Backpacking the Northwest

Flax Seed Oil Health Benefit and Information

Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of research and reading up on flax seed oil and its many health benefits. All the health benefits of flax seed oil had me convinced pretty quick, and I had bought myself a 6 months supply of flax seed supplement in no time, and I’ve been taking them every morning and every night.

What Is Flax Seed Oil

Flax seed is 1/3 oil, and the rest of it is made up of fiber, protein, and mucilage. Flax seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids – it contains alpha Linolenic acid, omega 3 essential fatty acid, and omega 6 essential fatty acid, and flax seed oil contains these 3 EFA’s in just the right proportions. Flax seeds are also a great source of lignans, vitamins, and minerals.

North Americans are usually lacking omega 3 EFA in their diet, and flax seed oil is an excellent supplement for this. The cells of the body need the omega 3 fatty acids from which they build their cell membranes, which protect them. The brain is largely composed of fats called phospholipids,

which are made from essential fatty acids. Thus these oils are essential for the function and structure of the brain and improve cognition, memory, moods and concentration.

Flax Seed Oil – Essential Source of Omega 3 EFA

Research has shown that majority of diets are deficient in Omega 3 essential fatty acids, and this can lead to some serious health problems: l Coronary heart disease – Omega 3 helps reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, plaque formation, and cardian arrhythmia.

· Arthritis – Studies have found that oils rich in Omega 3 (like flax seed oil) patients can reduce their drug use.

· Cancer – Omega 3 has been found to kill certain cancer cells without harming normal cells. Skin problems like acne, eczema, and psoriasis are shown partly to be related to Omega 3 deficiency.

· Omega 3 EFA helps improve your response to stress.

Health Benefits of Flax Seed Oil

Flax seeds contain 12% mucilage, which makes it a gentle, natural laxative. Flax seeds are perfect for individuals who have a sensitive stomach. Flax seed oil soothes ulcers and irritable bowel disorders

· Flax seed oil lubricates and absorbs toxins

· Prevents toxic build up in the bowl Flax seed oil also contains Lignans that have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-cancer properties. Flax seeds have the richest source of Lignans, 100 times more than the next best source, wheat bran. Flax seed also contains lecithin which emulsifies fat and cholesterol. These little seeds improve digestion, help stabilize blood glucose levels, fight tumor formation and enhance cardiovascular health.

The Components of Flax Seed Oil

We already mentioned above that flax seed oil is an excellent source of fiber, protein, lignans, vitamins and minerals, and essential fatty acids. Let’s take a look at some of these.

· Fiber - Flax seeds contain soluble and insoluble fiber, and also contain mucilage. The fiber in flax seed oil cleans the colon of toxic material, metabolic waste and dried mucus. Flax fiber is an excellent food for friendly bacteria in the intestine which keeps disease-causing organisms in check.

· Protein - There’s about 25g of protein for every 100g of flax seeds. The protein in flax seeds is easily digested and contains a complete amino acid profile that your body needs.

· Lignans - Lignans have anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties, and Flax seed has 75 to 800 percent more Lignans than other vegetables and grains. Researchers also believe Lignans to have antioxidant properties.

· Essential Fatty Acids - Flax seed oil is a rich source of 3 essential fatty acids: alpha Linolenic acid, omega 3 essential fatty acid, and omega 6 essential fatty acid. (See above for some Omega 3 benefits.) Flax seed is one of the best sources for the essential fatty acid alpha

Linolenic acid. Alpha Linolenic acid is so important for bodybuilders because it “enhances insulin sensitivity within muscle cells.” (1) This omega-3 fatty acid also has many other beneficial effects:

Flax Seed Oil Use and Using Flax Seed Oil Supplements

You can either buy flax seeds, flax seed oil, or flax seed oil supplements. If you use the seeds, make sure to grind them up before eating, otherwise, you won’t be able to absorb them. You can add the flax seed oil to your protein shakes, drink it by itself, or add it to any kind of drink. Or, if you want a simpler way like me, just get some flax seed oil supplements, and remember to take 1 pill in the morning, and 1 pill at night. Flax seed oil supplements are very cheap for all the health benefits they provide, so it’s definitely worth the investment!