Linseed Oil Supplements

Linseed oil and your health:
Flax seeds and linseed oil (aka flax seed oil) are garnering increased attention for their health benefits, and can tentatively be called the 'new' soybean, due to the many health benefits they possess, both the known benefits and those being studied. As a health food, flax seeds are already known to be very high in soluble and insoluble fibre; soluble fibre helps lower cholesterol and thus increase your blood health (against such things as heart disease and stroke), and insoluble fibre helps move waste through your colon more quickly, giving better bowel movements. Further, more than a third of each flax seed is comprised of oil, and that oil is mostly polyunsaturated fat, the 'healthy fat', another contributor to healthy blood.
     But is it the LIGNANS in flax seeds that are being studied with much interest. Lignans are compounds that have shown to be helpful in preventing the growth of tumors, particularly in breast and colon cancer. Lignans are also being studied for their role in preventing inflammations that attack the body's immune system, and so may contribute to treatment of such immune disorders as Lupus, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
     The proven health benefits of flax seed and flax seed oil are already being utilized and are increasing in public knowledge, and the potential medical benefits are being actively studied for promising future use.

     How do you eat it? Flax seeds and flax seed oil can be taken in a variety of ways; the seeds can be added to food for flavoring, or for toppings on salads, etc. Whole seeds will pass through your system without being digested, so they should be crushed or ground before use. This releases their nutrients and the nutty flavor. Note that once crushed, they have a much shorter shelf life, whole seeds may last up to a year but crushed seeds should be refrigerated and should be used within 30 days maximum.
     Flax oil may be bought in jars or gel capsules. These do not contain fiber or lignans, but do contain the 'healthy fats' and are rich in the  much-touted omega-3 fatty acid called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) prized by the health-conscious, and lignans and fibre are often added by the manufacturers. Flax oil and ground flax seed are common additives used to increase fibre and omega-3 in foods. It is even added to pet food and pet supplements, to livestock feed, even to chickens to help produce omega-3 fortified eggs. So this simple oil or ground food, thrown into your recipes for taste or as a nice topping for salads, adds some real punch to your health and longevity. You can't lose!
    The pictures below: 1. Two forms of flax seed oil capsules. 2. A spoonful of flax seeds. 3. A small pile of milled (or powdered) flax, looking like coarse pepper. 4. Two flax products.