Organic Golden Flax Seed Whole - 454g

Organic Flax Seed (Whole)

Ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s

Studies of hunter-gatherer populations show their diets contained roughly equal amounts of omega-6 and omega -3 fatty acids. Part of the reason fats and oils have earned such a bad reputation in recent years is because people eat too much fat, particularly too much saturated fat. (Saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk for heart disease.) Currently, researchers and nutrition experts recommend people replace some omega-6 fatty acids in their diet with omega-3 fatty acids like those found in flax.

More than 70% of fat in flax is of the healthful polyunsaturated type. In fact, a unique feature of flax is the high ratio of alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) to linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids).

Nutritionists consider these two polyunsaturated fatty acids as essential because the body cannot manufacture them from any other substances. (Normally, the body converts carbohydrates, proteins and fats into fatty acids as needed.) That means they must be eaten as part of the diet. While other plant seeds corn, sunflower, peanuts contain omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, flax is the only one that contains so much of the essential omega-3 fatty acids. Understanding how these two types of polyunsaturated fat differ, can help underscore why flax has so many unique health benefits.

Benefits of Flaxseed

Flax seed, also known as linseed, is noted to have high nutritional value, making it a priority choice of food for health conscious people. Flax seed has the natural properties of fibre, lignans and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that provide preventative and restorative abilities to your diet. Even though flax seed has been around since the dawn of civilization, it is more recently that mainstream society is beginning to understand its relevance to a healthy life. Nutritionists, physicians, and health conscious individuals are quickly becoming passionate about the health benefits.

Flax seed is the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans (potent harmful cell fighters) known in nature. The immune-enhancing omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9 are balanced in the combination your body requires for optimal health. Also loaded with vitamins and phyto-nutrients, and an excellent source of protein and fibre, flaxseed is nature's gift to health!

Flax Seed

Flaxseeds are a 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.

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. It 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. Since healthy fats play a large role in hormone formation, ALA can thus help optimize hormone levels and strengthen male fertility. Studies show that ALA is an anti-inflammatory compound that is beneficial for the treatment of arthritis.

Ensure your flaxseed oil is cold-pressed because heat damages the acids and creates free radicals. Some of the damaged fats turn into trans-fatty acids, which are well known for their promotion of cardiovascular disease. Refrigerate all liquid flaxseed oil supplements and keep capsules away from heat because they can become rancid. Using flaxseed oil is much more cost effective than capsules because numerous capsules must be taken to make an equivalent amount of liquid oil. Do not use flaxseed oil for cooking or frying.

Ground flaxseeds are also used as a nutritional supplement. They contain some EFAs along with fibre, magnesium and potassium. Golden flaxseed contains more fatty acids than the same amount of brown flaxseed.