Flaxseed Oil Promotes Health

Flaxseed oil should be on the top of your grocery list this week as a way of helping to prevent inflammation and heart disease. In addition to raising one's "good" cholesterol (HDL), it also plays a role in the prevention of cancer. Obtained from the seed of the flax plant, thought to have originated in Egypt, flaxseed grows throughout Canada and the northwestern United States. Once harvested, flaxseeds appear golden in color.

But why do you need it? Flaxseed oil contains 50% to 60% omega-3 fatty acids, double the amount contained in fish oil. Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and a variety of other health conditions, flaxseed oil is a healthy addition to anyone's diet. According to the Center for Disease Control, flaxseed is most commonly used as a laxative but is also used for hot flashes, breast pain and arthritis. Two 1000 milligram capsules pass these lips daily to control inflammation and blepharitis, a somewhat troublesome inflammation of the eyelids. Using flaxseed oil supplements (omega-3 fatty acid) stabilizes eyelid oil secretions associated with blepharitis.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "ALA, as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), belongs to a group of substances called omega-3 fatty acids" which have been found to promote cognitive and behavioral function and normal growth and development. "EPA and DHA are found primarily in fish while ALA is mostly found in flaxseed oil and other vegetable oils." By adding flaxseed oil capsules to your daily supplements you will notice a decrease in inflammation. Available locally or here for $19.99 for 1000 capsules, it costs only three cents per day to prevent serious health situations. Check it out.

Photo attribution: certified su