Machine controllers are a key step in your CNC process. Find out why below..

Machine Controllers take your machining instructions from your G-Code and converts the G-Code into motion.  You are off to the races.  The controller interprets the signal pulses from your Control Computer and instructs the machine to move.

The Machine Controller is made up of various electrical parts.  Remember earlier that I said some electronic junkies flock to CNC.  This is why.  Machine controllers can be built if you are savvy with a soldering iron.  I myself am not.  I personally always default to ordering up a Machine Controller from one of my sources.Controller builders to me are electronic gods.  They mix power sources, match up Amp, Volts, etc into the item I need.

Generally, you can pick the number of Axis you want before they build the controller.  For example, if you are building a CNC Plasma Cutter you may want a two-axis controller.  Possibly a three-axis controller if you have a Torch Height Control.

If you have a milling machine or a wood router in mind, then a three axis is your ticket.  If you want to machine with a rotary axis, then you need a four-axis controller.  So on and so forth.

Here are some example controller prices Here are some prices you might see in the marketplace.  Most come with motor systems and cable as well.  Really, you purchase a whole kit at once if you go this route.  The other way to do it is to buy components and assemble it yourself.  I wouldn’t suggest this for the beginner.

Prices2 Axis – $1000–$3000 – Movement in the X and Y axis, dependent on the size of motors you order3 Axis – $1500–$4000 – Movement in the X, Y and Z axis, dependent on the size of motors you order4 Axis – $2000–$6000 – Movement in the X, Y, Z and A axis, dependent on the size of motors you order

Note: The A-axis is the rotational axis.  Why is it called that?  I don’t know.  It is also sometimes called the B-axis.  I have even heard it called the W-axis.  A-axis is the rotational axis around the X-axis. B-axis is the rotational axis around the Y-axis.

Buying a completed CNC MachineIf you purchase a CNC machine outright, it will have a machine controller as part of the package.  Everyone does it a bit different though.  Some try to make it a black box that only they can fix.  Other use commonly used components so you could repair it if need be.  You will just have to ask the manufacturer and see what they say.  My experience says they usually tell you that it uses common components that you can get anywhere if needed.  If something goes wrong, it seems you can only get the part from them.  You will have to decide.

Internal Machine Controller PartsThere are many different electrical components that go into a machine controller.  I won’t pretend that I am an expert on this.  Actually, this is one of the components I buy pre-made so I don’t have to do it.  If you are an electronics junkie you could build your own.  I know where my skills are at and it isn’t in assembling and understanding electronics.

Here is what I know about the guts of a controller.  There will be drivers.  One for each axis. 

Gecko Drivers seem to be the best value on the market right now with great support.  I have used Gecko drivers in two of my creations and they work great.  Next, is a processor to do the computing work.  A power source to power the controller.  Finally the external cableling that heads out to the motors at each axis on your machine.

There is more to it than just that, and I have probably left out some parts.  Those are the basic parts of machine controllers.

CNC Control PendantsI didn’t quite know where to put this section.  The Machining Chapter or Machine Controllers Chapter.  It ended up here because the pendant is almost always hooked to the controller.  Any pendant automatically gets a gold star from me.  I love them.  If you use one

Pendants are a true lifesaver when machining.  They give you access to commonly used functions about anywhere you want them.  You can jog the machine to a new location.  You can zero out your axis with a click.  You can even control your machining speeds on the fly.  All pendants are different and are usually associated with a purchased Machine Controller.Pendants can be made.

There are a number of people out there that have pieced them together. Generally these are the electronic types of people involved with CNC.  They like this extra challenge.  Many of these home brew pendants actually come out very nice.  Many of these folks are proud of them and share their plans and component lists readily.  The trick is finding them.

Article Tags:
Machine Controllers, Machine Controller, Axis, Dependent

If you think of your body as a machine with a garbage in and garbage out mentality you can see how easily you can hurt your health. By eating poor foods you’ll soon look and feel lousy. Even if you don’t gain weight which you most likely will do you won’t have much energy and your entire body will suffer over time.

Here are a few suggested lifestyle changes that can be a shock to your system at first but that will ultimately result in a healthier, happier and more vital you. You can lose weight and feel better easier than you might think! You might not even realize how much your eating is impacting your mood, your mind clarity and your appearance.

Sometimes it’s habitual to shovel food in your mouth watching television. This can lead to overeating because you’re not mindful of the size of your portions. Instead of eating from a large bag of something, measure out a portion into a bowl or a plate. You’ll also feel more satisfied if you use smaller bowls. Use a full cereal bowl for a bag of chips instead of a ¾ empty salad bowl and you’ll not be as likely to reach for seconds.

Mindless Snacking Equals Overeating

Try not to eat mindlessly at the computer or TV when you eat meals. If you make mealtime a ritual with your table and chairs it’ll help you eat slower and feel more full. It can take your brain up to twenty minutes to realize it’s full but if you’re eating in five minutes you might be more likely to reach for seconds and having a meal at a table with conversations could result in a better opportunity to enjoy the meal you have and realize that you have had enough.

Don’t Drink Your Calories

Drink water with your meals and snacks instead of soda pop. Soda pop has more than 100 calories per glass and doesn’t fill you up because it has such a high quantity of sugar so it can almost block your body’s full sensor. Water helps you feel satisfied and helps the digestive process and you can drink as much as you want without thinking about calories.

Drink water before reaching for a snack late at night. If you’ve had a big dinner there’s not always a reason to eat a snack later. If a glass of water doesn’t calm the tummy rumbles reach for healthier alternatives. For something sweet instead of reaching for baked goods have a bowl of cereal with fruit or sweetened cereal such as a flavored Special K variety. IF you are hankering for something crunchy go for popcorn or pretzels instead of potato chips and skip the dip. If you like crunch with dip go for veggies and dip instead of chips and dip. If you really really need some chips have some baked tortilla chips with salsa instead of a sour cream based dip with fried chips.

It doesn’t take long to break old habits

A few habit changes can go a long way in helping you keep a trimmer waistline and feel better. Healthier eating results in a more well rested, clear minded and more vibrant looking you. Go ahead and have junk food once in a while but if you’re a junk food junkie try to change your eating habits at least 75% of the time and you just might find that a late night craving for carrot sticks and low fat ranch might be in your mind rather than sour cream and onion potato chips.

Causes for Swollen Feet and Legs

Some of the causes of swollen feet and legs are as follows:

Standing for prolonged period of time
Being obese
Consuming a diet high in salt
Pre Menstrual Stress
Excessive intake of diuretic
Sitting in the same position for a long time like in long flights or automobile rides.
Any kind of injury or trauma to the foot or legs
Pregnancy
Varicose veins
Undergoing hormone replacement therapy
Regular use of birth control pills
Certain medications like antidepressants and steroids can also cause swollen feet and legs. If you are suffering from high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases you are more prone to water retention which causes swelling of feet and legs. Swollen feet and legs are also caused due to reduced blood circulation.

Treatment and Prevention for Swollen Feet and Legs

If you are suffering from swollen feet you should keep some points in mind. While sleeping, keep your legs at a higher level than your chest. You can do this by tucking in a pillow under your legs. If your job entails sitting at a place for a long period of time, then try to walk around every two to three hours to stretch your legs. You can also do some exercises sitting at your desk to keep the blood circulating through your legs. Try to curb the temptation of reaching for that packet of chips and tacos when you have hunger pangs. Fast foods contain high levels of salt which will lead to fluid retention and cause swelling. If you are overweight, try losing some weight. Wear footwear that fits properly so that it does not cause any undue pressure on your legs and feet.

The best way to get relief from swollen feet and legs is to immerse your legs in a bucket of cold water. You can also add a few drops of essential oil like chamomile or patchouli to revitalize your legs. Another good way to reduce swelling and improve circulation is to massage your feet and legs with a mixture of any vegetable oil with a few drops of peppermint oil. If your swelling is accompanied by aches and pain then it is a good idea to massage your legs and feet with ginger essential oil. Read more on how to reduce swelling in feet.

Homemade Remedies for Swollen Feet and Legs

If you want to know how to treat swollen feet why not try a homemade foot mask. It not only provides relief to tired aching feet, but also softens and moisturizes your skin. Given below is a foot mask recipe to reduce swelling and also to remove dead skin and get rid of calluses.

Things You will Need
5 tablespoon of papaya puree
2 tablespoon oatmeal
2 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon green tea
½ tablespoon jojoba oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
½ inch ginger
Directions

In a medium sized bowl, mix together the papaya puree, honey and oatmeal. Crush the ginger and extract its juice. Add this extracted ginger juice, jojoba oil and lavender essential oil into the papaya mixture. Boil some water in a kettle and add the green tea into it. Strain the green tea and add 2 to 3 tablespoon of it into the papaya puree and stir it until everything is properly mixed.

Apply this mixture on your feet and rub in a gentle but firm, circular motion and leave the mask on for half an hour. When the mask has dried a little wash it off with lukewarm water. The papaya contains enzymes which help in removing dead skin and lavender essential oil and ginger helps in reducing aches and pains. Honey and jojoba oil moisturizes the skin and oatmeal acts like a scrub for your feet. Read more on
Swollen Feet Causes
Causes of Swollen Legs and Ankles
Feet Swelling During Pregnancy
Feet are the most used part of the body they also have to bear our body weight for long periods of time. If you are suffering from swollen feet and legs then it would be helpful if you reduce the intake of salt in your diet and exercise regularly. Take proper care of your feet and you will be free from all aches and pains.

Are you carrying extra inches around your mid-section? You’re not alone. As men age their waist size tends to increase. Excess belly fat is unhealthy as well as unattractive. Below we will discuss:

•Key factors that increase belly fat

•Health risks belly fat pose for men

•Steps to shed belly weight

As men age, key hormones such as testosterone decline which cause a decrease in metabolism and an increase in a sedentary lifestyle because of a loss of motivation. The result is the male body accumulating fat, primarily belly fat. Fat contains an enzyme called aromatase which converts testosterone to estrogen which can further accelerate increased body fat. As the level of testosterone drops further, the issue becomes more pronounced.

The drop in testosterone and the increase in estrogen add to the symptoms of andropause—sometimes referred to as male menopause. Unhealthy hormone levels are unhealthy for the body in general and in particular for the prostate, heart and brain.

Why is Belly Fat a Specific Concern?

Gaining fat in the belly region, as opposed to other regions in the body, places a man at a greater risk for serious health problems. The following health risks may occur with excess body fat:

•Heart disease

•Stroke

•Specific types of cancer

•Type 2 diabetes

•Insulin resistance

•High triglycerides

•Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol

Getting Rid of Belly Fat

Whether you’re trying to get rid of belly fat or decrease fat from another part of your body, the basics of weight-loss remain unchanged with one addition.

•Reduce calories mainly refined carbohydrates. Decrease portion sizes and increase the amount of low-calorie, healthy foods in your daily diet.

•Increase physical activity. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults get a minimum of two hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, in addition to strength training.

•The addition: Building on the above information, you may want to investigate the possibility that you have low testosterone levels and the possible treatment options available for low testosterone levels.

Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy/Male Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You?

Before prescribing male hormone replacement therapy in general and testosterone replacement therapy in particular, a physical exam and a series of blood tests, including a PSA (protein-specific antigen) test, must be performed to measure testosterone levels. If you are suffering from low testosterone levels, your physician can discuss the various treatment options. Many insurance companies cover the costs of andropause treatment, and male menopause treatment is often available for purchase with a tax advantaged flexible savings account.

Male hormone replacement therapy and testosterone replacement are effective low testosterone treatment options for men with andropause. If you have any symptoms associated with andropause, such as low energy, irritability, hot flashes, abdominal weight gain, loss of muscle strength, loss of sex drive and the inability to maintain an erection, talk to your doctor. The sooner you speak with a physician and get checked for low testosterone levels, the sooner you can begin feeling like yourself again.

My daughter-in-law suffers from eczema on face, and it terrifies her that her daughter, my grand daughter will end up with it too.

Some forms of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis are hereditary, so she has a valid concern. My granddaughter is now seven and she has no signs of it yet, so maybe she will be spared, since many times it will show up in early childhood if it is going to be inherited.

This skin condition is intensified during stressful periods of ones life. Living our busy lifestyles with all its multitasking, everyone experiences stress and sometimes lots of it.

Also illness, hormonal changes, and infections can aggravate this rough itchy skin disease.

These dry patches can show up in many places, so don’t be surprised if eczema on face is not the only place you find this inflamed itchy skin.

Below is a list of natural ingredients that can help to soothe the symptoms and to bring about healing of the skin. Finding products that contain them gives an eczema suffer hope of eliminating the pain associated with the dry itchy skin.

• Babassu is a natural wax made from babassu oil. It has been used for centuries to soothe inflamed skin and to soften the rough spots. It gently moisturizes without leaving a greasy oily feeling.

• CynergyTK, a distinctive patented form of bioactive keratin, will help to reduce the redness related to inflammation of the epidermis. This product works extremely well as a moisturizer and even has the added benefit of stimulating your body to produce more collagen so you can get rid of wrinkles along with the dry itchy skin.

• Wakame, which is rich in B vitamins, also will help to sooth the inflamed skin associated with eczema.

• Avocado oil is a rich deep penetrating substance that has been used since early times. It helps to rejuvenate the skin and heal the dryness of skin diseases.

• Shea butter contains important vitamins and other nutrients needed to heal serious skin disorders like eczema, skin allergies and insect bites. It helps to soothe inflamed skin while it softens the dry itchy patches.

• Active manuka honey has many healing attributes. It rejuvenates and nourishes skin diseases so your skin tone will even out and look ravishing, instead of red and inflamed.

With regular use of the above ingredients you can win the battle of eczema on face and other parts of the body. To find the products I suggested my daughter-in-law to use that contains the above substances check out my web site listed in the bio section below.

Most people with weight problems have tried methods to lose their excess weight. They fail and fail often. The reason for this failure is that the cause or overacting was not removed. Are you in a hurry to lose weight and keep it off? Most of us would like to lose weight as fast as possible and then not gain it back. If you do decide that you are beginning to look a little pudgy and want to lose weight, there are some things you should do to make it easier.

1. The best way is to cut back on what your eating, don’t eat out anywhere, and don’t eat stuff like chips and cookies and candy. It comes off slower than any of these fad diets, but as long as you don’t go back to old eating habits it will work. Like, eat one bowl of cereal for breakfast. Eat a sandwich and some veggies and dip or something like that for lunch. If you need a snack, either eat fruit or if you need to eat something like chips than get low fat ones or quakes (mini flavored rice cakes), they’re really good. And then for dinner eat something sensible like a meat, a carb, and a veggie. Then if you need a snack at night again eat something sensible.

2. Water is much needed in every function of our body systems especially the digestive and circulatory systems. When you have this in mind, you sure will take as much water as you can have. Drink as much water and include it in your diet. Water therapy is one way of losing weight you must not dismiss. When you are taking much water, you are doing yourself a treat. Drink two glasses of water right after you wake up in the morning before you take your breakfast. During meals drink more water than you should. This way, you will feel full and you will eat less.

3. Eat foods that burn fat and keep you satisfied, so that you won’t be inclined to snack on processed foods and those heavy in fat. Fresh fruits, whole grains, low-fat yogurt, steamed vegetables, fish, foods high in protein and beans (because of the fiber) are all good choices. Add lots of water and a glass or two of green tea each day. This is one of the best natural weight loss.

4. In Lose Weight Permanently and Naturally I present methods, such as self-hypnosis, that override the willpower and reprogram our subconscious mind to eliminate the true causes of overeating. You will learn never to count calories, diet, fast and how to live a healthier lifestyle that will make your weight loss permanent and natural.

5. Always have breakfast. Have a snack between meals such as fruit, or low fat yogurt. Have a good lunch with fruit & vegetables. Have a light dinner then have a snack later on. Try to exercise at least four times a week. Keep your mind relaxed. Have a massage at least once a week. Drink drink drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Try and get fresh air every day.

6. Get plenty of sleep. Studies have shown that women after 40 often don’t sleep as well, due to hormone fluctuations that can cause night sweats and other sleep interruptions. A full night’s sleep (7 hours or more) help you lose weight. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation raises the level of hunger hormones, while decreasing those hormones responsible for making you feel full.

Buying a perfect mini cooler is harder than you think. Online shopping makes it possible for everyone to find the greatest deal. It doesn’t take much effort to find any product which cost ten or twenty percent less than in other online stores. But the problem remains, how do you choose a product that suits your need and budget?

One of the biggest complaints I’ve seen in the review sites is that certain products were not able to meet expectation from the consumers. It is entirely possible that a product is inferior to others, but another reason for some negative reviews is lack of research that led to bad buying decision.

Much of those problems should’ve never happened if as they plan and research before buying. What is the purpose of having a mini cooler in the first place? What is your budget? Can you find information or reviews from people who have used the product before?

Reviews from other users are important when I am shopping around for a product. Every so often, I also buy new items simply because they are new. Sometimes, you just cannot resist the latest gadget. However, when it comes to most products, you should not buy based solely on the first impression. Don’t buy just because the design is cool.

To be fair, lack of review in a product doesn’t reflect the quality. Due to promotion, some products get more exposure than they should be. Many not so popular products are of better quality. However, without any reviews, you are risking your money for something that may or may not work. Can you afford deciding on the wrong thing later, even when it has the same product specifications that you need?

Capacity is another important thing for a mini cooler. Does it have enough room for everything you want to take along with you? Does it enough to keep things for everybody? It kind of beats the purpose of having a cooler itself if you still have to make a stop to top up for refreshments.

As it is often taken in a vehicle, mini coolers uses 12-volt DC adapter as power source. Purchase an extra multi-purpose adapter or a battery saver if you need to plug the cooler to a wall outlet or to turn it off automatically so it doesn’t drain the vehicle’s battery power. Coolers usually are able to keep foods and drinks cool, but check first to make sure it can fulfill your needs. Other factors to consider are the dimensions, portability, how easy to clean the unit, and design.

All of those information are available on your fingertips. You just have to find them. Visit popular shopping sites and do a quick check. Once you get past all these, you can confidently purchase without worrying about making a bad decision. Finally

As somebody who’s battled with body weight and has worked the past number of years with obese diabetes sufferers, gastric bypass surgery and bariatric surgery patients, and now bariatric vitamins, I feel both authorized to and passionate with regards to discussing my opinion in hopes that perhaps some of us may wake up when it comes to the topic of obesity and being overweight.

In spite of of the subject, whether it be foods, drink, non-active life style or a brand-new “cure all” miracle diet pills, there always seems to be a familiar underlying theme regarding food choices. A way to justify what you “are permitted to” eat. This is the point in which many of us go down the wrong path, and in the end fall short, for this reason “diets” are unsuccessful, why resolutions fail, this is why all of us fail: it has to do with this tiny word, “can”.

Now prepare yourself, because this is the bottom line; YOU Simply cannot. What did you really state???? What do you mean? I am talking about,very simply, you can not eat it. There may be only one remedy to this colossally misrepresented killer of our world today, and that’s you cannot insert rubbish inside your system and anticipate your body to get in shape.

Probably my most favorite comments that i find it irresistible to challenge is, “All within moderation”. Wrong. I am sorry, this is simply not an accurate statement, and take a good look at anyone who professes to partake moderately in “everything” however moderately they’re claiming to indulge. Are they in shape, sculpted, hard six pack and ready to take down a navy seal. I can guess they aren’t. So before I lose you, let’s analyze this just a bit further.

For the sake of our argument, you just decided to buy your favorite luxury car. Just imagine, it’s inside the car port or driveway next to yourhome currently and you can’t wait to hop in to that thing and fly down the highway. And you spared no expense, mind you. Everything is top of the line, leather, electronic this, power that, in fact that car is practically alive. You simply adore your car.

When suddenly, I say to you, could I please fill up your fuel tank with dirt?” Undoubtedly your response would be a severely negative one and you would certainly undoubtedly deny this request.

“But what if I put just a little tad of sand inside your gas tank?” I’m fairly sure your response could well be exactly the same. Recognize that i’m not a mechanic, but I understand that even a pinch of mud or sand going through the engine of my car would do at least a little harm. Just how much, I have no idea, but I realize this as well, it undoubtedly is not going to do one thing to enhance the operation of the vehicle. Don’t you agree?

Oh, but you’re saying, human bodies are not really the same as automobiles and some ice cream is not going to ruin my physique. Once again, I agree, but is our end goal to simply “not destroy” the body or to actually get in shape? Now why don’t we take it a measure further with Mr. Moderation; I question exactly how he feels concerning poisons and toxic matter? Anything moderately; Not on my watch!

Oh yea, don’t be ridiculous, you realize that is not exactly what I am talking about? Okay, what does white sugar do to the human body, white flour, as well as saturated fats? This kind of stuff is poison to a person’s system and positively counter productive to health and fitness. And so what’s the variation between one type toxin and another? Toxins are toxic.

Now there is one other distinction between the body and our cars that is more noteworthy. We are able easily to and will purchase new automobiles. All the money on earth can’t purchase another life.

Yet another point which i choose to make in opposition to the argument is the matter of one’s opinion of what exactly “moderation” means. Just how many cookies is a “moderate” amount? A couple, one for each hand, like my mom used to say when I was a child. Four? Fifty percent of a package, but that’s all you eat today. Define moderation ..I’m curious to see what you come up with. My prediction 10 people will come up with 10 different definitions.

If you wish to become fit, you have 1 true plan. Either do it and succeed, or do not do it and do not succeed. It’s quite simple, it is not easy, nor is it altogether totally difficult. This choice is and should be your own to make. Not a soul on the globe can convince you to make the right decision, it’s all you yet you truly can do it.

The simple fact that I sell bariatric vitamin supplements does not stop me from declaring that I sincerely hope this article helps you never ever require one of our products!

In fact, the bikini is without doubt the more comfortable swimsuit, it is ideal for those not much big-breasted and therefore have no problem getting around with ease with a two-piece quite reduced. Moreover, it is certainly the most popular for all the fashion houses, which create a lot of them, of any color and pattern.

The bikini then is available in two versions, the traditional one and the one with the big triangle laced up behind the neck, that can be wore also by those with a bigger breast. Also of this type there are all kind of models of all colors, such as the ones with the band under the breast, very trendy this summer.

The novelty of this year in the beachwear department seems to be the trikini, which is a mix between the bikini and the one-piece, joined by a piece of cloth in the front.
In France this model has already drawn the crowds, on the beaches they have been sold like hot cakes and surely also in Italy will see a lot of them. After many years of shy appearances on beaches and on the catwalks, but in the end always overshadowed by the most popular bikini, this should be the year of the turning point and mark the arrival en masse of the trikini on beaches. But the trikini is suggested just for who really has a perfect body or almost, for who has the flat belly, or who has narrow shoulder and wide hips, which are thus minimized.

Also with regard to the slip, there are infinite variations from the traditional one to the tanga, passing by the loincloth, culottes and slip with side ties. Depending on how you choose the piece below, you can get a different result on your body. In the culottes is advised to who has a very thin body, because it shortens the length of the leg and makes seem wider, side laces, instead, seize and make the figure look more lean and higher.

As for colors and patterns, the choice is obviously very broad. An always fashionable color is white, a very glam and sophisticated color, but only as long as you are well tanned.

Now let’s talk about strong colors, like orange, in line with actual trend turned to shocking colors and aquamarine tones, from emerald green to blue, inspired by the depths of the sea, which are beautiful both plain and with imaginative textures.
How to forget in the end the purple, absolutely fabulous, both on blonde and on brown hair.

Fish oil or flaxseed oil? That is the question posed by millions of health-conscious people each day. But what is the main reason why millions of people are reaching for either fish oil or flaxseed oil? If you said omega-3 fatty acids then you’re correct.

But what if I told you that one of these oils doesn’t present us with a viable or usable source of omega-3s in the body? Pretty shocking, eh!

Well the truth of the matter is that fish oil offers you a much better omega-3 “bang for your buck”. Why? It all boils down to two important compounds known as EPA and DHA.

We need EPA and DHA to protect our heart, for healthy brain and eye development, prevention and treatment of skin diseases, arthritis, for immune function and more.

Why Not Just Eat Flax?

For decades a debates have been fought about whether flaxseed oil could provide adequate levels of EPA. The verdict – flaxseed should never be used for its EPA producing ability.

Flaxseed oil is a wonderful healing oil but it is not a source of EPA.

Having said, I will often add flaxseed oil to many of my salad dressings and other foods but it is not the oil I use for EPA and DHA.

Research shows that flaxseed oil is poorly converted to EPA and that it provides absolutely no DHA. One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition evaluated 45 healthy men and post-menopausal women (18 to 65). They all had normal cholesterol and were asked to eat olive oil as their oil source. They were divided into 3 groups. One got ALA (alpha linolenic acid – from flax) and the other two with a supplemental form of EPA.

Each was given 750mg for 3 weeks and then 1,500mg for 3 weeks in a supplement. Both the EPA groups had significant increases in EPA in red blood cells however there was no increase in EPA in the ALA (flax) group. Neither the ALA nor EPA group showed significant increases in DHA; which, means that we should also supplement with DHA.

The reason why the flax ALA group did not witness an increase in EPA in red blood cells is because of an enzyme in the body that is needed to convert ALA to EPA.

This enzyme called the Delta-6-desaturase if not working properly stops the conversion of ALA to EPA. The Flax Council of Canada states that flaxseed has a limited conversion to EPA in healthy people of up to only 8%! However, new very sophisticated studies are showing that this is even rare.

The reasons why the Delta-6-desaturase enzyme does not work as well as why we can’t convert ALA to EPA are as follows:

* Anyone with diabetes has a faulty delta-6 enzyme
* Viral infection
* Allergic disease
* High cholesterol
* Stress hormones
* Aging
* Menopause (menopausal women have been found to have an inactive enzyme)
* Alcohol
* Smoking
* Arachidonic acid
* Saturated fat
* Trans fatty acid consumption in the diet
* Nutrient deficiency of Zinc, B6, vitamin C

DHA for the Brain

Perhaps you may have seen recent commercials promoting “white bread” now infused with DHA and then claiming that this “white bread” is now essential for the healthy development of our children’s brains and nervous systems.

Well, besides the fact that these artificially-enhanced foods provide no nutritional value whatsoever, the point still remains that DHA is essential for the proper functioning of the brain, and for the development of the nervous system and visual abilities. It is essential for smart babies too. DHA research has also shown it reduces the risk of heart disease.

The human brain is about 60% fat, and DHA is one of the crucial structural fatty acids in both the brain and the retina. Many vegetarians, vegans, and raw foods dieters are also at risk of insufficient DHA unless they supplement with DHA.

Studies have also shown that North American babies have much lower levels of DHA than babies born in Asian countries. DHA plays a role in our babies IQ. So if you want
a super smart and healthy child you may want to consider supplementing with fish oil (not flaxseed oil) for its high content of readily available DHA and EPA.

But what about vegans who are adamant about getting their omega-3s from plant sources? Well, for the answer you’ll just have to stay tuned for the next article where I’ll talk about one of the world’s most incredible superfoods that even blows fish oil out of the water (no pun intended)!