Flaxseed oil is rich in EFA's, essential fatty acids. More specifically it contains the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This is the technical meaning of “healthy fat.” Your body needs these fats to function properly, yet it doesn't produce it on it's own. This makes EFA's an important part of your diet. Other sources of these fats are fish and nuts. Most of the fat in my diet comes from a combination of nuts and flax seed oil. However, it is well known that flaxseed contains a much higher concentration of Omega -3 oil.



What Is Flax Seed?

Flaxseed, called linseed in some countries, is a good source of dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans. Each of these components may contribute to the health effects of eating flaxseed, but flaxseed oil contains no fiber and very little lignan. Overall, flax seed is a very highly sought after health supplement!

Like most vegetable oils, flaxseed oil contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid needed for survival. But unlike most oils, it also contains significant amounts of another essential fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid (ALA).

Flax Seed Lignan

The lignan constituents of flaxseed (not flaxseed oil) possesses in vitro anti-oxidant and possible estrogen receptor agonist/antagonist properties, prompting theories of efficacy for the treatment of breast cancer. However, there is not sufficient human evidence to make a recommendation. As a source of fiber mucilage, oral flaxseed (not flaxseed oil) may possess laxative properties, although only one human trial has been conducted for this indication. In large doses, or when taken with inadequate water, flaxseed may precipitate bowel obstruction via a mass effect. The effects of flaxseed on blood glucose levels are not clear, although hyperglycemic effects have been reported in one case series. However, this should not deter you from getting healthier with flax seed oil!

Alpha Linolenic Acids In Flax Seeds

Its high content of alpha linolenic acids has made flax seed oil become our modern miracle food. Alpha linolenic acid is a type of plant-derived omega 3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Benefits of flax seed oil as shown in many studies include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Other benefits of flax seed oil show that flax seed may also help lower blood triglycerides and blood pressure. It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the chance of a heart attack. Other independent researches has also confirmed this finding.

Flax Seed vs. Flax Oil

Most of the nutrients are contains in the flax seed. So from a nutritional standpoint, flax seeds are the way to go. BUT, the flax seed oil gives you a concentrated source of the "good" fats we are looking for. Which would give the oil an edge!

So what do you do when both flax seed and flax oil are good? Use them BOTH! By using both the seeds and oil, you get all the nutrients, fiber, lignans, protein, and fat.

With all the known benefits of the flax seed, what else are you waiting for?