Flaxseed Oil: A Rich Source of Healthy Fats

Flax seed oil is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and omega-3 essential fatty acid. Flax seed oil comes from flax plants.

Flax seeds come in two basic varieties, brown and yellow (gold.) They both have similar nutritional characteristics and equal numbers of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

Benefits of Flax seed Oil

• Flax seed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, or “good” fats that have been shown to have cardiovascular benefits.
• Studies have shown that flax seeds may lower cholesterol levels, lower risk for cancer, and lessen the severity of diabetes.

How to Get Flax seed Oil Into Your Diet

It’s important to consult with your physician before incorporating flax seed oil into your diet, because there may be interactions with other drugs you are currently on, or with your own health conditions.

If your doctor tells you it is okay to use flax seed oil, here are some easy ways to incorporate it into things you already eat.

• Add some to the blender when making a smoothie or protein shake. 
• Drizzle it onto quinoa or brown rice.
• Use it in salad dressing.

Be mindful to account for the fat and calorie content of flax seed oil. One tablespoon contains 130 calories and 14 grams of fat.

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