Flaxseed Oil and Your Health
Flaxseed and the oil derived from it have been used medicinally for centuries. The species name for flaxseed, Linum Usitatissimum, means “most useful.” That would definitely describe the versatility and nutritional value of this tiny seed. Flaxseed oil is a particularly rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), containing about 50-57% of this important omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA). ALA is necessary for good health and cannot be made by the body, thus it must be consumed in the diet. The beneficial effects of ALA were uncovered as early as 1929, when EFAs were first discovered. The relationship of long chain fatty acids, such as ALA, to human health and disease is now firmly established. The North American diet typically contains high amounts of detrimental saturated fatty acids, which contribute to an increase of inflammatory mediators in the body,and lower-than-recommended levels of healthy omega-3s.The Council for Responsible Nutrition has recommended total daily intakes of 1.5 to 3 g of ALA. OmegaFactors Certi-fi ed Organic Flaxseed Oil from Natural Factors provides a minimum of 530 mg of ALA in each 1000 mg softgel. It Also contains 17-22% linoleic acid (LA), an important omega-6 EFA. LA helps maintain the health of cell mem-branes, improve nutrient use, and establish and control cellular metabolism. LA also helps in the regulation of blood pressure, blood clotting, inflammation, body temperature, and other body functions. It is particularly important for the growth and development of infants. The Body also needs LA to manufacture gamma-linolenic acid(GLA), another important omega-6 EFA.
How Does Flaxseed Oil Work?
ALA is the only member of the omega-3 fatty acid family which is truly “essential”, since a portion of ALA is converted by the body to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA, EPA and DHA all play important and unique roles in many physiological functions. There is a complex physiological relationship between ALA, EPA and DHA; each delivers important health benefits. ALA has important effects of its own, including reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. It is also needed for conversion to EPA and DHA, especially for people who are unable or unwilling to consume sources of EPA and DHA such as fi shore fish oil.
Key Benefits:
- Certified organic flaxseed oil
- Contains beneficial lignans
- Helps with hormonal balance
- Omega-3s help maintain heart health
- Certified organic flaxseed
- Locally grown in Alberta, Canada
- Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acid
- Helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Protects against cardiovascular disease
Each softgel contains:
Organic flaxseed oil blend
(Linum usitatissimum L.) (seed oil)|1000mg
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)|530mg
Oleic acid(OA)|120mg
Linoleic acid (LA)|100mg
Take 1 to 3 softgels, 3 times daily or as directed by a health care practitioner.
Vegetarians may wish to take higher doses, as they must rely on ALA as their only source of EPA and DHA.
Allman, M. A., M. M. Pena, and D. Pang. "Supplementation with flaxseed oil versus sunflowerseed oil in healthy young men consuming a low fat diet: effects on platelet composition and function." European journal of clinical nutrition 49.3 (1995): 169-178.
http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/7774533
Thompson, Lilian U., et al. "SHORT COMMUNICATION: Flaxseed and its lignan and oil components reduce mammary tumor growth at a late stage of carcinogenesis." Carcinogenesis 17.6 (1996): 1373-1376.
http://carcin.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/6/1373.short