Flax Seed Oil As A Source Of Omega 3

More and more, flaxseed oil is being swallowed as a source of omega 3 fatty acids.

This is specially for those who prefer to consume a plant source rather than a fish source of omega 3 fatty acids such as vegetarians.

Let's look at the nature of flax see oil, and then why people use it instead of fish oil.

What does flaxseed oil (also known as linseed oil) contain?

Flax seed oil is a source of alpha linolenic acid or ALA which is omega 3 fatty acids, as well as soluble fibre, phytoestrogen, and lignans.

The bioavailability of omega 3 is higher as an oil rather than as seeds. However, when storing flax seed oil, it's best to ensure that it is not damaged or oxidised by exposure to sunlight (hence usually packaged in dark bottles). Some brands of flax seed oil is preserved with natural antioxidants.

ALA is a precursor to eicosopentaenoic acid or EPA, which is the form of omega 3 that 's used by the body. Note that fish oil as a source of omega 3 contains EPA dn DHA.

r.Flaxseed has recently gained attention in the area of cardiovascular disease primarily because it is the richest known source of both alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and the phytoestrogen, lignans, as well as being a good source of soluble fiber.

Why should I take flax seed oil?

Let's have a look at why people may choose flax seed oil (linseed oil) as a preferred source to fish oil.

You may prefer flax seed oil if:

• You're vegetarian or vegan
• You experience or dislike the after taste of fish oil or fish oil capsules
• You want to avoid the potential possibility of mercury being present in fish or even fish oil capsules (though this may be also avoided by using supplements that are certified clear of contaminants)
• You enjoy the taste of flax seed oil (it has a nutty, unusual taste)

Benefits of flax seed oil

Many studies on thebenefits of omega 3 have used fish oil capsuls, however there are some that have used dietary flax seed oil instead.

For example, the study on the mediteranean diet as an intervention in heart disease patients, which focused on increasing the intake of plant omega 3's (ALA) showed significant results. See the section on omega 3 benefits for details.

Also, a study published in September 2005 on the effect of flaxseed supplementation on cholesterol and lipids found that there were significant reductiosn in total cholesterol (17.2%), LDL cholersterol (3.9%) triglycerides (36.6%) and the total cholesterol to HDL ratio (33.5%), and the conclusion was that the lipid profiles were "signiicantly improved" in these hyperlipidemic patients.1

Reference:

Flaxseed supplementation in hyperlipidemic patients. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2005 Jul-Sep;109(3):502-6.