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Natural Bowel Care Program: Essential fatty acids |
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I've heard of omega-3 fats, but what's an essential fatty acid (EFA)?
Essential fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat the body can not make. They must be obtained from food sources. There are two essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is a type of omega-3 fat, and linoleic acid (LA).
ALA has a number of important metabolic effects in the body. ALA can undergo beta-oxidation to produce energy needed for work, play and rest. It can form keytone bodies which play an important role in brain functioning during aging. Or it can be converted to long chain omega-3 fats such as DHA and EPA, among many other functions.
ALA has many health benefits, especially for the geriatric population. Increasing the amount of ALA in the diet increases the amount of ALA, EPA and DHA within cell membranes. ALA increases cell membrane flexibility (producing a beneficial change), plays a key role in maintaining the nervous system and helps to reduce inflammation.
How do you increase the ALA for residents in your long term care facility? Given them flax! Two tablespoons of of flax flour provides 3.0 g of ALA (omega-3) fats. Current AI (acceptable intake) values for ALA are 0.8 grams / day for women and 1.3 grams / day for men.In 2002 the Food and Nutrition Board in the United States established recommended AI values for ALA. The term AI refers to the recommended average daily intake level based on observed or experimentally determined approximations or estimates of nutrient intake in a group(s) of apparently healthy people that are assumed to be adequate. AI's are used when an RDA (recommended dietary allowance) cannot be determined. |
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Vallley flax flour for breakfast |
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After summer vacations are over we approach life with a new vigor and enthusiasm. This September while you prepare to head back to school or back to work, start the season and each day off right by eating breakfast.
Breakfast is different from other meals because it "breaks the fast". Overnight your body has gone many hours without food; this is a long time for your body to go without refueling. People who eat breakfast: have more energy, have better blood glucose control and are more likely to have a healthy body weight.
Flax flour is a great choice for breakfast. Flax flour provides a high quality protein, soluble and insoluble fibre, healthy omega-3 fats and antioxidants. Start by adding one to two teaspoons of flax flour a day, then gradually over a few days increase up to two tablespoons a day. Try adding flax flour to your morning hot or cold cereal. It is a comforting breakfast on a cool morning. You can also try adding flax to yogurt, applesauce or a smoothie.
For delicious flax recipes visit www.valleyflaxflour.com. Here you will find great breakfast recipes such as; banana muffins, pumpkin loaf, flax pancakes, smoothies and more. For more information about breakfast visit our resources folder on the member only side of our natural bowel care program. |
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New Flax Recipe: banana muffins |
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Ingredients
1 egg
250 ml milk, 1%
50 ml vegetable oil
125 ml sugar, white
300 ml bananas, mashed
5 ml vanilla
250 ml flax flour
250 ml white flour
250 ml whole wheat flour
5 ml baking soda
15 ml baking powder
1. In one bowl, mix together the egg, milk, oil, sugar, bananas and vanilla.
2. In another bowel, mix together the flour, baking soda and baking powder.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just blended.
4. Scoop the batter into 12 non-stick or paper lined muffins cups; fill each cup full.
5. Bake in a 400 F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until firm to touch.
These muffins are delicious! Each one provides 4 tsp of flax flour. This is one our of favourite recipes using flax. If you have never tried it, now is the time. If you haven't made them for a while go for it. The ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. For other breakfast recipes with flax visit our recipe database on line.
For nutrition information and a printer friendly version of this recipe click here. |
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Horse Sense: What's new with the Nova Scotia
Pony Club |
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The Nova Scotia Region of Canadian Pony Club held their 2011 rally on July 25 and 26th at Central Nova Horse & Pony, in Truro Nova Scotia.
A Canadian Pony Club 'rally' is primarily a team competition encouraging teamwork and cooperation.
A rally normally has two main parts, riding and practical work knowledge. Each one bringing out the teachings of Pony Club. The riding portion of the rally is divided into a three-test event: a dressage test; a cross country test (fixed jumps in the open) and a stadium jumping test (in a ring where poles can be knocked down). The time frame for provincial rallies is at the discretion of the region.
The practical work knowledge part can include stable management, tack room organization & practicality, written knowledge and oral knowledge. The team results of this year's regional rally are as follows:
Individual: Training Level Dressage and Overall (Both results the same) - 1st & Winner of the Donald Grant Trophy - Julia Locke, Opportunity Pony Club; 2nd Damita Hansen, Annapolis PC.
Pre-Training Dressage and Overall: 1st - Emily Baltzer , West Valley PC (Trophy Winner); 2nd - Liana Jacquard, West Valley; 3rd - Emma Foote
Starter Dressage: 1st - Samantha Symonds, Annapolis (Trophy Winner); 2nd - Delaney MacKenzie, Annapolis; 3rd - Hayleigh Stewart
Starter Overall: 1st - Samantha Symonds, Annapolis (Henry Family Trophy); 2nd - Delaney MacKenzie, Annapolis; 3rd- Joecy Peters
Team Stable Management and Overall: 1st - Annapolis #1; 2nd - West Valley/Tantramar; 3rd - Annapolis #2
To read the full article from the Nova Scotia Region of Canada Pony Club, view the complete list of winners from this year's regional rally and see event photos, click here. |
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Volume 3, Issue 4,
September 2011
Did you know that we have professional staff to assist you with every aspect of using flax?
Our Registered dietitians are behind the
promotion, clinical support, sales and marketing of our premium quality flax flour.
If you have a question about flax just ask, we would happy to help you!
Click here to email.
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Visit us on facebook to stay connected with Valley Flaxflour Ltd.
We are posting new recipes, updating you on special events and much more.
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NBCP resource
binder update |
We have recently posted our Natural Bowel Care Program Resource Binder online! Visit www.valleyflaxflour.com and click on the natural bowel care tab. Then click on member sign up or member login to access the member only side of the website.
We will be regularly updating the resource binder and adding new resources as they are developed. Now you can do it all online at your convenience. |
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Give flax a try!
Visit us online www.valleyflaxflour.com or contact us to get started!
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Sincerely,
Howard Selig, PDt. President Valley Flaxflour Ltd. Email
Amy Gyger, RD Customer Service Representative Email
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