Several Oils & Extracts
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is derived from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum, L.). Flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain substances that promote good health. One of these substances is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and other health conditions. Flaxseed, in addition to ALA, contains a group of chemicals called lignans that may play a role in the prevention of cancer. ALA, as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), belong to a group of substances called omega-3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA are found primarily in fish while ALA is mostly found in flaxseed oil and other vegetable oils. Although similar in structure, the benefits of ALA, EPA, and DHA are not necessarily the same.