6 Best Flaxseed Oil Supplements
- Contains 520 mg of vegetable alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) per softgel
- Cold pressed
- Most superior quality
- Cold pressed in the absence of oxygen
- 250 mg DHA per dessert spoon
- 2000 mg ALA
- 580 mg ALA per capsule
- Also contains omega-6 and 9 fatty acids
- Contains 360 mg omega-9 (oleic acid) per daily dose
- Sourced from fish oil, borage oil and linseed oil
- Combination of echium oil, algae oil and flaxseed oil
- Omega 3 in the form of ALA, DHA and SDA
Flaxseed oil is by far the best known source of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. This fatty acid is the precursor to the fish oil fatty acids EPA and DHA.
Flaxseed oil (also called linseed oil): source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA
Flaxseed oil is by far the best known source of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This fatty acid is the precursor to the (fish oil) fatty acids EPA and DHA.
ALA can be converted into EPA and DHA in our bodies. However, this is a fragile process and therefore only takes place in small amounts.
Common flax
Flaxseed oil is extracted from pressed seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Linum refers to linen and usitatissimum means "very useful. Not a coincidental name.
Flaxseed contains cyanogenic glycosides in addition to a variety of beneficial plant substances. This substance itself is not toxic, but prussic acid is made from it, which is toxic in high doses.
The flax plant is one of the oldest crops and has been grown since the beginning of civilization and is still widely cultivated. An important application is the use of fiber for clothing.
Blood thinners
Flaxseed oil can safely be used simultaneously with anticoagulant medication (blood thinners).
Quality
Flaxseed oil from linseed can be obtained in 2 ways: by extraction or by pressing. Linseed oil obtained by pressing is preferred. Extraction uses solvents such as the harmful hexane. Residues of these can remain in the final product.
Experiences
Flaxseed and flaxseed oil is readily available and experiences are positive. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Wherever flaxseed becomes a common food product among people, there will be better health."