'm just suggesting that if you show me a b-12 or protein deficient person....I'll show you some one with a pre-existing condition or absorption issue....not an INTAKE one."

Would you mind elaborating on what you mean about that. I guess I have never had anyone explain it to me, but what you say does kinda make sense.

Please, enlighten me!

[DavidZaneMason]

-All of the research that I have done seems to indicate that the majority of folks who are actually diagnosed B-12 deficient are later shown to have had pre-existing digestive disorders and pathologies...which inhibit proper nutrient and B-12 uptake. My own opinion is that those that do not have such issues.....probably get enough B-12! Ha! ha!

-David Z. Mason

[LightLover]

Nope! Just that nobody "needs" to do that. Some may wish to ~ if they worry ;) ~ yet, it's not a "need".

Revvell

Yeah, a boundless width is where we go for.:)

LL

[valligator]

There actually *is* a vegan Omega 3 supplement.

Check this out:
www.water4.net

Manufactured in Switzerland, it is a high grade, organically grown algae oil. 3 capsules a day provide 75 mg EPA, 270 mg DHA.

Just for your information.....

[valligator]

I forgot to mention:

Chia seeds are supposed to have even more omega 3 fatty acids than flax seeds.

Check this out:

http://www.eatchia.com/englishfacts.htm

Another option...