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Flax Seed Oil
Source of Essential Fatty Acids

Flax has been one of the most significant plants in the development of Western civilization. This beautiful plant produces many tall, thin stalks from a single rootstock, each topped with a delicate blue blossom. As one watches the plants swaying gently in the wind, it takes one to the days of sailing ships, when the fibers from flax stalks were used to make the linen needed for sails, fishnets, ropes and many other useful items.

The seeds also yielded linseed oil, which was used as waterproofing for the ships and a base for paints. Today, the oil from flax seeds is known to be one of the most nutritious oils on the planet. It is rich in the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, necessary for many body processes.

Flax has been cultivated for at least 5,000 years, making. it one of the first domesticated crops. The Egyptians mummified their rulers in wraps made of flax fiber. It is likely that the fine linens mentioned in the bible were made of spun flax. The fiber as also been used to make clothing, strings, lamp wicks and sheets.

Flax seeds have long been used for food and for medicine. In fact in the 700s AD, Charlemagne passed laws requiring his subjects to consume flax seeds in order to maintain their health. For cooking, they are ground into a nutty flavored flour and sprinkled over hot dishes. When the flour is mixed with water, it can be used as an egg substitute in baked goods.

The seeds have also been used for digestive system troubles. Flax seeds are high in mucilage content and act as a bulk laxtive when taken with a lot of water. They are similar to psyllium seeds in their action though they are not as strong. In a recent study, participants increased the number of bowel movements 30% while supplementing their diet with flax seed. Flax also has anti-tussive properties and was used by the Cherokee for colds, coughs and fevers. Externally, flax is a major ingredient in poultices used to treat burns, boils, and abscesses.

Recent Findings: Flax seed oil is a natural source high in lignan. Researchers found a low. incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer m populations that have high amounts of lignan in their diet. Scientist attribute this to the anti-estrogenic effect of lignan. Flax is 100 times richer in lignan content than most whole grains.

Flax seed oil is about 55% Omega-3 fatty acid and 20% Omega-6 fatty acid. Although there is no established recommended daily allowance, it has been proposed that the body needs 1-2% of its energy intake be of these two essential fatty acids.

Omega-3 is important in preventing heart disease because it thins the blood and lowers cholesterol. It also aids the production of Prostaglandins which regulate many functions of every body cell including nutrient intake, division, pain sensations and blood clotting. Omega-6 fatty acid tones the arteries.

Flax seed oil is a source of calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorus and Vitamins A, B, D, and E. Recommended intake is one to two capsules three times daily with meals.

Sources:

"The Advantages of Consuming Flax" httpJ/www.execpc.conV-koch/zesty3.htjnl.
Penelope Ody, Complete Medicinal HerbalThe (New York, New York: Dorling Yindersley, 1993).
"Flax Seed" http://www.epicurious.coni/db/dictionary/terins/f/flax-See.htm].
Caniille D. Mathys, "Flax Seed Oil Softgels" (Research Services, 1996).
Sarah Bunney, editor, Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, The(New York, New York: Dorsett Press, 1984).
"International Health News Demo Database: Essential Fatty Acids" http://www.dataflux.bc.ca/HealthNews/ ddiet4.html.
J.K Bolhuis, "Selected Articles about Natural Health" http:// web.inter.nl.netlhcc/J.K.Bolhuis/txtOOl.htm.
Michelle Dick 'Very liow Fat Diet FAQ" http:// www.fatfree.coni/FAQ/fatfree-faq.
Terry Willard, PhD, Wild Rose Scientific Herbal, The (Calgary, Alberta: Wild Rose College of Natural Healing, 1991).

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Updated  July 18, 2008