I was reading LR4YT (specifically page 234 - Modify EGF) and it says to lower your intake of linoleic acid.  

But flaxseed oil contains this and is a beneficial for A's.  What point am I missing?????

Mitchie...isn't that related to cancerous situation? to reduce the possibilities or better said a recommendation for preventive measures......if EGF might be high...... you should reduce.......

Flaxseed contains alpha-linoleNic acid, and omega-3 polyunsaturated acid.  Linoleic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid.  There are many different substances whose spelling is similar:

Linoleic acid
Alpha-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid

Hi Whimsical -

I'm looking at the label and the breakdown is as follows for 1 tsp:

Alpha Linolenic Acid 2.72 grams

Linoleic Acid 698 mg

Oleic Acid 814 mg

Phytonutrients 481 mg

I am reading the Linoleic Acid 698 mg correctly, aren't I ?

Maybe I need some extra vitamin A for my eyes.  

Yes, there are both in flaxseed and many other oils.  These are different types of fatty acids and fatty acids in different balances make up oils.  Next time you're at the grocery store, look at the labels of a few different oils and you will see what I mean.  

The point of the recommendation you read was that generally people eat enough (or too much) of omega-6 fatty acids (such at linoleic) and not enough of omega-3 fatty acids (such as alpha-linolenic).  Omega-6s can lead to inflammation in the body (although this is not a hard and fast rule and they are necessary for many critical bodily functions), while omega-3s can help reduce inflammation.  So, it is important to ensure you get both, working harder to get omega-3s since they are less common in the average diet.

Bottom line: you need both and you will never be able to eliminate omega-6s (nor should you seek to because omega-6s aren't all bad like the media may have you believing), but omega-3s are also important and should be favoured.

Thanks Whimsical !  More info to use when educating.

I have many customers who come in and are adamant that they NEED 3-6-9 blend.  They are somewhat taken aback when I tell them that they only need Omega 3.  I go on to ask them if they eat bread, cookies, cakes.  "Well, yes, once in a while."  I explain to them that cooking oils/fats and olive oil have the 6 and 9 and it's the Omega 3 that our bodies don't produce ... the essential fatty acid that helps us the most.  They sometimes listen and the others buy into "the Blend" because someone told them to get 'that' oil.  When I can educate one person on the benefits of Omega-3 then it's a Big WIN !!

Can you supplement flax oil without the taste?  Does it come in gel caps? Is it an acquired taste?

Yes scout...you can get flaxseed in oil gel caps.  Just make sure when you do get a flaxseed supplement it has been stored in the refridgerator/freezer section.  It can go rancid quite easily.

Debra