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Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil
What are the benefits of flaxseed oil?
Here are some of the health benefits of flaxseed oil.
The main benefits of flaxseed oil come from the essential fatty acids it contains. Just like fish oil, this can supply you with omega 3 fatty acids.
Here are some of the health benefits of flaxseed oil:
- Helps reduce cancer risks
- Lowers bad cholesterol
- Reduces constipation and inflammation
- Helps you avoid blood clots
- Positive eczema effects
There is a difference between the type of essential fats you get from flaxseed and fish oil.
Some experts agree that fish oil is still the best supplement for omega 3 fatty acids.
Simply based on essential fats, fish oil would be a better source.
The essential fat found in flaxseed is not quite the same as in fish oil.
Fish oil has EPA and DHA, you can read more about the fish oil health benefits here.
Flaxseed has an essential fat called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
This converts into EPA and DHA and that's where a lot of the
health benefits of flaxseed oil come from. The only problem is that diets containing trans fatty acids can interfere with the
conversion of alpha linolenic acid into EPA and DHA. Also, as you get older the conversion is not as good.
So it's best to avoid foods like cookies and cakes, and eat more cold water
fish and fish oil supplements.
An important note about fish oil is to make sure you are taking high quality products. Quality with
this type of supplement is very important.
That being said, flaxseed is still a source of healthy fats.
Every part of your body
benefits from omega 3 fatty acids so getting enough ALA is very important.
Taking flaxseed oil can help you get enough of these important
fats... but it will never replace fish oil as a source of omega 3 fatty acids.
The benefits of flaxseed oil also come from the other nutrients it has.
What is flaxseed made from?
Flaxseed is a combination of many healthy nutrients. It has vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and as we mentioned, healthy fats.
Fiber is very important for your digestive system. Having good amounts of foods with fiber in your diet will make you feel much better.
There is fiber found in flaxseed called mucilage which helps control your blood sugar levels. Not enough fiber can cause digestive
related issues like constipation, or lead to weight gain.
Flaxseed is also a great source of lignans. Lignans are plant estrogen that act as antioxidants. In men they are known for their benefits
towards prostate health.
How to consume flaxseed
You can get all the health benefits of flaxseed oil through supplementing with flaxseed oil capsules or in liquid form.
This is probably the easiest way to take flaxseed oil, however eating flaxseed will do the job as well. Taking both forms is
probably the best way to go.
If you're taking it in the oil form, check the lables for dosage recommendations. You will probably want to consume about 1 to 3 tbps daily. You can mix
these into salads, drinks, or take it straight.
If you want to eat the seeds, they are quite tasty alone, mixed with other nuts, or sprinkled on a salad or cereal. Whatever works for you. One
thing's for sure, adding flaxseed oil
to your diet can increase your overall health.
Product Recommendations:
I would recommend Barlean's Organic Flax Oil.
Some studies have found flaxseed oil side effects when taking large dosages.
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