Flax seed oil has lately gained prominence as a health remedy and has many touted benefits. But what is it, what does it do and does it work? Well, flax seed oil, also known as Linseed Oil, comes from a blue flowering plant from the Western Canadian Prairies and is considered the most potent natural source of omega-3 fatty acid which has many beneficial effects on the body. Although omega-3 is also found in other sources such as oily fish (including tuna and salmon) and kiwi, flax seed actually provides around 50% more without the fishy after taste you get from cod liver oil. As well as omega-3 however, Flax Seed Oil also contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, as well as B Vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fibre, protein and zinc. This makes it practically a natural, self contained multi-vitamin and mineral tablet in itself and has benefits for the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system and joints.

Among other things, the specific benefits of flax seed oil are to reduce breast cancer and colon cancer in areas that consume large amounts of lignan by countering its affects, and of all cancer to a degree through its antioxidant properties (which mean it can prevent damage to cells and DNA – the cause of cancer). Omega-3 itself can also help lower cholesterol and triglycerides preventing blood clots, angina and other problems of the circulatory system as it counts as a ‘good cholesterol’ or ‘high-density lipoprotein’. The fibre in flax seed oil also helps make this a great supplement for cholesterol as it can help bowel movements and indigestion and can also clear up gathering ‘arterial plaque’. This makes it a great protection against inflammation, water retention and blood pressure too.

Omega-3 has also been shown to have ‘nootropic’ qualities meaning it can increase cognitive function and improve memory and recall. Omega-3 also helps combat arthritis and joint pain, and the cocktail of minerals also aid the absorption of calcium. This also results in stronger bones, teeth and nails while the potassium content helps prevent cramps and muscle soreness.

Flax seed oil can also be useful as a performance enhancer/bodybuilding supplement. Through its inclusion of B vitamins, flax seed oil helps the body to extract energy from carbohydrates which means that you can last longer during workouts and weights sessions. The additional absorption of calcium also helps to strengthen muscle contractions and the strength of ligaments. Flax seed oil also contains amino acids which improve muscle growth and recovery while the zinc content encourages the body to produce extra testosterone which has its own anabolic properties as well as being good for mood and sexual performance.

The downsides to flax seed oil are few and side effects are not common. One potential risk however is that taking flax seed oil on top of various other supplements can lead to overdosing, particularly in Vitamin B6 which is found in almost all supplements and can cause nerve damage. Check the contents of other supplements before adding this health aid to your stack.

Mack LeMouse

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