Flaxseed Oil - A Great Antioxidant

Being natural substances, antioxidants are derived from various plants, including vegetables and fruits. Blueberries and cranberries are usually the fruits that are often touted by nutrition scientists as the top antioxidant rich foods. In the vegetable variety, russet potatoes, red beans, and red cabbage top the list as well. However, there are also other fruits and vegetables that may contain more essential benefits to our health. One such food product is flax seed where we get the beneficial flaxseed oil.

What is Flaxseed Oil?

Flaxseed Oil is also known as Linseed Oil. The oil is produced from the seeds of the flax plant. Typically, linseed oil is the yellowish drying oil that is extracted and used as a carrier in oil paint and also as a wood finish. When the flax seed is cold pressed without the extraction, it is called flaxseed oil and is used as a nutritional supplement. More information than you need to know? Maybe, but I thought it was interesting that a lowly plant seed could be used for both furniture finish AND the next best nutritional supplement since the multi-vitamin.

Flaxseed oil is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which are beneficial in a whole host of ways - heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and arthritis to name a few. Omega 3 fatty acids are usually associated with fish oils but flaxseed oil provides a good alternative source of the Omega 3's for the vegetarian that prefers plant based supplements.

Lignan is a chemical compound found in plants that is a powerful antioxidant. Flaxseed oil contains one of the highest concentration of lignan known. Why is that important? Studies have shown populations that ingest a high amount of lignans have a lower occurrence of cancer. Lignans are antioxidant molecules with anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. These plant hormones are also believed to block the formation of hormone-based tumors.

Antioxidants have proven to have many health benefits and anti-aging properties. As an antioxidant, the flaxseed oils lignans can help boost the bodys immune system, keeping harmful, disease-causing germs from damaging the cells. Lignans also boost the productions of a substance attached to estrogen and carries it out of the body which also makes it helpful in relieving PMS symptoms.

Other benefits of flaxseed oil include helping to protect the body against inflammations, high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides and improves the absorption of calcium.

Flaxseed oil is an important nutritional supplement. Unlike many supplements promoted lately, flaxseed oil is not expensive. Here's a good source:

Flaxseed Oil

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