Flaxseed oil has steadily grown to become one of the most popular and well known supplements among avid proponents and consumers alike of good nutrition and health products for the body. The benefits of flaxseed oil are truly astonishing, with many people claiming that if you only take two nutritional supplements a day, it should be your multivitamin and some form of flaxseed. Flaxseed oil is also known as linseed oil, or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and is one of the highest sources of dietary essential fatty acids (EFA or EFAs) available, especially for omega-3 and omega-6.
Flaxseed oils are derived from the seeds of the flaxseed plant and are turned into a liquid form by a method known as cold-pressing as to preserve a high amount of the nutritional value of the plant before either being bottled as a liquid or put into a gel or soft cap form.
Why Do I Need Flaxseed Oil?
Flaxseed oil supplements are of vital essence to our general well-being since studies show the average American is deficient in omega-3 by a large margin; being that flaxseed oil contains the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids from a plant-based source it is highly esteemed as the supplement of choice as a premium source of omega-3s. Flaxseed oil benefits more then speak for themselves, and many people have already made the leap to seeing how much this supplement can help them increase their health by adding such a simple component to their diets.
Remember how we said flaxseed oil was called an Essential Fatty Acid? The reason why they are so essential is because your body cannot produce these on its own, hence why so many people are deficient in them as the only real main sources of EFAs outside of flaxseed and a few other oils are mainly found in fish and soy products that a lot of people tend to shy away from or just not eat enough of.
For you vegetarians out there, this is the only reason source of vegetarian essential fatty acids and omega-3. While soybean does contain them, it pales in comparison to flaxseed and should be included in every vegan diet.
Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil
Since flaxseed oil is a premium source of omega-3 the due focus should be given there. Omega-3s are excellent anti-inflammatory agents that allow flaxseed to help with acne, skin, irreitable-bowel syndrome (IBS), lupus, joint pain and arthritis. Because flaxseed oil also contains lignans, an anti-oxidant, it is believed that this has a very positive and beneficial effect on the heart and looks to have anti-cancer and anti-aging fighting properties as well. One other thing unique to flaxseed oil is that it is high in fiber which helps to promote bowel regularity and overall health; this means additionally that good flaxseed oil weight loss regime or any diet plan focused around using flaxseed derived products will help to reduce weight not acting as miracle supplement, but as one that can help gradually regulate your digestive tract and bowels in order to regular it and reduce inflammation that will lead to better absorption of nutrients leading to a better feeling of health.
One of the most compelling reasons to start taking flaxseed oils is for the effect omega-3 have on the heart. Studies have shown that it can help to reduce cholesterol and strengthen the heart as a whole and is one of the most widely used supplements used in heart health today.
Flaxseed oil is also high in protein, containing somewhere in the amount of 20-26g of high quality protein per serving; high quality meaning that flaxseed oil contains almost a complete amino acid profile making it one of the best health choices you can add to your daily life.
Flaxseed Oil Side Effects
There are not many side effects associated with this supplement at all, there are only mainly two real concerns.
- Taking large amounts of flaxseed oil can act similarly to a laxative since it is incredibly rich in fiber.
– When taking flaxseed grounded or consuming the seeds whole can lead to intestinal blockage and not total absorption of the nutrients – these do not really apply to this article since we are more focused on the oil form of flax but they are important enough to mention and bring into awareness for those looking for the other versions of the supplement.
- Not taking your omega-3 supplements in a good ratio with omega-6 based supplements (such as borage oil) can either cause you not to get the full effect of either of the two. I will discuss this more in detail in a bit.
Before You Buy Flaxseed Oil
You need to keep in mind that you need to keep a ratio of 1:2 (omega-3 to omega-6) in order to get the full effects of both oils. Neglecting this ratio can cause your investment into these products to go to waste. The average American ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is somewhere in the ballpark of about 1:15 or 1:20, some studies say that ratio is even higher. Combining an organic flaxseed oil with another oil such as borage should do the trick and work in perfect harmony for your body and your health.
The recommended dosage of flaxseed oil is either 1000mg or 1200mg either once or twice a day, just remember to keep your 1:2 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6.
In just a bit, a will put up an article with my thoughts on fish oil vs flaxseed oil so you have another great resource to use when shopping for your perfect supplements.