Benefits of Flaxseed Oil and Supplements (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
Today, I will provide some amazing nutrition advice and information on benefits of flaxseed oil and its supplements. The flaxseed oil is also known as linseed oil which is extracted from flaxseeds. Flaxseeds have been eaten since ancient times until today due to their nutritional benefits including combating high cholesterol levels. Not only this, but there are many other health benefits of flaxseed oil and its supplements so read on and reap the benefits:
Flaxseed oil supplements reduce cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk. Some studies have shown that flaxseed oil can lower total cholesterol levels by 9% and LDL (bad cholesterol) by 18%.
For natural relief from chronic constipation, flaxseed oil one teaspoon per day or some flaxseeds can be added to yogurt and given to the patient. The constipation will get relieved within a day and there will be increased frequency of bowel movements decreasing on the second day and regularizing at third day.
Flaxseed oil Supplements Omega 3 Benefits
Flaxseed oil supplements contain proper ratio of Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6. It also contains a high proportion of α-linolenic acid (Omega 3 fatty acid) in relation to linoleic acid (Omega 6).
This balance is very important for metabolism of prostaglandins that are important molecules for the regulation of inflammation, blood pressure, pain, gastrointestinal function, cardiac function, GI secretions, fluid balance, kidney function platelet aggregation, blood coagulation nerve transmission, allergic response, hormone synthesis, and steroid production.
Therefore, changing the type of dietary oils can manipulate the metabolism of prostaglandins. This can be very important in treating arthritis, inflammation, high blood pressure, allergies, and many other health ailments.
The central objective is to build a balance between omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 that leads to production of prostaglandins series 1 and 3 which can be achieved by incorporating a flaxseed oil supplement to our diet.
Flaxseed oil supplements help in preventing uterine bleeding again because omega-6 flaxseeds are partly synthesized gamma-linolenic acid, which in turn stimulates the production of prostaglandin 1 (PGE1).
Flaxseed oil supplements are good for breast cancer prevention and early ally in menopause because it contains phytoestrogens called lignans, a ratio of 75 to 800 times more than in any food. Flaxseeds encourage different hormonal balance works indicating their anticancer properties.
Flaxseed oil supplements promote reduction of LDL lipoprotein (bad cholesterol), inhibit bone loss, and competes with estrogen receptors in breast and ovarian cancers.
Also, flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help fight excess type 2 prostaglandins that are highly inflammatory with a potential to accumulate in breast ducts and can turn into breast neoplasms, especially starting with the feeling of breast tenderness.
Nutritional Facts about Flaxseed Oil
- Flaxseed oil contains 18% monounsaturated fatty acids.
- It contains 9% saturated acids.
- Flaxseed Oil contains 72% polyunsaturated fatty acids from which 45% to 65% are Omega 3 fatty acids and 12% to 20% are Omega 6.
- Flaxseed contains five times more fatty acids (linolenic acid, omega-3) than any other plant food.
- Flaxseed oil provides lignans, protein, and fiber to food.
- Flaxseed oil must be kept in the refrigerator as it tends to get stale.