Posts

Posted on

Flaxseed Oil and Dogs

Pet owners are always looking for new ways to ensure that their pets are healthy and well taken care of. One of the more popular health supplements for dogs is the use of fatty acids. The use of these acids, usually found in flax seed oil can be used to treat allergies in dogs as well as helping to stop atopic dermatitis, kidney disease, arthritis and cholesterol.

Flax seed oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) are very powerful products and they can help with the proper functioning of the body. Most of the dog foods that are processed have little omega-3 fatty acids, while plentiful in omega-6. It is a good idea to add supplements that contain omega-3 into the dog‘s food. This can help reduce inflammation usually associated with atopic dermatitis and other conditions.

There is research to show that omega-3 fatty acids are key i

Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids are important ingredients necessary for the development and growth of young infants. Other research shows that the oil contains an omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolinic acid, which is very effective in treating the circulatory system and is good at reducing inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are also good at supporting the immune system.

Another benefit of allowing your dog to have flax seed oil is that it contains a lot of fiber. Both soluble and non-soluble fiber can be found in flaxseed oil. These two both play a role in the system of the dog. The soluble fiber is necessary for the proper functioning of the circulatory system, while the digestive process is controlled by the non-soluble one.

The ingredients contained in flaxseed oil all mesh together to ensure that the dog is healthy and strong.  Their resistance to disease will be much higher and they will also have healthier and shinier coats.

Obtaining Fatty Acids via Flax Seed Oil

Dog owners can give their pets flax seed oil in either the liquid or capsule form. The liquid form is a more popular method as it is easier to give it to the dog. The liquid can be mixed with the dog’s food or in their water. If you do plan on using the capsules, you would give your dog the tablets by having them swallow it, which could prove to be a bit tricky.

If you are an owner and you do not like giving your dog fatty acid supplements or medication; then it is best if your try some of the medically formulated dog foods. This can be obtained from veterinarians.

Owners who feed their dogs processed dog food often add the flaxseed oil supplement to the food. This will not harm the dog and it will provide the animal with necessary omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Posted on

Flaxseed Oil and Weight Loss

Flax seed oil is very effective product for people who are trying to lose weight. This is mainly due to its properties. Flaxseed oil is also very good in helping people lose weight because of the high fiber content. The amount of fiber in the supplements will not only reduce a person’s appetite, but will also make them feel full quicker. The omega-3 fatty acids that are contained in the oil also helped increase the body’s metabolism and the high protein levels are good for energy.

The tool fatty acids that are contained in flaxseed oil, omega-3 and omega-6 play a vital role when it comes to weight loss. These two fatty acids often come together and while they work they become prostaglandins. When this occurs, they are more effective at calorie burning that occurs in the body.

People who are trying to lose weight should include flaxseed oil in their daily diet.

If you are trying to lose weight, the best bet is to incorporate flax seed oil into your daily diet. The reason behind this is that it will help to aid with weight loss. Flaxseed oil is a natural way to increase your energy and speed up your metabolism. It also adds more fiber to your diet, which will have you feeling fuller and that will in turn result in you eating less. The essential fats that are contained in flaxseed oil will often cause the stomach to keep food for a longer period of time compared to low-fat or non-fat foods.

When the flaxseed oil is added to food you will experience an increased rise in the blood sugar. Once this happens the blood sugar will have a long period where it is on a plateau. Once this happens the blood sugar goes through a slow gradual drop. From that you will have the feeling of having extensive energy, satisfaction and overall stamina. In the end you will feel fuller, and this will last longer. This will result in you not having to eat as much, which will result in overall weight loss.

Posted on

Flaxseed Oil and Cholesterol

Does Flax Seed Oil Lower Cholesterol? Many people are confused about the answer to the above asked question. The answer is simple, yes flax seed oil does help to lower your cholesterol. The reason is multifold but it boils down to the simple answer that flax seed oil is very healthy.

Flax seed oil contains many different beneficial nutrients that is able to lower your blood cholesterol levels. The oil contains a substance called alpha linolenic acids. This acid is an omega 3 fatty acid, the same that can be found in fish oil. This Omega 3 fatty acid may help lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).

The flax seed oil is also rich in another substance called alpha linolenic acid which aids in the fight against cholesterol. The oil also provides fiber and lingams. Lignans that are contained in the oil is a natural defense against high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. The fiber is known to lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

Eat Your Flax Seeds for Lower Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is often known as the “bad cholesterol” and this is known to cause a wide range of cardiovascular problems. That is why it is very important for you to keep the LDL levels of the body low. Flax seed oil is able to help lower cholesterol because it is high in fiber and Omega 3. Taking the oil everyday can lower the harmful levels of LDL cholesterol, while at the same time maintaining or increasing the levels of HDL cholesterol “good cholesterol”. HDL cholesterol is known as the “good cholesterol” because its high-density structure does not block arteries that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. In addition, HDL cholesterol can actually help clear the blood of other artery-clogging materials

Studies of Flax Seed Oil & Cholesterol

There have been studies that have been conducted to show the link between flax seed oil and cholesterol. It has been noted that flax seed helps to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels. There are also other studies to show that omega 3 fatty acids may also help lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure. The acid may also stop the platelets from becoming sticky and this can lower the chance of a heart attack.

Another study of flax seed oil on cholesterol was conducted by Bahram Arjmandi, Ph.D., of Oklahoma State University. It was shown that the oil was able to lower cholesterol by 6 percent.

Generally these studies show that there is a relationship between flax seed oil lowering cholesterol. With that said, there still needs to be more studies done to have a final say on if the flax seed oil is effective at reducing cholesterol.

Posted on

Can Flax Seed Oil be a Good Substitute for Fish Oil?

We all know about the health benefits associated with fish oil. It is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that is beneficial to the body. Despite this information, people are still looking at a substitute for fish oil. The reason people are looking for something different from fish oil is that some people do not like the fishy aftertaste, while others are worried about mercury contamination.

Flaxseed oil is an effective alternative to fish oil. Many doctors, scientists and individuals have stated that it is an excellent source for omega-3 fatty acids. Research has shown that flaxseed oils can help treat a wide range of health conditions such as heart disease. As stated earlier, flaxseed oils are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially ALA (alpha linolenic acid). Even though flaxseed oil has important omega-3 fatty acids, it is not as good a source as fish oil.

Flax seed oil provides the body with short-chain ALA. These short-chain ALA are sometimes converted into the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, similar to what is found in fish oil.

There is evidence to suggest that the conversion of these fatty acids found in flaxseed oil may differ from individual to individual. This is particularly true for DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is vital for the protection against aging as well as the development of the brains of infants.

Research related to flaxseed oil showed that it could be a very limited supply for long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, especially in men. The reason for this is that men are usually not suitable to be able to convert the flaxseed oil to DHA or EPA.

In the end flaxseed oil is a good alternative to fish oil. Fish oil still wins out and to get the best of both worlds it is recommended that the both of them are combined together into an individual’s daily diet.

Posted on

Why Should You Take Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is a very effective health supplement and its popularity has been increasing in the past couple of years. Flaxseed oil contains a host of substances that is good for an individual’s health. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is a needed fatty acid that can be found in flaxseed oil. This acid is very essential and beneficial when it comes to the treatment of heart disease, arthritis and other conditions. Aside from containing ALA, flaxseed oil also has a set of chemicals called lignanas that are very effective for the treatment of cancer.

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Like fish oil, flaxseed oil contains the tool may in omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as well as a third, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is derived from plants. Flaxseed oil is a rich resource for this alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

The benefits associated with ALA have not been the focus of studies like fish oil. In the small trials that have been conducted, researchers have been satisfied with the results. However it should be noted that there still isn’t enough evidence and more research needs to be done.

The downside with ALA is that in order for it to be effective, they omega-3 must be converted by a limited amount of enzymes into DHA and EPA. Because this happens, only a small amount is used, around 10-15%. The other 85-95% is metabolized or burned as energy. It still is overall more effective than fish oil, despite this problem.

Why Flaxseed Oil is Better than Fish Oil?

Flaxseed oil has a major benefit over the main source of omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil. Having fish in your diet can be extremely difficult, especially for people who do not like the taste of fish or are concerned with mercury contamination. People who do not like the taste can often take fish oil capsules, however they are quite large and people will not like some of the side effects. These side effects would include a nasty fishy aftertaste as well as an upset stomach. Mercury contamination is high in some fish and some people try and stay away from them.

As a result of this downside to fish oil, many people have opted to take flaxseed oil.

If you are looking at ways to increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your body, flaxseed oil is a good option. It has some advantages over fish oil and it is healthy substitute for this product.