The Benefits of Flax Seed Oil

I mentioned briefly the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids in this article.

I also mentioned flax seeds in my summary of Random Food Tips. Guest Blogger Scott White from Scottsdale, Arizona, goes in detail on the benefits of Flax Seed Oil. Thanks Scott for submitting this excellent post!

Flax seed is a plant that grows in the tropics. It is cultivated mainly for its seeds and fiber. The seeds of this plant contain oil which is drained from the seeds to make an oil for a multitude of health benefits. While the fiber is used to make cloth and paper.
BENEFITS:

1. A rich source of fatty acids and a great source of protein, both of which the body uses for fuel.

2. The oil also mixes with these fatty acids in the body to help the body make HDL, the healthy type of cholesterol while reducing LDL, the unhealthy type of cholesterol.

3. With high amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber which helps keep the bowels moving regularly to rid the body of the toxins that can lead to diseases, it is a great benefit to gastronomical health.

4. Research has shown that flax seed oil attaches itself to toxic bacteria protecting sensitive mucous membranes of the colon and gastric intestinal tract as the bacteria passes through them. This action is believed to deter the ability of toxic bacteria to produce cancerous tumors in the gastric intestinal tract and colon.

5. Taken by mouth it is used to relieve the stress on the body caused by some diseases and even to circumvent damage to the body that can result from gastric disorders.

6. A high percentage of the uncomfortable symptoms caused by irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitus, gastritis, and other gastric disorders and disease can be relieved with oral doses of flax seed oil.

7. When used as an ointment for minor burns, rashes, bug bites, and other irritations on the skin it offers relief from pain, burning, or itching and can also help speed the natural healing process of skin repair and renewal.

8. Benefits the heart and is known to prevent cancer.

9. By lowering blood sugar levels, it may help with diabetes patients.

10. Used to make linen, cotton, lace, rope, twine, yarn and paper.

There are many other benefits to flax seed oil that have not been mentioned here. The benefits have been well documented and have been approved for use in many countries, but in the United States, it is considered an herbal supplement and regulated as such. The FDA has yet to give its approval and recommendations for the use of flax seed.

As with any herbal supplement you should take steps to safeguard your health before buying and using these products. All herbal supplements should have a label that contain the following information: was the product made in a laboratory so that you know that the manufacturer had to meet certain safety and health standards to bring this product to market; do the labels list the ingredients and the percentage of how much of each ingredient was used in the making of the herbal supplement; are there precautionary statements to warn people of the potential health risks some people may experience by using this herbal supplement?

Your safety and health should be your primary concern when considering the use of herbal supplements. Many of them can be used safely and do offer many benefits, but avoid those herbal supplements not made in a laboratory or another regulated setting or with labels that do not tell you what ingredients were used to make the product.

There are a number of trustworthy internet resources such as public education and awareness websites that provide consumers with complete information on many subjects including flax seed oil and its benefits.

Scott White is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist located in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information about nutrition and fitness, reach Scott at swhite@personalpowertraining.net. Also: www.personalpowetraining.net.