Flax Seed Oil - A Review

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
Jimi Hendrix

After yoga this morning I made myself a glass of orange juice and with intention, squeezed two tablespoons of flax seed oil into it.  While drinking it I realized I absolutely loved the flavor and the feeling I received from this amazing oil.  I then wondered if anyone else I cared about was receiving this same type of nourishment.  So, here I am, sharing with you something I enjoy and hoping that it brings you the same feeling it brings to me.

What is Flax Seed Oil and how can it benefit me?  
Flax has become a 'buzz word' in society and seems to be making great strides in increased health for many.  I have included Flax Seed Oil in my diet now for about six years, and have felt the effects personally, but I never actually did any deep research on it (other than what I read in a book or two or the labels on the packaged Flax Seed Oil) and so I researched until I felt satisfied that it could help me, too.  Here are my findings: 

Flax is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds.  This natural oil (also known as Linseed Oil) is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition and is considered to be nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the health of almost all body systems. 

Flax Seed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil, minus that horrible "fishy" after taste.   Sounded good to me already! 

Should you add flax seed oil to your diet? 
Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin.  Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil's natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as joints. 

Just look at this list of facts and studies of what Flax Seed Oil can and may accomplish:

• Research shows low incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer in populations that have high amounts of lignan in their diet. Flax is 100 times richer in lignan than most whole grains.
• Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides, and prevent clots in arteries, which may result in strokes, heart attacks and thromboses. 
• Helps protect the body against high blood pressure, inflammation, water retention, sticky platelets and lowered immune function. 
• Shortens recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion. This is why I often take it after a strenuous yoga practice, jog, or hike.
• Increases the body's production of energy and also increases stamina. 
• Accelerates the healing of sprains and bruises. 
• Eases weight loss in people afflicted with obesity. 
• Stimulates brown fat cells and increases the metabolic rate making it easier to burn off fat. 
• Improves the absorption of Calcium. 
• Strengthens finger and toenails. 
• Can improve eyesight and perception of colors. 
• Can often improve the function of the liver. 
• Can relieve the side effects and stop development of many forms of cancer. 
• Can relieve some cases of Asthma. 
• Helpful in the treatment of Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dandruff. 
• Can relieve the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. 
• It can relieve the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus. 
• Can alleviate some allergies. 
• Helps prevent Atherosclerosis (the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the blood vessels, especially the large and medium-sized arteries, that many people experience during the aging process).
• Lowers high blood pressure in Hypertension sufferers.  
• Has been scientifically proven to treat some cases of depression. 
• Can improve the mental function of many old age pensioners. 
• Can help in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. 
• Has been proven to improve the behavior of Schizophrenics. 
• Can relieve some cases of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in females. 
• And more...!!

Unfortunately, our current diets do not come close to meeting our daily EFA (essential fatty acids) requirements. The richest sources of EFAs such as flax seeds, cold-water fish, and soy and canola oils are rarely found in our regular meals.  In addition, more typical foods like red meats and egg yolks can actually encourage the body's production of bad prostaglandins.  Flax Seed oil can help restore the body's natural balance of good and bad prostaglandins. 

How much do I take a day? 
The recommended daily dose for most people is at least 1,000 mg taken one to three times daily.  Even better is adding flax seeds into your diet in breads, muffins or on salads.  Scientific studies have used up to 30 grams of flax seeds a day safely and without side effects. 

What do I look for when buying Flax Seed Oil? 
It's important to buy high-quality flax seed oil as it is prone to rancidity.  Light and oxygen will slowly breakdown the essential fatty acids.  Look for flax seed oil capsules (dark coated soft gels) or oil that is bottled in amber-brown bottles, as these are more resistant to the light and oxygen.  Make sure you refrigerate your flax seed oil to help extend its shelf life. 

Flax seed oil takes a bit of time to be absorbed into the body before the full beneficial effects begin, ranging anywhere from a few days to as many as six weeks, depending on your overall well-being. 

I personally enjoy The Essential Woman flax seed oil as pictured above.  My sweetheart takes the other.  A little about The Essential Woman Flax Seed Oil:

Outward beauty is a reflection of inner health.  Radiant glowing skin, lustrous hair and strong nails are a sign of vibrant inner health.  Feminizing hormones, delicately balanced, provide freedom from monthly or midlife female discomforts and beauty in full bloom. 

The Essential Woman is derived from seeds of botanical flowers such as evening primrose and flax, as well as special plant phytonutirents, all recognized for their beautifying and balancing qualities. 

The Essential Woman is the first product of it's kind to combine a full compliment of therapeutically beneficial nutrients targeted for the special and changing needs of a woman. 

The Essential Woman formula is a proprietary blend of: 

• Organic Unrefined Flaxseed Oil: The world’s richest source of essential fatty acids, including alpha linoleic acid (Omega-3) and linolenic acid (Omega-6)
• Organic Evening Primrose Oil: Contains a specialized nutrient, gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which has been shown in scientific studies to support hormonal health and address the symptoms of PMS and menopause*
• Lignans: A highly studied and researched class of phytonutrient found in flaxseed studied by the National Cancer Institute and shown to possess impressive preventative properties – in addition to supporting hormone and breast health*
• Soy isoflavones: Plant phytoestrogens which studies reveal can help address the annoying symptoms of menopause and PMS as well as support bone, heart and breast health.

If you're unsure about trying Flax Seed, contact your physician and ask for more information.  If you decide to add it to you diet, remember to stay present with its effect on you.  I find myself internally hugging and thanking myself for taking the time to nourish this body of mine, this temple.  I hope you find that same peace, not only through a healthy diet, but in other parts of your life.