What Is Flax Seed Oil
Flax seed is 1/3 oil, and the rest
of it is made up of fiber, protein, and mucilage.
Flax seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty
acids - it contains alpha linolenic acid, omega 3
essential fatty acid, and omega 6 essential fatty
acid, and flax seed oil contains these 3 EFA's in
just the right proportions. Flax seeds are also a
great source of lignans, vitamins, and minerals.
North Americans are usually lacking
omega 3 EFA in their diet, and flax seed oil is an
excellent supplement for this. The cells of the body
need the omega 3 fatty acids from which they build
their cell membranes, which protect them. The brain
is largely composed of fats called phospholipids,
which are made from essential fatty acids. Thus these
oils are essential for the function and structure
of the brain and improve cognition, memory, moods
and concentration.
Flax Seed
Oil - Essential Source Of Omega 3 EFA
Research has shown that majority
of diets are deficient in Omega 3 essential fatty
acids, and this can lead to some serious health problems:
- Coronary heart disease - Omega
3 helps reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, plaque
formation, and cardian arrhythmia.
- Arthritis - Studies have found
that oils rich in Omega 3 (like flax seed oil) patients
can reduce their drug use.
- Cancer - Omega 3 has been found
to kill certain cancer cells without harming normal
cells.
- Skin problems like acne, eczema,
and psoriasis are shown partly to be related to
Omega 3 deficiency.
- Omega 3 EFA helps improve your
response to stress.
Health Benefits of Flax Seed Oil
Flax seeds contain 12% mucilage,
which makes it a gentle, natural laxative. Flax seeds
are perfect for individuals who has a sensitive stomach.
- Flax seed oil acts as a buffer
for excess stomach acids
- Flax seed oil soothes ulcers
and irritable bowel disorders
- Flax seed oil lubricates and
absorbs toxins
- Prevents toxic build up in the
bowel
Flax seed oil also contains lignans
that have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
and anti-cancer properties. Flax seeds have the richest
source of lignans, 100 times more than the next best
source, wheat bran. Flax seed also contains lecithin
which emulsifies fat and cholesterol. These little
seeds improve digestion, help stabilize blood glucose
levels, fight tumor formation and enhance cardiovascular
health.
The Components of Flax Seed Oil
We already mentioned above that
flax seed oil is an excellent source of fiber, protein,
lignans, vitamins and minerals, and essential fatty
acids. Let's take a look at some of these.
Fiber - Flax seeds
contain soluble and insoluble fiber, and also contains
mucilage. The fiber in flax seed oil cleans the colon
of toxic material, metabolic waste and dried mucus.
Flax fiber is an excellent food for friendly bacteria
in the intestine which keeps disease-causing organisms
in check.
Protein - There's
about 25g of protein for every 100g of flax seeds.
The protein in flax seeds is easily digested and contains
a complete amino acid profile that your body needs.
Lignans - Lignans
have anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties,
and Flax seed has 75 to 800 percent more lignans than
other vegetables and grains. Researchers also believe
lignans to have antioxidant properties.
Essential Fatty Acids
- Flax seed oil is a rich source of 3 essential fatty
acids: alpha linolenic acid, omega 3 essential fatty
acid, and omega 6 essential fatty acid. (See above
for some Omega 3 benefits.)
Flax seed is one of the best sources
for the essential fatty acid alpha linolenic acid.
Alpha linolenic acid is so important for bodybuilders
because it "enhances insulin sensitivity within
muscle cells." (1) This omega-3 fatty acid also
has many other beneficial effects:
Flax Seed Oil Use and Using Flax
Seed Oil Supplements
You can either buy flax seeds, flax
seed oil, or flax seed oil supplements. If you use
the seeds, make sure to grind them up before eating,
otherwise, you won't be able to absorb them. You can
add the flax seed oil to your protein shakes, drink
it by itself, or add it to any kind of drink. Or,
if you want a simpler way like me, just get some flax
seed oil supplements, and remember to take 1 pill
in the morning, and 1 pill at night. ;-)
Flax seed oil supplements are very cheap for all the
health benefits they provide, so its definitely worth
the investment! You can get a 3 months supply of flax
seed oil supplement for only $12 bucks online.
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Click here for Flax Seed Oil Capsules
>>
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