Natural Health Nutrition

The Benefits Of Flax Seed Oil

July 27, 2009
By J White

Flax seed oil can assists in weight loss and in an overall improvement in your health. As oppose to many other supplements, it is natural and when taken in reasonable doses has no long term detrimental side effects. So, if you are having trouble reaching your fitness goals, supplementing with the oil may be just what you need.

As for why it is effective, it first helps to know about two specific types of essential fatty acids: Linoleic acid and Alpha-linolenic acid.

Linoleic acid is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that is found in all of the typical oils used in cooking and also in most of the foods that you eat. As such, it is abundantly found in any typical diet.

Alpha-linolenic acid, on the other hand, is an omega-3 fatty acid. The oils and foods that contain this fatty acid is not part of the typical diet, and not surprisingly, is deficient in most diets. Since flax seed oil is rich in omega-3, this is where the oil comes into play.

Why Omega-3 is needed?

As stated above, omega-3 is an essential fatty acid. One of its greatest importance has to do with brain cells. This fatty acid is essential in the development of brain cells in small children, as well as for the continued healthy functioning of brain cells in adults.

Besides being important for cells in your brain, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help block the storage of fat, act as an anti-catabolic and anti-inflammatory, improve insulin sensitivity, and increase beta oxidation, which is important for fat burning.

Flax Seed Oil

Given the benefits of omega-3 and the fact that it is an essential part of your diet, a first-rate source is desirable, which is why flax seed oil is so important.

Flax seed oil is one of the richest sources of omega-3, having six times more of the fatty acid than soybean oil. Also, the oil is highly unsaturated, which means that it is easily damaged when exposed to light, heat or oxygen. To prevent this, the oil is packaged in black plastic bottles and is kept in the refrigerator section of natural food stores.

And because heat damages the oil, it is not good for frying or sauteing. Some typical ways of using the oil is as a base for salad dressing, mixing it with dips, or simply taking a spoonful daily.

So, to experience the health benefits that omega-3 provides, add flax seed oil to your diet. Doing so may be just the ticket you need to take your health to the next level.

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