GHS Natural Health Blog

This natural oil, also known as Linseed oil is collected from a blue flowering plant that is mainly grown on the Western Canadian Prairies. Flax seed oil is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition and is considered to be nature’s richest source of omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the health of almost all body systems.

Flax seed oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than fish oil. Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil’s natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as the joints. This amazing oil has healing benefits that may help to lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease, control high blood pressure, counter inflammation, reduce cancer risks and control constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disorders.

Flax seed oil takes a bit of time to be absorbed into the body before the full beneficial effects begin, ranging anywhere from a few days to as many as six weeks, depending on your overall well-being. Although it is marketed as a nutritional supplement the use of linseed oil has declined over the past several decades. The edible flax seed oil has a strong flavor and odor and is only a minor constituent of the general publics nutrition. It would be ideal to consume small portions of flaxseed oil every day. However if flax seed oil is used in a diet for a long time without other oils, it may cause Omega 6 deficiency symptoms. So it is best to blend flaxseed oil with other oils that contain more Omega 6 in order to get the right balance, such as sesame oil, sunflower oil and evening primrose oil. This combination can be great with cider vinegar in a salad dressing.

Add flax seed to your diet and watch what it will do for you! If you’re unsure about trying flax seed, contact your physician and ask for more information. Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. Flaxseed may slow down the absorption of oral medications or other nutrients if taken at the same time. Try to avoid taking flaxseed at the same time as medications and other supplements.

It’s important to buy high-quality flax seed oil as it is prone to rancidity. Light and oxygen will slowly breakdown the essential fatty acids. Flaxseed oil requires special packaging because it is easily destroyed by heat, light, and oxygen. Look for flax seed oil capsules that are dark coated soft gels or oil that is bottled in amber-brown bottles, as these are more resistant to the light and oxygen. Make sure you refrigerate your flax seed oil to help extend its shelf life. Like any oil, flaxseed oil may turn rancid if it is not refrigerated.

References:

Essortment
Wikipedia
Healing Daily

In the present day, sunflower oil is one of the most popular oils in the world. The oil is typically extracted by applying great pressure to the sunflower seeds and collecting the oil. Sunflower oil is healthy and natural edible oil known for its light and odorless characters. This oil is clear and slightly amber-colored with a subtle fatty odor. Sunflower oil is commonly used in food as a frying oil, and in cosmetic formulations as an emollient. The versatility of this healthy oil is recognized by cooks internationally. Sunflower oil is valued for its light taste, frying performance and health benefits.

This oil supplies more Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil, carrying nearly 45-50% oil content. It is a combination of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels. Sunflower oil has been known to help arthritis, constipation, skin conditions, wound healing, and lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL, “bad”) cholesterol. There are several types of sunflower oils produced, such as high linoleic, high oleic and mid oleic. High linoleic sunflower oil typically has at least 69% linoleic acid. High oleic sunflower oil has at least 82% oleic acid. Variation in unsaturated fatty acids profile is strongly influenced by both genetics and climate.

The highly polyunsaturated sunflower oil  is a great alternative and excellent for grills, mayonnaise and salad dressings.

The highly monounsaturated sunflower oil is a premium healthy oil which is highly versatile for use in long life frying, sauces, dressings and marinades. Mono-sunflower oil has the highest monounsaturated content of all the oils (> 80%), poly-sunflower oil has high levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated fats.

Oils are incredibly versatile, and great in many dishes:

• try margarine spreads made from nutritious oils
• use a variety of oils as an essential ingredient to cook delicious meals
• add as many different oils to apple cider vinegar for a very powerfully healthy salad dressing
• infuse oils with other ingredients, such as chilli, rosemary, truffle or vanilla, to add flavour and fun to your menu
• use convenient spray oils for greasing baking pans
• add oils in your kitchen to bring variety to your cooking, and enjoyment to every meal

Sunflower Oil Composition:

Sunflower oil contains predominantly linoleic acid in triglyceride form.

Palmitic acid : 4 – 9%,
Stearic acid : 1 – 7%,
Oleic acid : 14 – 40%,
Linoleic acid : 48 – 74%.

Sunflower oil also contains lecithin, tocopherols, carotenoids and waxes. Sunflower oil’s properties are typical of a vegetable triglyceride oil. Sunflower oil is produced from oil type sunflower seeds. Sunflower oil is light in taste and appearance and has a high Vitamin E content. It is a combination of mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels.

Sunflower oil is safe when used in appropriate amounts. A diet high in sunflower oil seems to raise blood sugar after meals in people with type 2 diabetes and might contribute to hardening of the arteries. So if you suffer from diabetes do not take sunflower oil.

Caution

Do not take sunflower oil if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding
• You are allergic to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, and related herbs
• You have diabetes

References:

AOF
National Sunflower Association
Wikipedia

Oil has long been thought as an evil part of the diet – something to avoid at all costs, but did you know that there are some healthy oils that are good to include in your diet?  These are polyunsaturated oils that are high in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and have a range of health benefits.

Some of these oils include:

• avocado oil
• safflower oil
• sesame oil
• sunflower oil
• soybean oil
• pumpkin seed oil
• grapeseed oil
• flaxseed oil
• wheatgerm oil
• fish oil
• olive oil
• canola oil
• corn oil
• evening primrose oil

How to Use Healthy Oils

Even though these oils are significantly better for your health than saturated fats and other hydrogenated oils, remember that they are still a liquid fat.  Use the oils sparingly so that you do not overindulge and possibly suffer from weight gain.

Oils need to be stored in dark bottles as clear glass or plastic bottles allow light to penetrate into the oil and oxidise the fatty acids.  Contact with air will also affect the oil so be sure to keep the lid on tightly.  Be aware that the healthier the oil is, the more quickly it will spoil.  Many healthy oils will need to be stored in the refrigerator.  Olive oil is an exception however as it is high in oleic acid and contains antioxidants that slow spoiling. 

The more omega 3 fatty acids that are in the oil, the less suitable it is for cooking.  High temperatures can damage many oils as the heat not only damages the fatty acids, it can also make them harmful.  Where possible, use the healthy oils at room temperature, such as in salad dressings.  Olive oils are the best for cooking.

How Often Should I Eat These Oils?

Essential fatty acids are important for the diet and should be eaten on a regular basis.  You should consume a source of omega 3 or 6 essential fatty acids three to five times a week.  Where possible, consume them in a food form such as fish or flaxseed oil, rather than in a supplement form, as fresh is always better.

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