You Asked for It: Why Flax Seed Oil?

Commenter Ashley writes, “Why did you choose flax oil? I’ve never used flax oil in my diet but am interested in why and how you use it!!!”

By now, I am sure you have heard how it’s important to include “healthy fats” in our diets. This can be a confusing area, because we definitely need some fat, but most of us were raised to fear fat. So it’s all about the type of fat you choose.

There are so many different kinds with long names: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated…then there’s all this ish on omega-3s and 6s…it’s a lot of info! Here is a link to the Mayo Clinic Web site that has a nice breakdown of “good fats” and “bad fats” and what the differences are. Nuts and avocados are foods with “good fats.” Olive oil usually comes to mind when we think of a “good oil” to use, and it is one!

When it comes to “bad fats,” that refers to saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats are found in whole-milk dairy products, butter, fried foods, and fatty meat (like many red meats). Trans fats are found in many processed foods, like chips and crackers.

OK, still with me? Beyond the types of fats, there are “essential fatty acids,” which are good fats that you can’t make in your own body, but you really need them to stay on top of your game. These fatty acids are also known as omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3s raise your metabolism, help your kidneys function, reduce heart attack risk, and lower your cholesterol. They also promote good skin, which you know I’m all for! But because our bodies can’t make them, and because we burn them off quickly, you have to get them through outside sources or supplements.

ALA is the powerhouse OMG-3. It is found in cold water fish (salmon, tuna, cod), walnuts, soybeans, and flax seeds and flax seed oil. Ideally, you should get both fish and plant sources, because both offer different benefits.

So…that’s why I use flax seed oil on my salads! (It’s important to consume a little healthy fat with veggies, because you need it to absorb the veggies’ nutrients.) It just operates a little differently, chemistry-wise, from olive oil. I aim for two tablespoons a day (I measure it, because all oils, no matter how good, are high in calories). You can also use ground flax seeds in smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal, and they have protein and fiber, which is great. Flax seeds are less expensive option if you want to get your ALA and are on a budget.

Flax seed oil is a “cold-pressed oil;” it is refrigerated and cannot be heated like other cooking oils. It has a slightly nutty taste, and I have been enjoying it lately on salads, drizzled on bread, or over steamed veggies. Fats help you feel fuller longer, and I have definitely noticed I feel more full after meals where I add flax seed oil. You can find it at almost all health food stores, in the refrigerated section.

I know that was a lot of info, but I hope that very long answer answered your question!