Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Health Benefits of Flaxseeds


As a nation, we consume way too much omega-6 fatty acid and not enough omega-3. But, omega-3 is so important for our health for a number of reasons. For instance, omega-3 can reduce the risk of cancer. Several studies have shown the anti-cancer effects of omega-3. Omega-3 can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Lots of people get their omega-3 from fish and fish oils (eicosapentaenoic acid). As a vegan, I am finding flaxseeds to be a good source as well. Flaxseeds have a subtle nutty flavor. They are about the size of sesame seeds and they come in a variety of colors. Flaxseeds are rich in alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 fat.

Some people take flaxseed oil, but the oil does not have all the nutrients that you find in the seeds themselves.

2 comments:

  1. Just started sprinkling flaxseeds on salads, etc. Getting some every day now.

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  2. You can only convert about 5% of the Omega-3 fatty acids from Flaxseed (ALA). You really need to get DHA and EPA, which you can get from Salmon. I know you're vegan now, so that'll probably be hard to do. But just be aware that you may need to take a supplement. http://healthybodydaily.com/dr-oz-in-case-you-missed-it/dr-oz-omega-3-fatty-acids

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