Flax oil (also known as Flaxseed Oil) is the richest natural source of plant-based Omega-3 fatty acids
available.
The flaxseed oil is derived from flax seeds which are harvested from the plant Linum Usitatissimum, which is in
the family of flowering plants known as Linaceae.
Flax oil contains the following essential fatty acids: Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9.
This superfood is regarded by nutritionists to be one of THE most important nutritional supplements
available.
Flax is an excellent source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is an essential omega 3 fatty acid.
Essential means that your body must have it.
The high content ALA Omega-3 fatty acids is why it is considered one of nature’s absolute
SUPER foods.
Do NOT cook with flaxseed oil, Don't heat it up at all
It may interfere with some medications
How to Select Flaxseed Oil:
When purchasing flax oil, to ensure high quality, look for these words on the label:
Organic
Pure
Unfiltered
Cold Pressed
When buying liquid flax oil (note: this does not apply to capsules), Some experts recommend buying only from
refrigerated section of the store, rather than bottles that are stored on the shelf at room temperature. This is
because flax seed oil goes rancid rather quickly at room temperature.
However, since several brands of flax oil are sold in stores (stored on the shelf), we must consider the
possibility that some companies have a special packaging process which allows unopened flaxseed oil to be stored at
room temperature without going rancid.
Types of Flax Oil:
There are basically two different types of flaxseed oil available
Plain Flax Oil
Flax Oil with Lignans
(Both are available in liquid or capsule form)
What are Lignans? They are plant phytonutrients and are also high in fiber and very healthy.
Some people prefer to buy plain flax oil and then use a coffee grinder to grind up whole flax
seeds and combine the flaxseed particulate with the plain flax oil, as opposed to using flax oil with
lignans (which already contains the flaxseed particulate). Ground flaxseeds are also a very
healthy source of Omega-3 and can be used in a variety of ways.
Note: Unless properly preserved, flaxseeds should be consumed within 15 minutes of grinding because once they
are ground up, they go rancid at room temperature rather quickly. See the Flaxseed section for more details.
Which is better, liquid or capsules?
This is truly a matter of personal preference. Capsules come in handy during travel because they don't have to
be kept refrigerated. However, you'd have to take about 10-15 capsules (depending on the mg dose) to get the
equivalent of 1 tbsp of liquid flax oil.
Flaxseed Oil Benefits:
Research has shown flax seed oil to have a lot of health benefits for conditions including but not limited
to:
The health benefits of flaxseed
oil as a dietary supplement are just too many to name or number, because it helps improve
the functions of just about every cell in your body.
Flaxseed Oil Side Effects:
According to the leading experts - the dietary intake of flaxseed oil and/or ALA was reported to be safe and
have little or no adverse side effects. However some studies indicated minor side effects such as slight nausea or
mild diarrhea.
Flaxseed Oil - Drug Interactions:
Flaxseed oil is known to affect how certain medications perform. You should consult your Doctor to
find out if it will interefere with your medications.
Flaxseed Oil Recipes:
Barlean’s has a selection of flax oil blends and smoothies. Some are blended with other healthy oils such as
fish oil, evening primrose oil, or borage oil. See Barlean’s Flax Oil Blends for more
details. See Recipes for more flaxseed
and flax oil recipes.
Flaxseed Oil Serving Size:
The recommended dosage of flaxseed oil varies depending on your specific needs as
well as your existing diet. Most Americans are defecient in Omega-3, but not everyone, therefore not everyone needs
to supplement their diet with additional Omega-3. Below are some of the most commonly suggested serving
sizes.
Flax Oil Supplements as a Liquid:
Many Nutritionists recommend 1 tbsp of flaxseed oil per 100 lbs of bodyweight.
Flax Oil Supplements as Capsules:
Many Nutritionists recommend 3 capsules, 3 times daily.
You should consult your Doctor or Nutritionist for a personalized assessment of your particular needs.
Flaxseed Oil for Animals:
Animals need essential fatty acids too - and flax oil is a healthy supplement for most animals.
Barlean's "Flax Oil for Animals" is
specifically formulated for animals, and is given to horses, cattle, dogs, and other animals.
It's 100% pure flax oil combined with a rosemary/ascorbic acid antioxidant blend. It
contains omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, and also contains beta carotene and vitamin B-6.
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The information on this site is intended only for educational / informational purposes, and
should not be taken as medical advice. Only a physician can offer medical advice. If you are sick, see a
doctor.