Product: Flaxseed Oil 1000mg

Company: Natural Factors

Size: 90 Softgels

Ingredients: Flaxseed Oil ( high lignan content ) 1000mg with d'alpha tocopherol and gamma tocopherol, gelatin, carob.

Dosage: Take one to three capsules three times per day or as directed by a physician.

Contains no artificial preservatives or color, corn, dairy, gluten, starch or yeast.

Description: Fresh cold pressed flaxseed oil with high lignan content (lignans are natural phytochemicals found in high concentrations in flaxseeds and in this unique oil), certified organic.

Flaxseed Oil - Nutritional Gold?

Some call it nutritional gold. Others describe it as the ‘miracle’ nutrient. Even Mahatma Gahdhi was reputed to have said that: "Wherever flax seed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health." (Udo Erasmus. Fats that Heal; Fats that Kill. Alive Books, 1993.) Flaxseeds deserve their stellar reputation. The health promoting benefits of flax were well known to agricultural societies of the past. Today, as scientists realize the value of essential fatty acids and other phytonutrients found in flaxseed, the reputation of flaxseed grows.

Two families of essential fatty acids are the Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids. Together they form the membranes of body cells, control the way cholesterol works, make up part of brain tissue, become prostaglandins which in turn regulate cardiovascular, immune, digestive and reproductive functions.

While Omega-6 is amply supplied in diets that contain sunflower, safflower, and corn oil, the Omega-3 is often missing. Omega-3 is found in cold weather fatty fish and some cold weather plant seeds such as Flaxseed. Nutritionists maintain that although both are essential to health we are actually getting much more of Omega-6 and too little of Omega-3.

Flaxseed is a unique food that contains very high quantities of Omega-3 and healthy quantities of Omega-6.

Richest plant source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids

The light, nutty oil extracted from flaxseeds is the richest known plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids - an essential fatty acid that the body needs to live, yet cannot make. To get these vital fatty acids we need to eat foods rich in Omega-3. It’s easier said than done. Commercial processing of fats and the foods that contain them has almost eliminated this essential fatty acid group from our diets. Donald Rudin, a renowned researcher into essential fatty acids and health, estimates that Omega-3 fatty acids have been reduced by 80% in our diets in the past 100 years. He theorizes that a deficiency of Omega-3 is a leading cause of disease in our twentieth century.

Flaxseed oil, with its plentiful supply of Omega-3 fatty acids, may be the preferred way to balance the fatty acids in our favour. It is also ideal for vegetarians who want the benefits of Omega-3 without taking fish oils. Referring to the health enhancing effects of Omega-3 rich flax oil, Udo Erasmus says: "It is beneficial in treatment programs against all major degenerative conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, overweight, and many more." (Udo Erasmus. Fats that Heal; Fats that Kill. Alive Books, 1993.)

Hundreds of studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels. While most of the studies have been done on fish oil, flaxseed oil is said to have similar results. Flaxseed oil may lower arterial blood pressure and may play an important role in alleviating some skin conditions and digestive disorders. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed oil are necessary to the development of the human brain during pregnancy and early childhood.

Athletes could benefit from flaxseed oil. "The oil shortens the time necessary for fatigued muscles to recover after exertion, and shortens healing time for bruises, sprains, and other injuries. It increases energy, stamina, and the feeling of vitality, and makes skin soft, hair shiny, and nails strong." (Udo Erasmus. Fats that Heal; Fats that Kill. Alive Books, 1993.)

What are flax lignans?

As well as containing hefty amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds are one of the highest sources of plant lignans, a compound found in fibre. The amount of lignans in flaxseed is almost 100 times higher than the next richest source, wheat bran. Not to be confused with lignin, an insoluble fibre; lignans are phytochemicals found in flax that have shown anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-cancer activity. Research into lignans shows they may also relieve menopausal hot flashes. However, the most exciting news about lignans may be their potential anti-cancer properties.

Women who eat a plant-based diet rarely get breast cancer. Lignans may be one of the reasons why. Young women who were vegetarians with no history of breast cancer, excreted the highest amounts of urinary lignans - a sure sign that the lignans are being metabolized by the body. In contrast, older women with breast cancer had the lowest lignan excretion. Further research into the anti-cancer effects of lignans is definitely warranted. In the meantime, Michael Murray suggests: "Lignans are probably one of the protective factors against breast cancer in vegetarian women...High lignan flaxseed oil may be the best choice for women going through menopause or women at risk for breast cancer." (Michael T. Murray, Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: the essential guide for improving your health naturally. Prima Publishing, 1996.)

Any safety issues?

Generations of people have used flaxseed oil to improve health. It is safe and effective, but there is a proviso: It must be fresh. The fragile essential fatty acids quickly become rancid. Natural Factors High Lignan Flaxseed Oil meets strict quality control standards: the oil is cold pressed at temperatures below 40° Celsius; the oil is not refined, filtered, bleached or deodorized. Natural Factors High Lignan Flaxseed Oil contains 15 to 20% lignans, comes from organically grown flax, and is filled into black bottles keeping out freshness-destroying light and oxygen. For optimum freshness refrigerate the oil and use soon after opening.