Flax Seed

Flax Seed Benefits

Because the typical adult’s diet does not contain an adequate ratio of omega-3 to omega-6, the supplementation of flax seed can be incredibly beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of the human diet and, without some sort of supplementation, they are usually quite low.

• Flax seed oil is a natural laxative, and can be added to your daily nutrition if you are suffering from constipation symptoms. You can use it on your toast in the morning, or add several tablespoons to your favorite recipe. Small doses have the potential to help get things regular again without having to use some of the harsher alternatives. It is also used to relieve hemorrhoids.
• Cholesterol and Cardiovascular: The oil of flax s­­eeds is also shown to lower cholesterol. Because it has the potential to lower and keep cholesterol down, it also has the ability to lower your risk of other cardiovascular risks. These include heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor circulation.
• Cancer: It also has been shown to be effective in reducing the bodies risk for several different types of cancer. These include breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. It also holds the potential to aid in the prevention of skin cancer. However, flax seed oil has only been proven to help prevent these types of cancer – there are no published studies that confirm that it can actually cure it once it has become established.
• Joint Pain: People also incorporate flax seed oil into their daily nutrition in an effort to combat joint pain and swelling. A diet that is rich in omega-3 has been shown to help control the symptoms of lupus and gout.

It is important to note that flax seed is not a cure for these conditions; it can only be used to help lessen the symptoms.

Flax Seed Dosage

The actual dose that you choose to take will solely depend on your diet and what you want it to do health-wise. Many people find that they prefer to just consume more foods that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6.

There is no set dosage when you use flax seed oil. Some people choose to take smaller amounts multiple times per day, while others find that taking it in one large 40-50mg dose is much easier on their memory. It really depends on what you are taking flaxseed for.

Most health websites will recommend that you take anywhere from 2-4 tablespoons every day to reap its full benefits. If you are trying to ease constipation you will still see results from taking an even smaller amount than the recommended 2 tablespoons.

Flax Seed Side Effects

Long term use of flax seed oil has the potential to create a deficiency of omega-6 in the diet. Because of this it is recommended that flax seed be used in conjunction with an oil that also contains omega-6 in it, such as sunflower oil or sesame oil. 

You should always consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet, especially if you are taking aspirin or any other type of anti-clotting therapy medicine. You should also mention whether or not you smoke or drink alcohol because these may interfere with taking flax seed oil.

Flax Seed Conclusion

Increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by including flax seed supplements has the potential to improve many areas of your health. Since there are so many ways that it can be added into recipes, it should be very easy to remember to take.

However, you should always remember that even though flax seed has been used as a dietary supplement by many people for many years, you should always talk to your doctor before you add anything new to your diet. Make sure you take the time to discuss your current diet and supplement regimen. And always inform your doctor of any medications that you are taking, new or existing. Just because they are written on the chart does not mean that they will remember every visit.

Make use of the supplement finder provided here to compare your many options for flax seed supplement, now!