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FLAXSEED OIL
Over eight thousand years ago our hunter / gatherer ancestors ate
flax along with other grasses. Flaxseed Oil contains high levels
ofomega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids and of omega 9 fatty
acids in the ratio of 4:1:1.
Because omega-3 fatty acids easily become rancid, they are removed
from food during
processing, thus a diet already low in omega-3 fatty acids becomes
even lower, and it is difficult to replace these from food alone. To
compound the problem, omega-3's are very fragile and easily
destroyed by heating.
The increase in levels of omega-6 and an 80% decrease in omega-3
fatty acids in our diets
over the last 100 years has been blamed by some for the increase of
degenerative diseases. Taking a Flaxseed Oil supplement helps
restore the balance.
The Benefits of Flaxseed Oil
Heart Health -
has been shown to help maintain normal serum triglycerides and
cholesterol
(blood fats) levels. Omega-3's have been associated with a lower
incidence of high blood pressure and blood clots. Flaxseed Oil is
thought to reduce elevated levels ofhomocysteine (high levels of
which are believed to be major risk factors in heart disease).
Calorie loss mechanism -
essential fatty acids (EFA's) stimulate metabolism, increase
metabolic rate and speed up the rate at which our body bums fat and
glucose.
Female Health -
Flaxseed Oil is thought to regulate hormone levels and relieve some
of the symptoms of the menopause such as hot flushes and yeast
infections due to vaginal dryness. It can also be useful when
suffering from PMS.
Rheumatoid arthritis -
omega-3 fatty acids contain a natural anti-inflammatory agent
that is said to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Exercise ability' -
body builders use Flaxseed Oil to increase stamina and to speed
recovery
from exercise (thought to be due to its anti-oxidant properties and
its anti-inflammatory
effect).
Cell Health -
omega-3 and omega-6 EFA's stabilize and strengthen cell membranes.
Unhealthy or leaky cells are the basis of many problems including
allergies, psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases.
Moods -
male and female mood improves with EFA supplementation.
Properties
Flaxseed Oil is probably the best source ofomega-3 EFA's containing
58% alpha linolenic acid (ALA), the highest amount of any product.
Flaxseed Oil also comprises 15% of the
omega-6 EFA linoleic acid and 17% of the omega-9 fatty acid oleic
acid. Flaxseed Oil is a rich source oflignans which have been shown
to help relieve menopausal hot flushes and to have antibacterial,
antifungal and antiviral functions. Omega-3 and omega-6 EFA's are
precursors ofprostaglandins which are very active biological
substances involved in nearly every bodily function including the
inflammatory process, healing and repair, the immune system, the
neural circuits in the brain, the cardiovascular system, the
digestive and reproductive systems and the body thermostats.
Omega-3's and 6's stabilize and strengthen cell membranes making
them more flexible and fluid. Healthy membranes improve cell
function, helping the building of new tissue and the repair of old.
Contra-indications / Precautions
At the time ofwntine. there are no known side effects or drug
interactions with Flaxseed Oil.
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