Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is an "essential fatty acid" (EFA's). The word "essential" in this sense means the human body cannot produce it's own EFA's. The two essential fatty acids are more commonly known as omega 3's (Alpha Linoliec Acid) and omega 6's (Linoeliec Acid). Flaxseed oil is the highest known source of omega 3's.

There are many scientific studies that have proven that increased consumption of omega 3's, will assist weight loss. They do this by assisting hormones (improve insulin sensitivity), they block fat storage and increase fat burning. Further to that omega 3's promote cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol, prevents inflammation, provides nutrients for your joints and the list goes on. As our bodies do not produce these essential fatty acids we need to consume more in our diet.

Flax oil is one way to get more omega 3's in a muscle building or exercise program it slows down the breakdown of muscle. Most people have a deficiency in this great nutrient with an inbalance of 3's to 6's. That is too much omega 6's and not enough 3's. There are many ways to increase this, eat oily fish more regularly, take fish oil supplements, use ground flaxseeds on food, eat walnuts.

While flaxseed oil is 100% safe it is still a fat. 1 tablespoon equals 120 calories. So don't think the more you have the better, If you have alot of weight to lose, I would recommend no more than 1 tablespoon a day. Certainly you would not need any the day you are eating oily fish. You can increase your omega 3's through walnuts and the actual ground flaxseeds that will have less calories but more fibre and lignans. Lignans have health benefits such as prostate, bone and breast health as well as heart health.

In a muscle building program the story is a little different. You can have 1-3 tablespoons a day. It is an easy way to get extra calories to feed new growing muscle without gaining fat as it has fat burning properties. Add 3 tablespoons a day to your protein shake and you now have an extra 360 calories of healthy fat! Now it doesn't taste too great but the health, fat burning and muscle building benefits are great, so mix it in to a flavoursome shake as part of your gaining muscle mass strategy.

Lastly flaxseed oil should be kept in the fridge after being opened. It is sensitive to light, heat and oxygen and goes off quickly at room temperature. Never use it for cooking. When taking it increase your antioxidants such as viatmin C, E and the mineral selenium.

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