Omega-3 fatty acids fall into two major categories: Plant derived (flax seed oil, yielding alpha linolenic acid or ALA) or marine derived (fish oil, yielding both EPA and DHA). The human conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is somewhat slow and can be inhibited by various conditions such as a diet high in linoleic acid (Omega-6), trans-fatty acids such as fast foods and baked goods, alcohol intake, certain health conditions, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies (B3, B6, C, zinc, magnesium).

Although the ALA in flax seed oil offers numerous benefits on its own, many of the beneficial effects of ALA in flaxseed oil are due to its metabolic conversion to EPA. However, some studies show that, even under ideal conditions, only 20% of the ALA ingested will be converted to EPA.

Flax is very high in the omega-3 fat ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). This is the "essential" omega-3 fat because our bodies need it to be healthy. However, because our bodies don't produce it, we must consume it from other sources, like flax. Other omega-3 fats, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), found in fatty fish, are vital for health, but not "essential," because our bodies can make them from ALA.

Fish oils are often recommended because they contain the Omega-3 derivatives EPA and DHA rather than the Omega-3 precursor alpha linolenic acid (ALA) found in flax seed oil. The thinking is that if these derivatives are taken directly, the body does not have to make them from the precursor. It is however beneficial to directly consume some ALA because it is thought to have specific functions in the body.

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.

The advantage of eating flax seed over flax oil is that flaxseed is a complete food providing you with the benefits of Omega3, 6 & 9 EFA's, fiber, protein, plant lignans, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Flax oil, expelled from the flax seed, contains the EFA's but not the fiber, protein and plant lignans (an anti-cancer agent). Flaxseed contains approximately 40% oil.

In order to prevent a deficiency of Essential Fatty Acids 1-2 teaspoons of Flax Seed Oil should be taken. For Mass and Bodybuilding there is increasing evidence that low fat diets relate to low levels of Testosterone. It is suggested that 1-3 Tablespoons is the optimal range for bodybuilding. DURHAM, N.C.--A low-fat diet supplemented with flaxseed may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, researchers from Duke University Medical Center report in the July issue of Urology.

Flax seed oil is delicious mixed into your food, and can enhance the flavour because it adds a creaminess. Stir into yoghurt or cottage cheese with fresh fruit (the sulphur containing proteins combine with Omega-3 to help the transport of oxygen in the body) Flax seed oil can be used on cold, warm and hot foods just prior to serving, but should never be cooked or fried as this destroys their health giving properties and makes them toxic. Never reheat food containing flax seed oil.

Udo's stands for "Udo's Choice Perfected Oil Blend," which is a blend of essential fatty acids that are very important for you to have ? in other words, good fats, like the ones found in fish. It would be next to impossible for you to get enough EFA's in a normal diet unless you eat fish 3x a day. When you eat a low fat diet your body will hold on to any fat you have unless you are getting enough EFA's. The Udo's (or any type of EFA) can actually HELP you lose weight. Dr.

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.

Both brown and yellow flaxseed provide the same nutritional benefits: lignans, dietary fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, which together work to enhance your health and heart fitness and give protection against certain types of cancer. The yellow flax generally has a higher oil content, and may be preferred by some because of its light color. Whole flaxseeds are hard and are difficult to crack even with careful chewing.

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

The (3:1) ratio of the Essential Fatty Acids, three parts linoleic acid (Omega 6) to one part alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3) in hemp seed oil is favorable for the human diet because it matches the nutritional requirements of our bodies. Too much of one will cause a deficiency of the other. Flax oil, despite its higher Omega 3 content, has a less favorable ratio (1:5).

Omega Nutrition's organic, cold-pressed Pumpkin Oil adds a rich flavor and deep green color to salads, vegetable and pasta dishes. Pumpkin oil does not have the same fatty acid profile as flax oil and therefore, cannot act as a replacement for flax seed oil, but as a delicious and nutritious addition to food. Pumpkin Oil is high in the EFA omega-6, which plays a role in regulating blood pressure and immune response to injury and infection. Back to top

The nutritional value of golden flax seed vs. brown flax seed are very similar if the samples are of the same quality. I mention quality because it is very important in determining the omega 3 content and overall nutritional value. A high quality flaxseed whether golden or brown will accomplish the same, although we have found most people prefer the nutty-buttery flavor of our golden flax seed over the brown flax seed.

I have had an opportunity to produce seal oil from the species phoca groenlandica for human consumption. The omega 3 long-chain PUFA profile is approximately 20-25%, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 4.7%; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 4.2%; and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) 8.9%. Is there any difference between fish oil and seal oil, and do you have any information concerning  the benefits of DPA? 

The answer is quite simple. In this day of processed foods, by grinding your own Golden Flax Seed from Stevens' Sales, LLC you know exactly what you are consuming. Our Real Cold Milled Flax has a non-refrigerated shelf life on 20 months. RCM Flax? is truly a cold milled product and process. The flax enters the RCM process at room temperature, is milled at room temperature and exits at room temperature.

Tip for cooking with Flax Seed: If you grind 1/4 cup of whole Flaxseed it will equal approximately 1/2 cup of ground Flax.

ALA found in flax oil is the parent fatty acid in the omega-3 family. A portion of ALA may be converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are longer chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. On its own, ALA appears to have unique physiologic benefits apart from its conversion to EPA and DHA. ALA is especially useful to support heart health and the immune system.