Ask the Guru
Lyle McDonald
BSc.
Lyle is a researcher and coach who has worked with bodybuilders, powerlifters and other athletes on all aspects of their training, diet, and supplementation.
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EFAs And Fat LOss
Q. Is it true that certain types of fats can help reduce bodyfat?
A. Absolutely. Probably the single most studied class of fats in that regard is the omega-3 fatty acids. The parent fatty acid is alpha-linolenic acid. In the body ALA goes through a number of conversions, eventually producing EPA and DHA. You can also get EPA and DHA from fish oils, as they’re found in the highest quantity in fatty fish. The fish oils reduce fat storage in fat cells and increase fat burning in skeletal muscle. Although many experts have recommended supple- menting with flaxseed oil, a major source of ALA, the body is generally fairly poor at converting ALA to EPA and DHA. Taking fish oils, either in capsule form or as a liquid, is more effective, in my opinion. A daily intake of roughly three grams of total preformed EPA and DHA (10 standard one-gram pills) should be sufficient.
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