Benefits of
Flaxseed Oil
The benefits of flaxseed oil seems to be what everyone is talking about as if it is the latest and greatest in the health industry, when in reality flaxseed has actually been around for thousands of years. Flaxseed is an excellent fiber source with the additional benefits of essential fatty acids.
In Asia, Africa, Europe and now North America and Australia flaxseed has been a staple in animal and human diets for a long time. While the popularity of flaxseed has had its ups and downs, the benefits of flaxseed have never changed.
Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil
Today there is such a buzz about flaxseed because of the amazing benefits that it has for a very long list of medical conditions. Flaxseed is high in essential fatty acids that our body needs to function properly. The Omega-3s are fats that we actually want to make sure we are getting everyday. They help lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar and decrease risk of a number of cancers including prostate, breast and colon cancer. They also reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis, asthma and Parkinson’s.
Flaxseed not only contains Omega-3s, it also has fiber and lignans; both of which are being studied for the benefits that they offer. Lignans work in much the same way that 
phytoestrogens and antioxidants work and the fiber contained in flaxseed is both the insoluble and soluble type.
While the studies that have been done so far have been small in nature and limited in what they were looking at, the results have been exciting. Two studies done on woman and breast cancer have both shown benefits of flaxseed oil as it helps boost traditional treatment and helps reduce tumors.
There are currently more studies going on to take a closer look at the effect flaxseed benefits has inflammatory bowel disease, menopause, osteoporosis, diabetes, blood pressure and heart disease to name a few.
Currently, it looks as though flaxseed may also be able to combat macular degeneration. What the study shows is that people who consume large amount of Omega-6 fa
ts, which are found in vegetable oils where more likely to develop macular degeneration. While people that consumed lower Omega-6 and high Omega-3s, such as flaxseed are less likely to get the disease.
One of the best sources of high Omega – 3s available is flaxseed. While it helps ward off macular degeneration, it also helps fight eye dryness. It is recommended that all adults take one tablespoon of flaxseed daily, especially if you are between the ages of 65 to 74.
Flaxseed Oil Supplements
Flaxseed is available in most supermarkets and health food stores. You can find it either as a whole seed, ground seed or as fla
xseed oil capsules. If you talk to most nutritionists they will tell you that ideally you should get ground flaxseed because they contain all the “goodies” that you are looking forsuch as the Omega-3’s, fiber and lignans. If you get the whole seed, it will pass through the digestive system undigested and the oil version lacks the fiber.
The majority of the flaxseed that is grown in the United States is grown in North Dakota because of the ideal climate and open spaces. Canada is also a big producer of flaxseed. There are two types of flaxseed, golden brown and reddish brown, the nutritional value of each is the same.
When you buy flaxseed make sure you are getting ground and that it is packaged in a vacuum packed bag. Typically people keep their flaxseed in the refrigerator but that isn’t a must. Ground flaxseed will last about four months, and whole seeds last about 10-12 months and the overall benefits of flaxseed oil will last far beyond that.
