Flax Seed Oil

 

DESCRIPTION
Extensive research and decades of clinical practice have demonstrated the necessity of good nutrition for optimal health and well-being. Despite this knowledge, most Americans do not eat a well-balanced diet on a consistent basis. Of particular concern is inadequate consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids – nutrients that are vital for optimal health and wellness.

Our bodies require a number of essential nutrients to promote and maintain health. Although some dietary fats are considered harmful, two special types of fat are essential for good health and youthful skin. These two fats (or fatty acids) must be obtained either through diet or supplementation, hence their name essential fatty acids , or EFAs. Both EFAs are poly-unsaturated fats with one member, alpha-linolenic acid , belonging to the Omega-3 family and the other, linoleic acid , belonging to the Omega-6 family.

EFAs perform a number of vital functions in the body, but are particularly important at the cellular level because they are a fundamental component of the membranes of all cells. An adequate supply of EFAs in the diet is also essential for healthy-looking skin because skin cells turn over very rapidly.

In addition to their structural role, EFAs are transformed into key regulatory compounds called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that play a role in various bodily functions including inflammation, blood clotting, sodium/potassium balance, blood pressure and lipid metabolism. So-called "favorable" prostaglandins are associated with good health whereas "unfavorable" prostaglandins are associated with inflammation and disease, particularly cardiovascular disorders. In general, dietary consumption of Omega-3 fats promotes formation of favorable prostaglandins, whereas consumption of Omega-6 fats leads to the unfavorable or inflammatory prostaglandins.

Omega-6 and Omega-3 Dietary Patterns
Americans typically obtain an adequate amount of Omega-6 fats in their diet, specifically, the EFA, linoleic acid. This is because these fats are derived from common plants such as soybean, corn and safflower, which are widely available in our food supply. In contrast, most Americans do not obtain sufficient Omega-3 fats in their diet specifically, the EFA, alpha-linolenic acid. This is because these fats, which are found in flax seeds, walnuts and certain kinds of fish, are not as readily available in the food supply.

Importantly, the desired ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fats in the diet should be about 2:1. Instead, the ratio in our diets is closer to 10:1. This dietary imbalance in fatty acids (excessive Omega-6 and insufficient Omega-3) is a fundamental underlying cause of many chronic diseases today, including cardiovascular disease, many cancers, most inflammatory diseases, and many psychological disturbances. Supplementing with flax seed oil can help to correct these dietary problems. As nature's richest source of alpha-linolenic acid (57%), consumption of flax seed oil helps to rebalance the proportion of Omega-6 to Omega-3 more closely to the desired ratio of 2:1.

VitaMedica's Flax Seed Oil is derived from certified organically grown flax seeds. Special varieties of non-GMO seeds are used for maximum nutritional benefit. To extract the oil from the flax seeds, we use a proprietary, unique extraction technique called the Omegaflo® process. This technology was developed to produce unrefined, certified-organic oils of premium quality and exceptional taste. The flax seeds are expeller-pressed at low temperatures without exposure to damaging light, oxygen and reactive metals.

For patient convenience, we package the oil in softgel capsules. The carob coating provides a natural barrier from sunlight, in the same manner that amber glass protects its contents in the bottle. Because of their freshness and the delicate nature of essential fatty acids, we believe it is our responsibility to inform patients how long the bottle will last. For this reason, each bottle is stamped with a lot number and product date code.

BENEFITS
VitaMedica's Flax Seed Oil offers a number of benefits including:

Organically Grown Flax Seeds

VitaMedica's Flax Seed Oil is derived from certified organically grown flax seeds. Special varieties of non-GMO seeds are used for maximum nutritional benefit.

A Proprietary, Unique Extraction Process
To extract the oil from the flax seeds, we use a proprietary, unique extraction technique called the Omegaflo® process. This technology was developed to produce unrefined, certified-organic oils of premium quality and exceptional taste. The flax seeds are expeller-pressed at low temperatures without exposure to damaging light, oxygen and reactive metals.

Easy to Swallow SoftGel Capsules
For patient convenience, we package our Flax Seed Oil in softgel capsules. The carob coating provides a natural barrier from sunlight, in the same manner that amber glass protects its contents in the bottle. Most patients prefer taking capsules because they are easier to swallow and are more readily digested than tablets.

Product Date Coding to Ensure Freshness
Because of their freshness and the delicate nature of essential fatty acids, we believe it is our responsibility to inform patients how long the bottle will last. For this reason, each bottle is stamped with a lot number and product date code.

Internal Moisturization
Flax Seed Oil internally lubricates the skin.  The supplement is particularly beneficial for individuals with mature skin, which is dryer due to reduced sebum production, leading to decreased moisture retention.

Requires no Refrigeration
The natural carob coating of the capsule protects the delicate oil from exposure to sunlight and the oxidation that results. For this reason, the capsules do not need to be refrigerated.

INDICATIONS
Most individuals can benefit from taking an essential fatty acid (EFA) supplement. However, EFAs are particularly beneficial for those with maturing, dry skin because this nutrient plays an important role in keeping the skin and other tissues youthful and supple through their lubricating capacity.  In addition, EFAs can be very beneficial for individuals with inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.


CONTRAINDICATIONS
Flax Seed Oil has an excellent safety track record.. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning any nutritional supplement program particularly diabetics, pregnant or lactating women. Caution : In some individuals with oily skin, supplementing with flax seed oil can exacerbate the condition. Start slowly by taking just one capsule per day. Provided your skin does not become visibly oily, gradually increase the dosage.

DIRECTIONS
As a dietary supplement, take 1-2 capsules of Flax Seed Oil daily, with breakfast or at dinnertime. For individuals with inflammatory skin problems, increase the dosage to 3-4 capsules. Note :  We recommend building slowly to the full dose, starting with 1 capsule per day and increasing the dosage after a few days.