Flax seed oil is rich in omega 3 acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid. Many people in the West are seriously deficient in these essential fatty acids due to poor diet. Whilst oily fish is a rich source of omega 3 acids many people find these kinds of fish unpleasent to eat. As such taking flax seed oil either as a raw oil or in capsule form can offer numerous health benefits. The key areas in which you can likely benefit from taking flax seed oil include: 1 – Heart disease. As a cause of death heart disease is even more prevalent than cancer. Numerous studies show that a diet rich in omega 3 acids can both reduce your risk of developing heart disease, and even alleviate symptoms if you have already developed it. 2 – Cancer. Whilst the area is controversial some studies have indicated that a diet rich in omega 3 oils can reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer. There has also been clear evidence that for those already suffering from cancer omega 3 oils can help the patient maintain their weight. One effect is believed to be that omega 3 makes cancer cells more prone to attack by free radicals. 3 – Depression Numerous studies and a large body of anecdotal examples exist to suggest that omega 3 oils can be beneficial both for sufferers of depression and other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Countries which have a diet rich in foods containing omega 3 oils tend to have lower rates of depression than those which consume less. 4 – Behaviour and brain function One major area in which research is currently being done is in the uses of omega 3 oils to treat children with learning difficulties such as ADHD. Evidence suggests that omega 3 oils can help with brain development in children, helping them to learn, grow and concentrate at school.
