FAQs › Omega Nutrition Products › Flax Seed Oil

FAQs - Flax Seed Oil

1) What are the quantities of EFAs and nutrients in Omega Flax Seed Oil?
2) Why should I get my EFAs from Flax Seed Oil and not Fish Oil?
3) Why do I need to take Flax Oil Daily?
4) Are there any side effects to taking Flax Seed Oil?
5) Is Flax Seed Oil the same as paint thinner? Is it harmful?
6) Is Flax Seed Oil a good source of estrogen?
7) Does Flax Seed Oil have an effect on cholesterol levels?
8) Can I use Flax Seed Oil in salad dressings?
9) When should I take my Flax Seed Oil?
10) I take my Flax Seed Oil in hot water, is this OK?
11) Should Flax Seed Oil and Essential Balance® be bitter to the taste?
12) Does Flax Seed Oil have a strong taste?
13) Can I cook with Flax Seed Oil?
14) Will repeatedly opening my bottle of Flax Seed Oil diminish its quality?
15) What is the yield of cold-pressed Flax Seed Oil from flax seeds?

1) What are the quantities of EFAs and nutrients in Omega Flax Seed Oil?

The fatty acid profile for our Flax Seed Oil is:

  • 54% Omega-3
  • 15% Omega-6
  • 21% Omega-9

2) Why should I get my EFAs from Flax Seed Oil and not Fish Oil?

Although fish oil also contains EFAs, it actually has much less omega-3 EFA than flax seed oil. Also, fish oil is high in cholesterol (a sterol found exclusively in animals) and may contain detectable heavy metals and contaminants. Flax seed oil is suitable for vegetarian diets, contains no cholesterol and has a pleasant, nutty taste.

3) Why do I need to take Flax Oil Daily?

It is necessary to take flax seed oil daily because Omega Nutrition's cold-pressed flax seed oil delivers Omega-3 and Omega-6, which the human body cannot synthesize. We use about 20 fatty acids to maintain normal function. Our bodies can synthesize all but two, Omega-3 and Omega-6. They must be obtained in proper balance through foods or supplements, which the modern diet does not typically provide. A deficiency in either leads to poor health.

Omega Nutrition's unrefined, organic flax seed oil is an excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 EFAs. Each tablespoon serving of Omega Nutrition flax seed oil provides 72 IU of Vitamin A and 2.8 IU of Vitamin E (which is a beneficial addition to one's daily intake of antioxidants).

4) Are there any side effects to taking Flax Seed Oil?

Usually only good ones! The initial effects may include softer skin, healthier hair and increased energy levels. As with anything, problems can occur when something is taken in excess. (See how to incorporate Essential Oils into your diet below). Taking too much flaxseed oil can overload the liver with fats. The liver is responsible for breaking down and restructuring nutrients and excess fats can hinder the liver's filtering process. The recommended intake is no more than 30% of daily calories from fat.

5) Is Flax Seed Oil the same as paint thinner? Is it harmful?

NO - Omega Nutrition's flax-based products are not harmful. Only when submitted to heat, oxygen and an aging process of at least one-year will flax oil convert to linseed oil, which is used to condition wood. Any food ingested after it's freshness life or after exposure to elements resulting in a chemical alteration of the food substance can be dangerous!

The Omega-3 and Omega-6 in flax oils are delicate and sensitive to heat and oxygen exposure. We cold-press at temperatures under 99°F/37°C. The valuable nutrients found in flax seeds are preserved by our processing method (the omegaflo® process), which excludes heat, light, oxygen and reactive metals. We also print the pressing date and the expiration date on all labels to ensure you receive only the freshest product.

6) Is Flax Seed Oil a good source of estrogen?

Flax seeds are high in a fiber called lignans, which have been shown to have estrogen-balancing effects. When plant lignans are digested they convert into a form of lignan used by humans. Lignans are structurally similar to estrogens and can work as estrogen or anti-estrogen within the body. If you have low levels of estrogen in your body, lignans will act as estrogens. Whereas, if you have high levels of estrogen, lignans will bind to estrogen receptors and block the powerful effects of estrogen. Omega Nutrition offers five flax-based products that are high in lignans:

  • Hi-Lignan® Flax Oil
  • Cold-Milled Flax Seeds
  • Nutri-Flax®
  • Whole flax seeds
  • Essential Balance®

So many body systems benefit from flax and has been shown to have a positive effect on:

  • Your heart, skin, brain development and ADD and ADHD, and the immune system and allergic response, due to the roles that essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6, play in the body.
  • Discouraging tumor growth.

7) Does Flax Seed Oil have an effect on cholesterol levels?

Yes. Omega-3 EFAs tend to balance cholesterol levels in the blood and are known to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while effectively raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Cholesterol plays an important function within the body as the starting point for the production of bile, sex hormones and vitamin D, as well as serving as part of the structural support of cell membranes. By providing the raw material needed for the body to create HDL cholesterol you are taking an active role in improving your health and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes that can result from high LDL cholesterol levels.

8) Can I use Flax Seed Oil in salad dressings?

Yes, you can use flax seed oil in salad dressings. In an effort to fulfill a variety of nutritional - not to mention taste - preferences, Omega Nutrition has created a variety of oils rich in essential fatty acids and flavor. Try some of our flavor alternatives when making salad dressings, like our Hi-Lignan® Flax Oil and Garlic-Chili Flax Oil.

9) When should I take my Flax Seed Oil?

You can take your flax seed oil anytime and anywhere, but making it part of your normal routine is best, 1 Tbsp. daily, in a meal or snack.

10) I take my Flax Seed Oil in hot water, is this OK?

The EFAs in Flax Oil are very sensitive to heat and should never be subjected to temperatures above 120°F/49°C. If your water reaches temperatures above this point, you run the risk of compromising the quality of this EFA-rich oil instead add it to your salad dressings, drizzle it over cooked pasta, and more. See our Flaxing the Right Way for more great recipes and ideas.

11) Should Flax Seed Oil and Essential Balance® be bitter to the taste?

Fresh oils should not be bitter to the taste. The polyunsaturated fats in Flax Seed Oil and Essential Balance¨ tend to oxidize more rapidly than monounsaturated and saturated fats, which can result in a slightly bitter taste. We process our oils at low temperatures to preserve the freshness of these oils and maintain the natural antioxidant Vitamins A and E found within the seeds. To ensure that you are purchasing the freshest oil possible, look for the pressing date on Flax Seed Oil bottles and the best before date, also make sure when purchasing from the health food store that the oil is always stored in a cooler.

12) Does Flax Seed Oil have a strong taste?

The taste is slightly nutty but not strong - (although taste is a matter of individual taste)- most of our customers love the taste of flaxseed oil. The taste of flax oil can vary slightly depending on the variety of seed. We guarantee with every flax oil product that you are receiving the highest quality, organic, unrefined, nutritional oil available.

13) Can I cook with Flax Seed Oil?

No, Flax Seed Oil has a high essential fatty acid profile and is a cold preparation oil that should be raised to a temperature of no more than 120°F/49°C due to the delicate polyunsaturated fats found in this oil. You can add it to your food after cooking, as well as, include it in cold preparation dressings.

14) Will repeatedly opening my bottle of Flax Seed Oil diminish its quality?

Yes, this is one of the reasons we provide the flip-top lids, which limits the airflow within the bottle. This is another of the preventative measures we take to maintain the freshness and nutritional value of all our oils.

15) What is the yield of cold-pressed Flax Seed Oil from flax seeds?

The cold-pressed omegaflo¨ process yields 37% yield oil from the flax seed, which is equivalent to 3.7 pounds of Flax Seed Oil yielded from every ten pounds of flax seeds.

 
     
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