|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

What Are the Benefits of Jarrow Flax Seed Oil?

Flax is an ancient crop, dating all the way back to Babylon in 3000 BC, according to the Flax Council of Canada. In the early 17th century, flax made its way to North America, but it took hundreds of years before people began to take note of its possible health benefits.



Flax produces flax seed, a tiny nutritional powerhouse that can also be compressed, or squeezed, to make flax seed oil. Flax seed oil is also available for consumption in pill form. Jarrow Formulas, based out of Los Angeles, California, is one of many companies that produces flax seed oil. Jarrow's flax seed oil is certified organic and contains no wheat, dairy, soy, egg, fish, shellfish or nuts.

  1. Healthy Fat

    • Flax seed oil contains a fatty acid called acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that the body metabolizes into omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s are known as a healthy fat with many health benefits. The body cannot produce omega-3, it is only available through foods and supplements. Flax seed oil has a higher amount of ALA than flax seed alone.

    Heart Health

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the risk of developing heart disease can be lowered by consuming sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association also cites a June 2010 study that found the omega-3 fatty acids found in nuts, seeds and oils including flax seed oil, helped lower blood pressure in people with already high blood pressure. The effects were even greater in those who had not developed high blood pressure. Omega-3s have also been shown to help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. When cholesterol is in check, the arteries stay open and allow blood to flow more freely, decreasing the risk of a heart attack.

    Reduced Inflammation

    • Omega-3s stimulate the production of certain chemicals in the body that help to reduce inflammation. This is beneficial to people suffering from an inflammation of the joints like arthritis, or inflammation of the tissues and bloodstream. The University of Maryland Medical Center references a study in which omega-3s were found to help reduce joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and painful menstruation.

    Cold Pressed Processing

    • For its flax seed oil, Jarrow's uses a cold-pressed method to capture and preserve the oil from the flax seed. This process helps the flax seed oil retain its fatty acids by keeping it away from excessive heat that can break down the acids. Jarrow's also keeps the oil away from light and oxygen when it is extracted and it is packaged to further preserve the integrity of the capsules.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles