Flaxseed Oil or Fish Oil - Which Provides More Health Benefits?   by Peter Tremayne

in Health    (submitted 2011-05-03)

For some time now, flaxseed has been considered to be a highly regarded health food consisting of dozens of nutritional requirements.

They are especially rich in manganese, fiber, folate, copper, phosphorous as well as B vitamin complex.

However, the single most important reason flax seed is such a healthy product is due to its natural oils. The oils included in flax seed converts into the same omega 3 essential fatty acids found in oily fish.

Flaxseed Oil and Omega 3

Omega 3 comprises of a variety of acids. One such acid identified as alpha linolenic acid, is found in flax seed that is transformed into Omega 3 and has the equivalent advantages.

The oil in flax seed contains much more health promoting ALA than flax seed, with just one single tablespoon delivering nearly your entire suggested daily serving of omega 3 fatty acids.

The vitamins and minerals found in flaxseed oil aren't as comprehensive as those from whole flax seeds or ground flax seeds, but the significant gains that omega-3 provide, more than compensates for it.

Coronary Heart Disease and Flaxseed Oil

The largest killer in the US and in most of the western world is cardiovascular disease. The benefits of flaxseed oil in assisting in prevention of heart disease have been studied and acknowledged by health experts around the world.

Regions like Japan and Korea, who try to eat a number of fish daily, have lower levels of coronary disease. Several studies have demonstrated that omega-3 reduce blood clots, therefore minimizing the risk of heart attacks.

Lower Blood Pressure with Flaxseed Oil

People eating oily fish or sources abundant with omega 3 habitually, enjoy lower blood pressure levels compared to those who do not.

Research carried out from the Shiga University of Medical Science in Japan, established that omega 3 being more beneficial to individuals who hadn't yet developed high blood pressure.

The research also concluded that omega 3 oils present in nutrient rich nuts like flaxseed delivered just as much benefit as the omega 3 fatty acids found in cold water fish.

More Flaxseed Oil Benefits

There is little doubt as to the many benefits of flaxseed oil. Additional studies being carried out to evaluate exactly how it can protect against and treat medical ailments like heart disease and blood pressure levels, but the strength of evidence is beyond doubt.

If You Do Not Like Fish, Flaxseed Oil May Be For You

Some people just can't eat fish through either medical reasons or purely due to the flavor and texture of fish. Happily you are able to still take advantage of the healthy omega 3's.

A study from the Journal of Nutrition found that flaxseed oil capsules taken over a twelve week time period by African- American adult males increased their levels of eicosapentaenoic acid by as much as 60 Percent.

If you do not like fish, flaxseed oil is a great substitute. You can use it to pour over salads or vegetable or include it with shakes. You can even consume it in small amounts, in its raw state.

Flaxseed Oil Suggestions

Be sure not to use flaxseed oil to cook with. Doing this will make the oil turn bad. You can include it to previously cooked food or raw food.

Flaxseed oil will go bad really quickly therefore needs to be kept in the refrigerator. It possesses a fairly sweet, nutty flavor and a quick smell will soon tell you if it has gone rancid.

About the Author

Peter Tremayne has been writing about flaxseed oil benefits, including more details on flaxseed oil v fish oil and has created a blog that has a host of information with other articles, flaxseed oil products and flaxseed recipes. Visit: http://www.flaxseedoilbenefits.org