Flaxseed Oil – Best Source Of Omega-3
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) such as omega-3 and omega-6 are important for health because they are required for proper skin, heart, joint and circulatory health. Omega-3 and omega-6 can’t be synthesized by the body and must be obtained by certain foods. Both of the fatty acid works together to maintain health but when the levels are unbalanced, health problems can occur. When comparing the two fatty acids, omega-6 is usually the loser because too much omega-6 may cause certain health problems, such as coronary artery disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, mood disorders, cancer and inflammatory-related diseases. Most people tends to consume more omega-6 because it is more abundant. The trick is to keep the two fatty acids as balanced as possible. Most experts agree that a good ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 is between 3:1 to 1:1.
One of the best sources of omega-3 is flaxseed oil supplement or dressing. Some flaxseed oil supplements may contain omega-6 and omega-9, but the level is small compared to omega-3. Even though flaxseed oil supplement and dressing are good sources of omega-3, they still don’t compare to plant food. When buying flaxseed oil or supplements, check the date to make sure it is not expired and make sure the container is opaque. The flaxseed oil should only be used for dressing and not for cooking because the heat will destroy the oil. Flaxseed oil is prone to spoil quickly, avoid placing it in light places and put it in the refrigerator after opened.
Tips on how to balance your omega fatty acids:
- Cut down your omega-6 consumption by avoiding foods high in omega-6, such as sunflower oil, safflower oil, walnut oil and corn oil.
- Increase your omega-3 levels by eating food high in omega-3: walnuts, salmon, herring, sturgeon, mackerel and flaxseed. Flaxseed dietary supplement (softgel) is also a good source but be careful because it is concentrated. I recommend eating more plant-based than meat-based foods. The omega-3 found in vegetables and whole foods are more stable and produce little or no free-radicals.
- Avoid fast food as much as possible because many of the food uses oil or is cooked in oil that is high in omega-6.
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Hello energy and health fanatics, independent thinkers, truth seekers and freedom lovers! My name is Pao L. Chang and I’m the author/founder of EnergyFanatics.com. Ever since graduating from high school, I noticed that my energy level was not as high as it used to be. While in college, I decided to educate myself about energy, health, wellness, and explore the mystery of alternative medicine and the power of spiritual healing. This journey taught me many things...
Other excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids include pharmaceutical grade fish oils and neptune krill oil. Both products contain higher amounts of the essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA. While flaxseed oil is an excellent plant-source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), studies have found we don’t convert the ALA into EPA or DHA every effeciently. In fact, studies have shown that men can only convert ALA into EPA by less than 8% – and conversion to DHA was less than 0.1%. Women were able to convert ALA into DHA more effeciently as scientitst believe this is a biological response to providing the fetus with DHA.