GAIA Flax Oil Capsules, 60 softgels

Before we delve deep, discussing the partnership between Flax and Omega, let’s first understand what they are individually.

Omega Fatty Acids

The ‘Omega 3’ and ‘Omega 6’ are fatty acids, generally termed ‘Essential’. The reason behind calling these fatty acids essential is due to the fact that  human body needs them for various functions, ranging right from maintaining brain and nerve function to building healthy cells. Our bodies, however, cannot produce them and extract them either from consumed foods or supplements. These polyunsaturated fats have also been growing popular as maintainer of healthy hearts. Some studies have even indicated their benefit in cases of Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimer’s and age-related brain-slowing.

Omega-3 Fatty acids refer to a group of fats known as ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). Omega-6 fatty acids generally come as linoleic acids from plant oils like corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, nuts and seeds. Omega-3 Fatty acids basically come from fishes like salmon, mackerel, Tuna and the likes.

Benefits of Omega Fatty acids
There are a number of benefits that Omega-3 fatty acids provide. They are known to reduce inflammation throughout the body from joints to blood vessels. They may help people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, depression and much more. Omega-6 fatty acids may be useful in conditions such as Eczema, various allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, ADHD etc.
 

Flax

Flax, commonly a food and fibre crop is grown in the cooler regions of the world. Though the plant is used for variety of things like making paper, oil for paints and varnish; the seeds are highly beneficial. Appraised by some as the most powerful plant of the world, Flaxseed has been venerated for its health benefits since centuries. The seeds come in two basic varieties: Brown and yellow/Golden. Flax seeds contain high level of dietary fibers and Omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest that flax seeds may lower the risk of cholesterol and certain kinds of cancer.

Benefits of Flax

One tablespoon of flax contain almost 8g of fiber. It helps you keep up regular bowels. Flax is a plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which play major anti-inflammatory role in the body. (It must be mentioned here that Flax contains shorter chain Omega-3s called ALA, which is not a replacement for fish/fish oil supplements which contain DHA and EPA). Flax is also valued as it contains Lignans, which have been reported to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers in certain cases. Flax has also been known to reduce hot flashes in menopausal women.

The Unique Combination of Flax and Omega

Celebrated as one of the most unique features of Flax, it is high on Omega-3 fatty acid content. Counted among one of the 127 healthiest foods of the world, flaxseed is the best source of Omega-3s. The basic omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds is Alpha-Linolenic Acids, or ALA. It has been observed that ALA in flaxseed remains stable for at least 3 hours of cooking at oven temperatures (300F/150C). This keeps the ALAs available in the seeds even after they are ground to add to baked goodies like muffins, breads and the likes.

ALA in flaxseed can also be beneficial regulating cardiovascular system of the body. ALA is known to protect blood vessels from inflammatory damages, acting as a building block for other messaging molecules that control excessive inflammation. Studies have proved that dietary flaxseeds increase ALA in blood levels, when grounded and put into baked products. Also, the level of two other omega-3 fatty acids- EPA and DPA (which are helpful in providing inflammatory protection) increase in the blood stream.  It has also been studied that increased intake of Omega-3 fatty acids help regulate blood pressure in hypertensive patients. As an excellent source of ALA, flaxseed may help to decrease the risk of high blood pressure.

Negative Criticism for Flax and its Omega-3 Content

As we understood, ALA in flaxseed can be converted into long-chain omega-3 fats and therefore be substituted for fish oils. However, it should be understood that ALA is not equivalent in its biological effects when compared with the omega-3 fats found in marine oils. Experiment has also suggested that 3-4g of ALA intake per day is equivalent to 0.3g of EPA per day(which is found in fish and fish products).
 

What is the difference between Linoleic and Linolenic Acids?

Both Linoleic and Linolenic acids are essential fatty acids. But Linoleic acids come from flax seeds whereas Linolenic acids are organic compounds that come from vegetable oils. Linolenic is an Omega-3 fatty acid whereas Linoleic is an Omega-6 fatty acid.

My store contains both brown and golden flax. Which one is better?

They both provide same nutritional benefits when Omega-3 fatty acids are concerned (as well as lignans, protein and dietary fiber). Nothing would be sacrificed by choosing the other, rest assured!

Does ground flax provide more nutrition?

Yes. The goodness of flax is wrapped up in a hard, shiny seed coat which is hard to crack. Grinding or roasting breaks the seed coat and all the nutrients are easy to digest.

What is the difference between flaxseed and flaxseed oil?

Flaxseed oil is the output after cold-pressing flaxseed. As it is the fat portion, it contains high levels of Omega-3 ALA (almost 8g per tbsp.) However, Flaxseed oil doesn’t have the fiber, lignans and proteins.

Is there any dosage prescription for Flax consumption?

1-2 tbsp. of ground or milled flax is enough per day.

Is flax safe for youngsters?

It is a natural component, so is safe for people of all age-groups. Make sure children don’t consume more than one-quarter tbsp. per day.

What is the difference between Omega-3 found in flax and that found in fish oil?

Flax contains ALA which needs to be converted into long chain omega-3 fat. On the other hand, EPA and DHA are the more commonly found Omega-3s in fish oil.