I am pretty sure all of us green monsters have all heard how amazing flax oil is for us.  We know it is loaded with essential fatty acids (EFA’s) like Omega 3 and 6 that are essential for our body to function and it is green monster friendly.  So if flax seed oil isn’t a staple in your kitchen, it should be!!!  Flaxseed oil isn’t the only oil that has amazing health benefits — there are many other oils that deliver great taste and amazing health benefits for all you green monsters to try.

Hemp seeds has been called “nature’s perfect food” because of its balanced concentrations of omega fatty acids. Hemp seed oil is similar to flaxseed oil; it is mainly made up of essential fatty acids (EFA’s).  EFA’s are known for preventing heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, arthritis and supplying hair and skin with the necessary nutrients.  Hemp seed oil contains Omega 3,6 and 9’s which makes it a great alternative to fish oil for us green monsters.

Grapeseed oil is pressed from the seeds of grapes, grapes have been valued for thousands of years for their medicinal and nutritional value. Vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPC’s are highly concentrated in grape seeds. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect against free radicals and may also help lowering the risk of several diseases, including cancer.  It also has tons of benefits for your skin because of its emollient properties.  And you thought grapes were just for eating and wine!!!

Fresh roasted pumpkin seeds are so yummy to make after you carve your pumpkin for Halloween.  You can even buy pumpkin seeds or “pepitas” to put into your salads, trail mixes, granola or any other dish you desire.  You don’t have to eat these seeds to get the benefits!!!  Pumpkin seed oil contains fatty acids and other compounds that help lessen inflammation in your joints. The high fatty acid content in pumpkin seed oil helps reduce inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract.  For the male green monsters, pumpkin seed oil contains compounds which have been linked to helping with hair loss and the prevention of prostate cancer.  Pumpkin seeds aren’t just for Halloween, you can get the benefits all year round with pumpkin seed oil!!

One benefit that all these great seed oils have in common is they reduce LDL cholesterol, which is the bad one.  Which makes it a good reason to give these oils a try!!

*Please consult with a Health Care Professional regarding usage and dosage.

1. Nutiva Organic Cold Pressed Hempseed Oil 

Nutiva’s organic cold-pressed Canadian hemp oil has a delicious nutty flavor, is a rich source of Omega-3 and Vitamin E and contains no hexane.  The oil is light green in color, lighter in flavor, and has more GLA content compared to other hemp oils.