The Health Benefits of Flax Seed and Flax Seed Oil

Flax seed is one of the richest sources of omega 3

Flax seed has been around forever, yet is one of the newest hot nutritional items. The flax seed comes from a flowering plant that is grown in the Canadian prairie just for its beneficial seeds. Flax seed oil is also sometimes known as linseed oil.

Flax seed oil is nature's richest source of Omega 3 fatty acids and is also a great source of Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, too. Flax seed or flax seed oil is a great addition to any diet.

Which is Better- Flax Seed or Flax Seed Oil?

Both flax seeds and flax seed oil have the same benefits in terms of giving your body the essential fatty acids it needs.

However, eating flax seeds also gives you fiber, which the oil will not. Flax seed oil, however, is easier to take as a supplement.

If you choose to use flax seeds instead of taking flax seed oil, be sure to grind them first. Your body will have more difficulty digesting the whole seeds, and will not get as much benefit from them as it will from ground seeds.

You can grind flax seeds in a coffee grinder and then store them in an airtight container. They can be added to cookies, breads and muffins. They can also be added to your breakfast cereal or a container of yogurt.

The Health Benefits of Flax Seed Oil

Flax seed oil has been shown to improve nearly every function in the body. Flax seed oil's essential fatty acids support your immune system, your cardiovascular system, your reproductive system and the regulation of your body's systems, like heart rate and blood pressure.

People who consume high levels of lineolic acid ( the kind found in flax seed oil) have been shown to have lower incidences of cancer. It has been used to treat some forms of depression and helps improve memory function.

Over time, taking flax seed oil can help you have more energy and can help muscles recover faster. It may also lower your blood pressure, and relieves the symptoms of arthritis in some.

Flax Seed and Omega 3

The primary benefit of taking flax seed oil comes from its high level of Omega 3 fatty acids. One tablespoon of flax seed oil supplies all the Omega 3 an adult needs in a day, making it a simple way to improve your health and prevent all the dangerous diseases listed above.

Most Americans are deficient in Omega 3, and risk serious health benefits because of it. Even children, who need Omega 3 for proper growth and maturing of bodily cells, especially the ones in the brain, can be deficient.

Our bodies cannot produce Omega 3 fatty acids, so we must get it from our diets, and its clear that most of us don’t.

Omega 3 deficiencies are linked to:

Heart Attacks
Cancer
Asthma
Insulin Resistance
Obesity
Stroke
Diabetes

Flax seed oil makes it easy to get your Omega 3 fatty acids everyday. This simple supplement can make a world of difference when it comes to your health.

More Articles About Fats: