Omega EFAS (Essential Fatty Acids) have been linked to decreased tumour growth, increased immune health, decreased cardiovascular disease and increased fat metabolism. EFA's are essential in that they cannot be created by your body and must come from your diet. Your body uses them for cell repair, among other things. Because they are so essential they are not used for energy - they are more important than that.

Flax seed is rich in both 6 and 3; but is predominantly 3 which is why it is something most of us supplement with. Our modern diets have resulted in a imbalance of the two EFAs in our bodies and flax oil is a good way to set this right. Ratios should be 2:1 for Omega 6 to Omega 3 but are currently estimated at 20:1.

Supplementing with flax seed has another benefit over using the oil - it contains lignans which also help in reducing cardiovascular disease.

To get the benefit from the seeds they must be ground, however. A coffee grinder does this well. You can make a flax porridge out of them that tastes pretty good with some cream, cinammon and a little splenda. Be sure that you do not use boiling water, however. Flax oil (which is released when the seeds are ground) is a polyunsaturate that deteriorates when exposed to heat (and light when in oil form) rendering it toxic to your body (similar to trans fats).

If you opt for flaxoil as a supplement be sure that it comes in a dark/opaque bottle and has been kept free from light oxidation. It should be 'cold pressed' - meaning it has not been heated. Buy only what you can consume within 3 weeks as it goes rancid fast. It should have a light, nutty, almost delicate taste. When flaxseed oil goes bad you'll know - it's vile!

RDA is 1 tblsp per 45 lbs of lean body mass - around 3 tbsp a day.

Nat