Category > Health Concerns > Cardiovascular > Essential Fatty Acids > Flax Seed

Flax oil is a rich source of the valuable omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in your diet. Like vitamins, they can't be made in your body and must come from foods or supplements. They are crucial for the production of many hormone-like substances, called prostaglandins, which control thousands of different, important functions in your body. Omega-3 fatty acids are used to produce only one particular family of prostaglandins, while omega-6 fatty acids (which are more plentiful in the diet) produce another. By increasing your omega-3 fatty-acid intake, you will produce a healthier ratio of these prostaglandins in your body.

Omega-3 benefits your heart, body and mind.

For your heart: Probably the most important and widely studied benefit of the omega-3 fatty acids is for the cardiovascular system. Lipid profiles, electrical conduction in the heart, platelet function, even blood pressure are optimized by omega-3 fatty acid intake.

For your body: Flax oil helps support healthy joint function and movement through complex prostaglandin changes in joint tissues. Many people find they use fewer anti-inflammatory drugs for joint aches and pains when using flax oil supplements.

For your muscles: The omega-3 fatty acids are direct precursors to important anabolic hormones. Most bodybuilders use flax oil for maximum muscle development and usually put a tablespoon into their protein shakes.

For dieters: Dieters have found it a powerful aid in weight management and appetite control as well. Flax oil helps you feel full by slowing the movement of food from your stomach.

For your mind: Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have powerful nerve membrane stabilizing activity. In human studies, supplements have helped maintain a positive mood and emotional state.

For kids: All ages can benefit from flax seed oil. The omega-3 fatty acids found in flax are needed by our bodies, and we must get them from our diets. Young children especially need flax since very few of them eat oily fish like mackeral or salmon. Because omega-3s are a constituent of many vital hormones, a short supply can affect a child adversly during critical growth and development years.

Get Omega-3 from flax or fish oil.

Fish oil supplements are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Compared to flax, fish oils are slightly more expensive and may have a mild fishy aftertaste. Lindberg EPA & DHA Oil softgels contain omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil concentrate. Although much of the omega-3 scientific literature is based on the use of fish oils, alpha linolenic acid from flax can be converted in the body to EPA or DHA (the common fish source of omega-3 fatty acids). Lindberg Organic Flax Oil is 100% organic and cold-pressed to prevent damaging heat. It is also available in convenient softgels.

Safely use and store your flax oil supplements.

One tablespoon of liquid flax is equal to 12-15 1,000 mg softgels. Softgel capsules have a longer shelf life than the liquid, but the liquid form is clearly more economical. Take 12 softgels or one tablespoon of the liquid daily. Because of flax's mild taste, the liquid can easily be added to a protein shake or used in a salad dressing. But don't cook with it!

Remember, flax oil and all unsaturated oils can become rancid quickly when exposed to air or light. Make sure you don't use the oil if it tastes bitter. Buy only liquid flax oil in a dark bottle which keeps sunlight from damaging the oil. Once opened, keep liquid flax in the refrigerator. You can easily expect to keep liquid flax fresh for 6 months by following these precautions. Flax oil capsules don't need to be refrigerated like the liquid form since the softgel essentially seals the oil from the air. However, there is no harm done if you want to refrigerate the softgels as well.