We thought it would be helpful to talk about Flax Seed Oil, since omegas are so important for the WHOLE body and can help get us through all the holiday stress we may endure and help our bodies stay strong and resilient to bacteria and viruses. Is there a big difference between getting your Omega 3’s through flax oil vs fish oil?  Let’s take a look…

Flax Seed Oil
Flax oil comes from flax seed. Flax seed oil contains 50-60% Omega 3 ( in the form of Alpha Linolenic Acid/ALA) and lignans.  Your body will convert the ALA, a type of omega 3, into EPA/ eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA/docosahexaenoic acid (which are the two other types of omega 3’s also found in fish oil).  When you take Omega 3 from fish oil your body does not have to convert the fatty acids like it does when you take the flax seed oil (ALA converts into EPA and DHA).

Benefits of Flax Seed Oil

• Supports healthy heart function
  • Has been show to lower cholesterol levels
• Helps decrease skin cell inflammation and promotes cell regeneration
  • Can be helpful to reduce eczema, increase skin hydration and reduce redness
• Beneficial for breast or lung cancer due to its high amount of lignans (may be helpful to reduce tumor growth due to its high antioxidant levels)
• Helps improve insulin sensitivity which can help improve sugar levels and diabetes
• Supports gut health (can be highly beneficial for IBS or Crohn’s dis-ease)
• Prevents and eases constipation
•  Helps protect and increase health of kidneys
• Reduces symptoms of menopause- like hot flashes
• Supports healthy brain function

There are some similarities between fish oil and flax oil, however, flax oil will contain less of the two most beneficial types of Omega 3’s– EPA and DHA that are found in fish oil.  Flax oil can be a nice alternative to fish oil because it is plant based and it will not have that fishy aftertaste or burp up that fish oil will sometimes induce. It is also a slower method of building Omega 3 into the body, which for some, could be a benefit or drawback.  Also, flax seed oil can be added to many types of food like salad dressing for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition!

We hope you enjoyed this weeks tip and we thank you for taking some time out of your day to learn more about your health and the wonderful benefits of natural medicine! We are also thankful to call you all our ELITE FAMILY! Thank you for you continued support. May you all have a beautiful day of giving thanks— perhaps even a beautiful life of giving thanks! Gratitude is the best medicine!