Flax seed oil has many health benefits which can be attributed to its rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 essential fatty acid. “Essential” means that the body does not produce the fatty acids on its own and therefore they must be taken in through the diet. Most North American and Western diets are very low in Omega-3 and extremely high in Omega-6.
Too many saturated fats are consumed and the ratio of ingested EFA's averages more like 20:1 Omega-6's to Omega-3's instead of the recommended 4:1.
Key Health Benefits of Flax Seed Oil
The ALA in flaxseed oil helps maintain cholesterol levels because healthy fats build HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is responsible for moving fat, from storage or plaques, into the liver where processing and excretion of fat occurs. By decreasing fatty buildup on arteries it helps to regulate blood pressure.
Flax oil also provides valuable support for immune system function because many immune cells use omega-3 fats in their cell membrane. Having a properly functioning membrane allows the cells to do things like release packets of chemicals when they come in contact with foreign invaders.
Healthy fats also play a large role in hormone formation, ALA can thus help optimize hormone levels and strengthen male fertility.
Lastly, studies have shown that ALA is an anti-inflammatory compound that is beneficial for the treatment of arthritis.
Flax Seed Oil Supplement Varieties
There are various forms in which flaxseed can be consumed including oil, capsules and ground seeds. Purchasing oil is more cost-effective than purchasing capsules since the cost of the capsule is added on in addition to the cost of the oil. Ground flaxseed contains EFAs, fibre, magnesium and potassium and can be used as a nutritional supplement. It comes in both golden and brown varieties where the golden variety contains a higher amount of fatty acids per serving than brown.
Final Cautions & Considerations When Using Flax Seed
Flaxseed oil is best in its cold-pressed form, where there has been no heat influence on the oil. Do not use flaxseed oil for cooking! The fats and acids of the oil can be damaged and transformed by heat into trans-fatty acids and free radicals which cause disease; heart, or cardiovascular disease is a common result of consuming trans-fatty acids. It is important to refrigerate flaxseed oil and capsules to prevent spoiling.
