Flax Seed Oil: Why, How, and What to Buy!

Flaxseed oil (aka linseed oil) is one of the best plant sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.  These balance with the omega-6 oil content to create a superior anti-aging ingredient in any smoothie, salad dressing, or sauce!  Flax oil is also rich in lignans, a class of plant phytonutrients well known for their antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant actions.  Lignans can also help regulate sex hormones, assisting in relief from PMS and menopausal symptoms, and are also thought to help ward off some hormone sensitive cancers like that of the prostate and breast.   There’s good evidence that flaxseed and flaxseed oil mayhelp lower cholesterol levels.

But don’t cook with it!  Heat damages the oil and destroys the beneficial compounds.   I like to simply add it to smoothies, use it as a base for dressings and raw sauces, or as a finishing drizzle over top grilled veggies, quinoa dishes, or soups.  Heck, I’ve even slurped it off a spoon, just to get a solid omega kick first thing in the AM.

Ready to start adding fabulous flax oil to your daily regime?  Here, some options for your shopping cart:

1. Barlean’s Highest Lignan Flax Oil Liquid

This organic, high lignin oil has a nice nutty flavor, and is unfiltered and unrefined.