Flax oil is very rich in omega-3s but low in omega-6s. According to the Prostate Forum, several labs have found that omega-3 ALA is one of the most powerful growth stimulants for human prostate cancer cells in tissue culture. And, based on the findings of four studies, the Prostate Forum recommends against the use of flax oil by men with prostate cancer because flax oil is the richest available food source of ALA. The reasoning is that this oil should cause the most prostate cancer because it contains the most ALA.

An objective look at the evidence, however, leads one to question this conclusion. Most of our available information that suggests a correlation between prostate cancer and ALA is from epidemiological (or population) studies. Direct data from animal and human studies are limited. In addition, there are many other studies showing protective effects of ALA and its derivatives against prostate and other types of cancer.

EFAs are chemically very active molecules. The body cannot make them. They are required for vital functions in all cells and tissues. It doesn't make sense that the same substances with a long history of anti-cancer benefits are blamed for causing cancer. So then, what other issues are overlooked when medical professionals (untrained in nutrition-in this case, ALA and flax oil), issue edicts against the use of essential nutrients?

Study authors have, in fact, stated clearly that the correlation of ALA with increased prostate cancer is not proof that ALA causes prostate cancer. They point out that that the mechanisms involved in this finding remain unknown. I believe there are several areas to explore, including:

• Cancer-causing oxidation products of ALA formed during cooking of meat;
• Toxic damage done to ALA molecules during heating and processing;
• Lack of balancing molecules such as phytosterols and antioxidants, which are found in seeds, but are removed or damaged during processing and cooking practices;
• Free radical formation from fatty acid oxidation. Free radicals increase diseases such as cancer;
• ALA-based free radicals (products of processing) that can damage genetic material (DNA) and lead to tumor formation;
• Decrease in the level of antioxidants, because they are used up to deal with ALA-based free radicals produced in the body;
• Any imbalance of omega-3s to omega-6s, especially too many omega-6s and/or not enough omega-3s, which is common.
• Alterations in hormone synthesis due to fat metabolism;
• Immune-inhibiting antibiotics that end up in meat;
• Hormones and pesticides in meat, butter, and other dairy products, which affect cancer initiation and growth;
• Vegetable oil packaging, which relies on plastics and industrial chemicals unsuitable for human consumption, but can nevertheless affect the body after oil intake.

Born in 1942, I'm in the age group when men should pay attention to the condition of their prostate glands. I cannot give you medical advice or make decisions for you, but I can tell you what I do.

Omega-3 is deficient in the diets of most people in affluent societies. Due to food processing and choices, the average intake of omega-3 has decreased to less than 20 per cent of what it was 150 years ago. About 90 to 95 percent of the population gets less omega-3 than required for good health (making omega-3 the essential nutrient most often lacking in people's foods).

Flax is a great source of essential omega-3, but is deficient in the equally essential omega-6 oils. Exclusive use of flax oil can lead to an omega-6 deficiency within two to eight months, causing symptoms such as dry eyes, skipped heart beats, thin skin, joint pain, eczema and psoriasis-like skin problems, increased susceptibility to infection, and deterioration of immune function. These can all be reversed either by lowering omega-3 (ALA) intake or by increasing omega-6 intake.

I do not use, and recommend against, the use of flax oil by itself, but do recommend this omega-3-rich oil in combination with omega-6-richer oils to get the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio right.

The prostate gland appears to be quite sensitive to environmental toxins. Among these may be plasticisers and contaminants present in plastics. I recommend against using plastics for packaging, especially liquids (water, oil, milk, juices, vinegar, alcohol and tinctures). Liquids move, continually washing the inside of their containers. Any toxic molecules in plastic containers might dissolve in the liquid or food. Drift of molecules from plastic into liquid is the reason why water in plastic bottles can acquire a 'plastic' taste. Due to the chemical similarity of oil and plastic molecules, the drift of molecules from plastics into oils is even more likely than the drift of molecules from plastic into water.

• I do use and recommend an oil blend containing flax with sunflower and sesame oils from organically grown seeds, made with health in mind, and in the right omega-3 to omega-6 ratio to prevent omega-6 deficiency. In fact, I created the formula for such a blend, and I use it daily with my food.
  
• I do insist that my oil blend is packed in brown glass, further protected by a box to keep out all light, as well as refrigeration in factory, store, and home to extend freshness.
  
• I also use and recommend zinc, selenium, antioxidants, phytosterols, saw palmetto, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, anti-inflammatory herbs, and maitake extracts or mushrooms as part of a prostate-nourishing nutritional program.
  
• I use and recommend optimum intake of all components of health: 20 minerals, 14 vitamins, eight to 11 essential amino acids, two essential fatty acids, detoxifying fiber, digestive enzymes, friendly bowel microorganisms, antioxidants, herbs (phytonutrients), filtered water, clean air, and sunlight.
  
• I engage in and recommend physical activity (work or exercise) to stay fit. I indulge myself in and recommend rest, sufficient sleep, recreation, the passionate pursuit of worthwhile goals, time spent with friends, a sense of humor, good balance between work and play, heart-felt gratitude, and faith in the grand scheme of things.
  
• I use ALA on a daily basis, combined with LA in my oil blend, as part of my program for health, along with lots of fresh organic green foods, proteins, support for digestion, and carbohydrate intake limited to the amount I burn. I take supplements of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and herbs.
  
• I do not worry that ALA from oils made with health in mind might give me prostate cancer. After all, common sense insists and research confirms that ALA (undamaged and accompanied by sufficient undamaged LA and natural antioxidants) is essential for life and for health.