What is Flaxseed Oil?

Flaxseed oil is derived from flax seeds and is a cold pressed oil that can be used in salads, cooking, or simply taken alone as a supplement. It has become more popular in recent years, as more people are making the shift towards natural and whole food living. Eating a variety of foods, taking supplements, and eating more raw and natural foods is becoming more common than fad diets and extreme eating programs that eliminate important nutrients.

Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are a valuable resource for Omega 3 essential fatty acids, and both provide quality protein, lignans, and natural fiber along with a generous serving of essential fatty acids. Flaxseed Oil can be ingested alone or mixed with other foods for balanced nutrition. You'll find it at many natural or organic grocery stores, vitamin supplement shops online, and even some pharmacies. Flaxseed was commonly found in bread, grains and cereals during the Middle Ages, but was removed from most households after simple wheat and corn cereals entered the market. The oil and seeds need to be kept refrigerated in order to stay fresh.

What is Flaxseed Oil Made Of?

Flaxseed oil is derived from flax seeds, and when these are taken in their natural form, they offer both soluble and insoluble fiber. As a ground seed, flax seeds can help improve the digestive system by encouraging natural elimination processes and clearing out toxins from the body. The fiber in each serving of flax seeds may also contribute to healthy intestinal flora, preventing disease and illness related to unhealthy bacteria in the body. Many people who are dealing with constipation, a weak digestive system, or just need to get started on a detox can benefit from ingesting flaxseed oil each day.

Flaxseed oil provides essential protein for the body, and works and is considered to be a complete amino acid. Complete amino acids are essential for a healthy metabolism and can also help with the absorption of nutrients. Flax seed protein is easy to digest and absorb, and can easily be mixed with cereals or other foods. This high-quality protein source can help maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails, along with providing a steady source of energy.

Lignans are a naturally occurring anti-bacterial nutrient, and are found in many plant-based foods. Flaxseed oil contains a large amount of lignans per serving, and this serves as a both an antioxidant and anti-cancer agent. While many foods have antioxidant properties, flaxseed oil offers a convenient and simple solution.

The essential fatty acids found in flaxseed oil are the principal reason why this health food needs to be a part of every diet. Alpha linoeic acid (ALA) is necessary for athletes and bodybuilders since it keeps muscle cells healthy and prevents inflammation of joints. This is also why many people with arthritis can benefit from flaxseed oil; the anti-inflammatory properties of ALA can help reduce the need for arthritis medication and other supplements.

Eating a well-balanced diet is a major step towards good health and wellness, but many people find it challenging to include the right amount of healthy fats in the diet. Low carb diets such as the South Beach Diet encourage lean meats and protein and are often lacking in healthy fats. High fat and high protein diets such as the Atkins plan also do not contain a balance of healthy fats, providing many unhealthy saturated fats instead. Vegetarian diets can easily become unbalanced with adequate sources of protein and nutrition, and since most are naturally low in fat, supplementing the diet with essential fatty acids is recommended.

Omega 3s are important for cardiovascular health and keeping the brain in good shape. Fish oil omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to reducing the risk of stroke, keeping arteries healthy, and even reducing blood pressure. However, the omega 3s found in flaxseed oil offer different benefits such as:

• Immune system support

• Reducing inflammation

• Improving the blood clotting process

• Reducing infection and spread of disease

• Helping repair cell membranes

• Keeping the nervous system in balance

Researchers suggest that consuming flaxseed oil on a regular basis can help with:

• Preventing acne and breakouts

• Balancing hormones

• Reducing cholesterol

• Prevent plaque formation in the arteries and keeping arteries healthy

• Improving the body's natural response to stress

• Improve cases of arthritis, since flaxseed oil acts as a natural joint lubricant

• Prevent injury in athletes and bodybuilders

• Improve digestion and elimination

• Improve the health of skin, hair, and nails because of its natural protein and fat content

• Improving cognition, memory, and concentration-it's often considered to be a brain boosting food

• Reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and other aging diseases

• Preventing toxic buildup in the bowels

Many people think that taking a fish oil supplement is all they need to get their daily dose of omega 3s. However, there are several types of Omega 3 fatty acids that play a distinct role in the body:

• Alpha linolenic acid (ALA)

• Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA)

• Docosahexanoic acid (DHA)

ALA is the Omega 3 found in flaxseed oil, and it can convert into EPA and DHA after efficient processing in the body. However, those who have weak metabolisms often have difficulty with this conversion process. As a result, fish oils are high in EPA and DHA, and may be a more valuable solution for some. Taking both a fish oil supplement and flaxseed oil is the best way to ensure maximum nutrition.

The body requires a certain level of both Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids to maintain good health, and supplements are available to meet daily requirements. Omega 3 essential fatty acids can prevent a variety of health problems and can even help fight cancer. People with skin problems such as acne and psoriasis can benefit from an increase of Omega 3 essential fatty acids in the diet because it helps to replenish moisture and natural oils needed for balance. While supplements are readily available in a variety of forms, the body absorbs and assimilates these fats much more efficiently when they are consumed from everyday foods.

Reducing the risk of cancer is a health goal for most of us, and many research studies suggest a positive link between flaxseed oil and cancer prevention. In the book Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer, the author Donald Yance describes the beneficial role of flaxseed oil for good health:

"Flaxseed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly ALA, which, when taken in combination with sulfur-rich proteins, actually works to create a new food. This was first discovered and made famous by Johanna Budwig, a West German physician who had done a great deal of research on the oil-protein combination. She discovered that EFAs need to bind to sulfur-rich proteins (she used low-fat cottage cheese) before the body can properly assimilate them.... Of all the deficiencies that may exist in people with cancer, perhaps those that are most important and totally ignored are EFAs, which, when taken with protein, enhance our albumin levels"

This excerpt suggests that taking a serving of flaxseed oil in combination with dairy products (e.g. low fat cottage cheese or yogurt) creates an enriching and healthy food that may help with cancer prevention. This is important news for thousands of people who are at risk for developing cancer, or simply want to improve their health.

Taking a simple omega 3 supplement is not always the best way to get the quality nutrition you need; eating a variety of fruits, grains, and vegetables that contain essential fatty acids is the best choice since the body can absorb the nutrients more easily. Flaxseed oil is often considered to be a ‘superfood' in this sense because it is packed with the vital minerals and nutrients you need, and can be easily digested and absorbed.

There are many simple ways to add flaxseed oil or flax seeds to the diet. Most athletes and bodybuilders do this regularly, adding a few spoons of flaxseed to cereal or yogurt, or simply taking flaxseed oil before meal. Since it doesn't have any taste, it is an easy oil to ingest (unlike fish oil). Flaxseed oil is most effective-and potent-when it is mixed with a lowfat dairy product. The best way to take it is to mix 2-5 tbsp of flaxseed oil, 1-3 tbsp of ground flaxseed, and 1 cup of low fat cottage cheese for a small meal. This is absorbed into the body easily and can be processed immediately for efficient delivery to the muscles and cells.

Flaxseed can also be enjoyed by:

• Taking flaxseed oil in liquid form, by the tablespoon

• Taking flaxseed oil capsules

• Grinding flaxseeds and sprinkling them over cereal or into baked goods

• Mixing flaxseed oil with juice or smoothies

• Using flaxseed oil instead of olive oil

• Making your own salad dressing using flaxseed oil

It's best not to cook with the oil since cooking will remove the nutrient content immediately. Since flaxseed oil can turn rancid when left in warm areas, it is essential that it is refrigerated at all times.