Dietary Oils

You might be asking: "Why should I add fat to my diet when everything I hear tells me to reduce my fat intake? I eat enough fat - why would I want to buy fat supplements?"

Well, we don't recommend that you add more fat to your diet if you are already getting 30% or more of your calories from fat, but you can make a big difference in your health if you can replace many of the "bad" fats with these "good" fats. If you are not getting 30% of your calories from fat, you most certainly can benefit by adding some of these oils to your diet.

There are three basic categories of dietary fats, well really four if you count trans fatty acids, which we'll explain in just a moment. Fats in their original form are made up of some combination of saturated and unsaturated fats. The unsaturated fats are either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.

We've all heard the horror stories about the saturated fats that exist in beef, pork, hard cheeses, and other dairy products. Excessive saturated fat consumption is generally considered to be bad because it is more difficult to breakdown by the body leading to a greater insulin secretion than other fats induce. When consumed with a moderate to high carbohydrate diet, saturated fats can cause blood platelets to become "sticky" which may lead to a build up of plaque in the arteries. These two effects of dietary saturated fat have lead nutritionists to recommend that they be limited in consumption.

Many nutritionists suggest that you get most of your dietary fat from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat sources. The most important of the polyunsaturated fats are the two essential fatty acids, alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid. Monounsaturated fats are the most benign of the fat sources and are generally considered to not cause disease or other health problems. Macadamia nut oil is one of the best sources of monounsaturated fats. It is about 79% monounsaturated (about 60% oleic acid and 20% palmitoleic acid). Extra virgin olive oil is good also at around 74% (mostly oleic acid). Canola oil is at about 59%, yet also contains a good amount of alpha linolenic acid. Peanuts and peanut oil are also relatively healthy because the fats they contain are mostly monounsaturated and they are very economical. See our Nutrient Profiles of Vegetable and Nut Oils web page for more information on nuts, nut oils, and other vegetable oils.

Fatty acids exist in different structures in that the double bonds may have one of two forms; cis and trans. The cis form is the natural structure of the fatty acid. Many oils undergo processing (heating and/or hydrogenation), which creates the trans fatty acid structure form. Hydrogenation is performed by a process of adding an extra hydrogen molecule to the original structure. These processes allow an oil to last longer on the store shelves (many store bought vegetable oils) or it will become solid at room temperature (margarine, shortening). So, although their original form was that of an unsaturated fat, they have been modified to act like a saturated fat. These trans fatty acids should be avoided since research has shown their effects to be as bad or worse than naturally saturated fats in the body. Many commercial products contain hydrogenated oils such as cookies, potato chips, peanut butter, and many other products you find in your grocery store and vending machines.

So, to optimize your overall health, we recommend that you consume more monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, especially the essential fatty acids. To make room for these fats in your diet, you should decrease your consumption of saturated fats.

Below are several of the dietary fats that we offer in oil form so that you can use these important "good" fats to make your eating more healthy.

One last comment on the importance of fat in the diet for those of you who might still be saying "I'm a bodybuilder, dammit, and eating fat will only make me fat!" even though thousands of people are experiencing great body fat loss on moderate fat diets like the Zone diet. Well, a recent study in the Journal of Applied Physiology (Volek, JS et. al. 1997. 82(1): 49-54) found a significant correlation between testosterone production and total energy from fat (r = +0.72 correlation), saturated fat (+0.77), and monounsaturated fat (+0.79). This says that as fat consumption increased, so did testosterone production. This study compared a low fat diet (18%) vs. a high fat (41%) diet. Since hormones like testosterone are created from cholesterol, it seems reasonable that a very low fat diet may impair testosterone production.

Products on this page (links may not work until entire page is loaded.):

Udo's Choice Oil Blend | The Total EFA | Structured EFA | Flax Oil | Fish Oil | Super MaxEPA | EPO Oil | Borage Oil | Macadamia Oil | Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) | Medium Chain Triglycerides

Udo's 3-6-9 Oil Blend

Udo's Choice Oil Blend is a unique blend of oils and nutritional co-factors that meet all of the essential fatty acid needs of your body. Formulated by author and nutritional authority, Udo Erasmus, Ph. D. and made by combining certified organic flax, sesame, sunflower oil and other unrefined oils, lecithin (GMO-free) and tocotrienol.

An ideal 2:1 ratio of omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, proven by research to benefit cardiovascular health, enhance stamina and energy, and improve general health and well-being. Certified Organic.

"We must make sure to obtain the healing fats that our body needs, and to avoid the killer fats. Udo's 3-6-9  Oil Blend is a balanced, convenient way to get everything we need from oils." -- Udo Erasmus

Udo's 3-6-9 Oil Blend (Flora) - Average rating - Write a review Show Reviews Reviews January 03, 2008 Reviewer: A customer in New York For the past 20 years, my total cholesterol has fluctuated between 200 and 220. Not bad, but not great. I began taking Udo's Oil in July of 2007. I had an annual checkup in October 2007 and was surprised to find my total cholesterol had plummeted to 160. My doctor looked at the ingredients and said she wasn't surprised at these results. One caveat: Udo's Oil will lower both "good" (HDL) and "bad" (LDL) cholesterol. If you are not exercising, your overall total cholesterol will be excellent, but the ratio of good to bad cholesterol might actually be worse. This ratio cannot be improved by diet, it can only be improved by exercise. I swear by this product, but I'd add that the stuff tastes awful (like cod liver oil). I'm following the BFFM diet, which mandates 1 tablespoon of the 3-6-9 oil for every 100 pounds of body weight. Highly recommended! Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No December 13, 2007 Reviewer: Ryan in Tennessee I read Udo Erasmus' book, "Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill" years ago. Completely changed my perspective on dietary fat intake. I started using Barleans brand Flax oil after that until I realized that Udo had his own blend on the market. I practically live on this stuff. I usually have 3-4 MRP's a day, and I always mix 1-2 tbs of this oil along with my drink. The only other way I consume it is hiding it in some yogurt or pudding. It's got a "nutty" flavor alright, but I wouldn't call it pleasant. There's not enough room here to list all the benefits I see...just use it, your body will thank you. Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No September 15, 2007 Reviewer: A customer in Ohio A wonderful addition to a healthy diet! These good fats help keep down the cravings for unhealthy ones and give my eating plan a taste boost as well. Good for mixing with Italian seasonings as a dipping oil for warm crusty whole-grain bread, or with cinnamon and Splenda for egg'n'oatmeal pancakes. Not to mention Udos is my favorite topping for potatoes and veggies. Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No August 11, 2007 Reviewer: Kim in Texas I've been a consumer of this product for seven years and for the past seven years my cholesterol and triglycerides have been great; this has not always been the case. A year ago my sister began using it and she has had the same wonderful results (during her last annual check-up her doctor was amazed at the positive changes and told her that whatever she is doing, to keep doing it). The only two changes she had made this past year were an improved exercise program and adding Udo's Choice Oil Blend to her diet. An added bonus for us is how it benefits our skins appearance and texture. Our skin is looking fantastic as we near 50! This review is specific to Udo's 3-6-9 Oil Blend Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No January 09, 2007 Reviewer: Laura in New York I use this product religiously. I use it instead of butter. Put it on potatoes, scrambled eggs, toast, english muffins - almost anything. I am 48 years old. I recently had a full blood work up done. My triglycerides and cholesterol were absolutely perfect. In fact they were on the low side. Given that I am a meat lover and eat whatever I want, this is a testament to the value of this oil. Take this oil every day and avoid like the plague hydrogenated and trans fats in your diet and I can almost guarantee your results will be similar. Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No See more reviews

Udo's 3-6-9 Oil Blend Capsules (Flora) - Average rating - Write a review Show Reviews Reviews October 09, 2007 Reviewer: Angela in Maryland Great product to balance your Omega Fatty Acids; most people get too much Omega-6 and we all need a certain ratio of these oils for optimal utilization in our bodies. I've found that the pills are way easier to take than the oil. I take 6 of these a day. With the oil, it's about 2 tbsp. My brother likes to dip his bread in the oil, but I think the flavor is bitter, so I'm sticking with the pills. Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No

82-0201 Flora Udo's 3-6-9 Oil Blend 8.5 fl oz. Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 TBSP (15ml) Servings Per Container: 17 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value* Total Calories 125         Calories From Fat 125      Total Fat 14.5  g 22%       Saturated Fat 1.5  g 8%       Polyunsaturated Fat 10  g      Monounsaturated Fat 3  g   Omega-3 fatty acids 6.4  g   Omega-6 fatty acids 3.2  g   Omega-9 fatty acids 3  g   *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. For optimum freshness keep refrigerated. Once opened use within 2 months. Ingredients: Flax oil*, sunflower oil*, sesame oil*, coconut oil*, evening primrose oil* (13 mg GLA per Tbsp), rice germ and bran oil*, soy lecithin (GMO-free), oat germ and bran oil, tocotrienols. (*certified organic) Recommended Use: Take 1 Tbsp. 2 times daily with meals. The cloudy layer in the oil is unique to this blend. To obtain it's benefits shake the bottle gently before each use. Do not heat or use for frying. Keep refrigerated at all times. Can be frozen to prolong freshness. If you notice any errors in the information above, please let us know. If you have further questions about this product, please contact Flora at 1-800-446-2110

Udo's 3-6-9  Oil Blend is a special blend of carefully chosen, natural, unrefined oils. It contains oils from fresh, certified organic flax, sesame and sunflower seeds, as well as oils from wheat germ, rice germ and oat germ.

Natural, unrefined Udo's Choice contains an ideal balance of the essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega 3 (alpha-linolenic) and omega 6 (linoleic). These EFAs are so called because they are essential to life itself. They cannot be created by the body and must be obtained through diet. Refined, hydrogenated oils turn EFAs into harmful trans-fatty acids, and studies show most contemporary Western diets are lacking in omega 3. To compensate for this, many consumers have turned to unrefined flax oil, high in omega 3. But, having the right balance between omega 3 and omega 6 is equally important. Too much of one will cause a deficiency of the other. Over the long term flax oil alone can lead to a shortage of omega 6.

Udo's Choice was developed to address the need for a single oil that provides both EFAs in the correct amounts. The 2:1 ratio of 3s to 6s in Udo's 3-6-9  Oil Blend goes beyond anything previously available. It's the healthy solution to all your EFA needs.

This oil blend is rich in lecithin, which provides the building materials for healthy cell membranes. It also contains medium chain triglycerides -- easy to digest and assimilate, they are used directly by our cells as a source of energy without increasing fat deposition. Vitamin E is added to improve shelf-life and to act as a free radical scavenger in the body.

Udo's 3-6-9  Oil Blend is pressed at a temperature of less than 50 degrees Celsius and, more importantly, in the absence of light and oxygen. The use of nitrogen-flushed, amber glass bottles further protects the oil from light and oxygen and helps to insure maximum stability.

MCTs can improve liver function and fat absorption. Unlike fats and oils, they are not transported through the lymphatic system during digestion, but go directly to the liver where they are burned to provide energy. Burned like carbohydrates, MCTs are a good source of energy for athletes. They have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and help people with irritable bowel problems

Like all fresh-pressed oils, Udo's Choice is sensitive to light, air and heat. It should not be used for frying, deep-frying or sautéing, but can otherwise replace most oils in food preparation and can be used in all the same ways as flax oil.

Udo's Choice is excellent for making delicious healthy salad dressings and can be mixed with yogurt or tofu. Try serving it on steamed vegetables or baked potatoes, adding it to homemade veggie soup (after cooking), or mixing it with extra virgin olive oil in dishes such as homus and tabouleh. It adds zing to brown rice and can make both hot and cold cereals more nutritious.

Athletes may benefit by adding Udo's Choice to their favorite protein shake. It can also be added to fresh vegetable juices.

Udo's Choice actually brings out and improves the natural flavors of the foods to which it is added. You can consume it on its own, by the spoonful.

How does it taste? Udo's 3-6-9  Oil Blend has a pleasant, nutty, buttery taste with a hint of sunflower flavor.

Why is it cloudy, and what is the sediment? The cloudiness and sediment are due to natural minor ingredients present in the unrefined oils used in Udo's Choice. They have been left in deliberately because they're good for you -- shake the bottle gently before use.

What is the product's shelf life? Udo's Choice is packaged in amber, glass bottles with a "consume before" date on the label. It should be refrigerated - although it will be fine during shipment since it is unopened. Once opened, it is best consumed within 4-8 weeks. It will keep without spoiling or taste deterioration for over a year if frozen.

What is the recommended daily amount? One tablespoon twice daily with meals is recommended. This amount can be increased if necessary. You can tell that you're getting enough when your skin becomes soft, smooth and velvety.

Be sure to read Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill by Dr. Udo Erasmus for complete information on all the good and bad dietary oils in our food supply. Learn which to use and which to avoid.

Udo Erasmus has become an internationally recognized authority on the subject of fats, oils, cholesterol, and human health. His academic credentials include two years of post graduate studies in genetics and biochemistry, and a Ph.D. in nutrition. He pioneered the technology for pressing and packaging healthful oils, and continues to provide consulting services to health professionals and individuals. Udo is a frequent writer and speaker on fats and oils, and lives in Vancouver, B.C. His book, Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill is a must read.

Special antioxidant complex added to bottled liquid version: vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), rosemary extract, ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C) and citric acid.

The Total EFA (Health From The Sun) - Average rating - Write a review Show Reviews Reviews April 23, 2008 Reviewer: Russel in New York I've used this product for a decade as a means to supplement EFA. Usually a tablespoon in that morning's smoothy. One issue - if stored in the fridge to maintain freshness, the lignans tend to settle on the bottom and are difficult to dredge up through shaking due to the increased viscosity at low temp. Failure to distribute the lignans evenly (perhaps accomplished by storing the bottle on its side?) results in the final dozen servings being bitter and choked with lignans. Tough package to coax out the last few drops; rinse the bottle thoroughly. This review is specific to The Total EFA Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No November 28, 2007 Reviewer: Bruce in Connecticut It is neutral tasting (not bad.) It can even be used as salad dressing ! It us by far the cheapest way of getting Total 3-6-9. Capsules don't contain much by comparison. This review is specific to The Total EFA Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No

58-0815 Health From The Sun The Total EFA 16 fl oz. Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 Tbsp (15ml) Servings Per Container: About 31 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value* Total Calories 130         Calories From Fat 120      Total Fat 14  g 22%       Saturated Fat 1.5  g 8%    Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) (omega-3) 5800  mg   Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) (omega-6) 290  mg   Linoleic Acid (omega-6) 2300  mg   Oleic Acid (omega-9) 1700  mg   *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Refrigerate after opening. Ingredients: Certified organic cold expeller-pressed flaxseed oil and particulate, borage seed oil, evening primrose seed oil, contains less than 2% of the following: rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E), ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C), and citric acid to protect freshness. Recommended Use: One tablespoon daily. Before beginning any program of weight loss, consult your health care practitioner. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you notice any errors in the information above, please let us know. If you have further questions about this product, please contact Health From The Sun at 1-800-447-2249

Flax Oil 1000 Capsules - For those that do not like the taste of flax oil or do not find it convenient to mix into other foods, we provide this excellent oil in capsule form. Since 1 Tbsp equals almost 14000 mg. or 14 g., you would need to take about 13 to 14 capsules per day to get a Tbsp of flax oil. A smaller dosage is still of benefit to increase your omega-3 essential fatty acid consumption though.

58-0817 Health From The Sun Flax Oil, 1000 mg. 180 capsules Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 2 softgels Servings Per Container: 90 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value* Total Calories 20         Calories From Fat 20      Total Fat 2  g 3%    Protein <1  g 1%    Alpha-Linolenic Acid [ALA] (Omega-3) 1100  mg   Linoleic Acid (omega-6) 300  mg   Oleic Acid (omega-9) 355  mg   *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Ingredients: Certified Organic Flax seed oil, gelatin, glycerine, and water. Recommended Use: One to two softgels with each meal daily or as directed by your health care practitioner. Before beginning any program of weight loss, consult your health care practitioner. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you notice any errors in the information above, please let us know. If you have further questions about this product, please contact Health From The Sun at 1-800-447-2249

Fish Oils