Introduction

*Flaxseed oil, also called linseed oil, is extracted from the seeds of the flax plants.

*It is mainly used as a nutritional supplement to balance the dietary fatty acids. It is recommended that the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 be 2:1 to get maximal health benefits.

*Should be used cold as a salad dressing, vegetable drizzling or oral supplement. Heat destroys the nutritional value.

*Flaxseed oil becomes rancid very easily when exposed to light, heat or oxygen because of the presence of very high unsaturated fatty acid content. It has to be stored in dark, opaque, plastic bottles in the refrigerator.

*It is available in two forms – oil and soft gel capsules. Make sure you buy it in packages specially designed to protect it from light, heat and oxygen, from well established, certified companies.

*Flaxseeds have about 50-60% of omega-3 fatty acids, almost double the amount present in fish oil. The omega-3 fatty acid present in flaxseed oil is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and those present in cold water fish are Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is the parent omega-3 fatty acid, which is converted to EPA and DHA, the forms of essential fatty acids that are more readily used in the body. About 11 grams of ALA converts to about 1 gram of EPA or DHA, and certain diseased conditions (like diabetes and schizophrenia) and dietary factors (like high amount of trans fats and omega-6 fats, etc) may interfere with this conversion. Both flaxseed oil and fish oil are unique and should be included in the diets to get maximal benefits.

*For better absorption, take flaxseed oil or capsules with food.

*Flaxseed oil may interact with the absorption of some oral medications, so if you are on any medications, consult your doctor before taking it.

*Recommended serving – 3 tablespoons of flaxseed oil per day or 3000mg gel capsule, 3 times a day.

Is it raw?

Yes. Flaxseed oil is cold pressed from fresh seeds away from light, heat and oxygen. Buy flaxseed oil or gel capsules from well established companies that certify that the oil or capsules are made from cold pressed flaxseeds and free from any heavy metals. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Flaxseed oil is low in saturated fats and high in mono (20%) and polyunsaturated fats (66%), and free of any trans fats or cholesterol. So it is called a heart healthy oil.

2. Excellent sources of the essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6), which are the precursors of prostaglandins, the hormone like substances that have a variety of functions like contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles, control of blood pressure, pain and inflammatory response, etc in humans.

3. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the omega-3 fatty acid in flaxseed oil, promotes a healthy heart, reduces hypertension, reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases and cancers, acts as a blood thinner and prevents the formation of clots and improves depression.

4. Alpha-linolenic acid, the omega-3 fatty acid present in flaxseed oil is converted to Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the forms of essential fatty acids that are more readily used in the body.

5. In some diseased conditions like schizophrenia or diabetes, the ability to convert to these useful forms is lacking, so it is recommended that it is best to consume cold water fish, which is naturally rich in EPA and DHA, in such conditions.

6. The omega-3 fatty acids also appear to be important for cognitive and behavioral function, as well as normal growth and development.

7. Excellent source of vitamin E, about 87%, which is an antioxidant that fights against free radicals and preserves the integrity of cell membranes and reduces the risk of heart diseases, cancers and other degenerative diseases.