Flaxseed oil is a great source of EFA (essential fatty acids) particularly Omega 3, which our diets are difficient in. We tend to have way too much Omega 6 and not enough O-3. Omega-6 oils (promote inflammation, blood clotting), which include linolenic and gamma-linolenic acid, are found primarily in raw nuts, seeds, legumes, borage oil, grape seed oil, primrose oil, sesame oil and soybean oil. Omega-3 EFA's (work in opposition to Omega 6), including alpha-linolenic acid, are found in fresh deepwater fish, fish oil and certain vegetable oils such as canola, flaxseed and walnut oils. Many scientists believe that a major reason for the high incidence of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, premature aging, and some forms of cancer is the profound imbalance between our intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Our ancestors evolved on a diet with a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 of about 1:1. A massive change in dietary habits over the last few centuries has changed this ratio to something closer to 20:1. As such supplmenting with Omega 3 oils is a necessity.

EFA's do not tolerate heat well, so in order to benefit from them you must either take them in supplement form or without processing or cooking. Heating them will not only destroy them, but convert them into dangerous free radicals.

The list of benefits to be gained from maintaining a healthy diet of balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fats is quite long:


For more detailed information along with supplement guidelines check out this article .

Nat