Flaxseed Oil-Omega 3,6,9-Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids, also known as essential fatty acids (EFAs), are the healthy or “good” fats we all need to support normal function of all tissues in the body. Although the body can produce some fats, it cannot make two important EFAs: omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Contents

• Uses
• Benefits
• Cautions
• Interactions
• Other names
• References

Uses

Used to:

• Prevent coronary heart disease
• Prevent stroke
• Prevent diabetes
• Promote healthy nerve activity
• Improve vitamin absorption
• Maintain a healthy immune system
• Promote cell development

 

Benefits

• Flaxseed oil contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).  However, flaxseed oil does not contain the omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  EPA and DHA are commonly found in oily fishes such as salmon, mackerel and fish oil supplements.  It is known that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) can be converted to eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) although it is not known how efficient the conversion is.  This conversion requires the enzyme delta-6-desaturase (D6D).  It is known that the amount converted is different in men and women and is also affected by the individuals diet.
• Flaxseed oil also contains omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids as well but in low concentration.  Sunflower seed oil only contains omega 6 and 9 fatty acids.  So, flaxseed oil is a good source of omega 3s whereas sunflower seed oil is not.  Most of us don’t get enough omega 3s and too much of omega 6.  Taking in more omega 3s is recommended by the medical community to balance out the excessive omega 6.

Cautions

• Please consult with your pharmacist.

Interactions

• Please take a look at: http://nutrawiki.org/omega-3_fatty_acid/   http://nutrawiki.org/omega-6-fatty-acids/  and http://nutrawiki.org/what-are-the-benefits-of-omega-9-fatty-acids/
• Please consult with your doctor.

Other names

Aceite de Linaza, Acide Alpha-Linolénique, Acide Gras Oméga 3, Acide Gras N-3, ALA, Aliviraaii, Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Alasi, Brown Flaxseed Oil, Brown-Seeded Flax Oil, Common Flax Oil, Echter Lein, Flachs, Flachssamen, Flax Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Golden Flax Oil, Graine de Lin, Huile de Lin, Kattan, Keten, Lin, Lin Commun, Lin Oléagineux, Linho, Lino, Lino Comune, Lino Mazzese, Lino Usuale, Linseed Flax Oil, Linseed Oil, Linum crepitans, Linum humile, Linum usitatissimum, Malsag, N-3 Fatty Acid, Oil of Flaxseed, Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Saatlein, Ta Ma, Tisii

References

Source: Nutritionexpress, http://www.nutritionexpress.com/omega+3-6-9+fatty+acids

Omega9oils, http://www.omega-9oils.com/omega-9-advantage/healthier-profile/omega-3-6-9.htm