In Praise of Flax Seed Oil
Every living cell in your body needs the right kind of fat in order to function, and flax seed oil is a rich source of the "right" kind the fatty acids known as omega-3. In addition to omega-3, flaxseed oil is made up of fiber and protein, and also contains magnesium, potassium, B-complex vitamins, and zinc. The use of flax seed oil can help your body fight against cancer, heart disease, arthritis, skin problems, and stress, and can also help modulate hormone levels. Omega-3 fatty acids are in short supply in the average diet, which makes flax seed oil an important addition to your nutritional supplements. The benefits of omega-3 acids are that they help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and elevated blood triglyceride levels. Taking flaxseed oil or supplements, therefore, can reduce your risk of heart disease. Lignans, a type of fiber in flax seed oil, is changed in the gut into compounds that fight against certain cancer cells. Flax seed oil can improve skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, and acne; ameliorate your reaction to stress; and help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. It is used to treat symptoms associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and can also shrink certain tumors. Flax seed oil should be stored in the fridge, and you can add a spoonful to any cold beverage or to your salad dressing. You can also buy flax seed oil supplements in capsule form, which may be more convenient.
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