Benefits of Flax Seed Oil

What’s the best alternative next to a multi-vitamin?

Its called flax seed oil.

Flax seed oil, otherwise known as linseed oil, is a vegetable oil extract of the plant flax that is native in regions that extend from the eastern Mediterranean to India.  It was cultivated extensively in Egypt and is now mainly produced throughout Europe, USA, Canada, and China.  As a symbolic use, the National Ireland Assembly used the flax on its emblem and chosen by Belarus as its national flower.

It is popularly known for its many basic uses such as in drying oil for painting and varnishing.  But in the turn of the century, modern times have been seen that flax seeds are beneficial to health, especially in improving one’s vitality.

Found by nutritionists, scientists, and researchers as today’s most important health-promoting nutritional supplement other than a multi-vitamin, all its natural properties can improve almost every system in the body, namely, the nervous system, the reproductive system, the circulatory system, immune system, and the cardiovascular system.

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Research shows that, although it comes in two varieties which are in yellow or brown, the equally contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acids (ALA).  These acids are essential in lowering blood triglycerides and cholesterol, and are helpful in de-clogging arteries, relieving inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis among its common health benefits; hence, it is also beneficial in preventing chronic diseases such as arrhythmia and heart disease, which are a widespread disease in the U.S. population.  These fatty acids are also important for behavioral and cognitive function as well as normal growth and development.

Flax seed oil also contains lignins, a group of chemical compounds found in plants, which contains phytoestrogens that act like antioxidants in the body.  That is why, studies show, only a small number have been diagnosed with breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer in populations that have high levels of lignin in their diet.

It also prevents inflammation, sticky platelets, water retention, lowered immune function, poor eyesight, liver damage, eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, and atherosclerosis; and can relieve symptoms of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain, burns, schizophrenia, and depression.  It also stabilizes blood-sugar levels which lessens the severity of diabetes.

It’s unfortunate, however, that our diet does not consist the right amount of essential fatty acids (EFA) needed by our body daily.  Rich sources of EFAs other than flax seeds are soy and canola oils, and cold-water fish, which are also high in omega-3 fatty acids but in, long chain form.

For most people, the recommended dose of EFAs in the body is 3,000mg which is equivalent to a tablespoon of flax seed oil.  Why not add flax seeds in your diet to increase the level of intake?  By adding flax seeds to your diet, such as in muffins or bread, you add up a significant amount that will constitute your necessary daily intake of EFAs.

However, before taking flax seed oil, a physician’s advice should be sought because flax seed oil, like any other herbal or pharmaceutical dietary supplement, may cause side effects and interactions with other medications.

Flax seed oil is available in soft gel capsule and liquid forms.  It should be refrigerated to ensure freshness and to prevent it from turning rancid.