Flaxseed Oil vs Flax Seed - You Decide
It would seem that there should be no difference between eating flaxseed and consuming the oil but there is. However, a hot debate occurs on which one is actually best for you. In one corner of the ring, you have the flaxseed oil proponents and on the other, those that believe simply consuming the ground seed are the best method of offering your body the benefits. The results are mixed and your decision should result in your needs.
Flaxseed Oil vs. Flax Seed and the Digestive System
Flaxseeds are Mother Nature's method of propagating the plant. Because of that, the seeds contain an inhibitor that prevents the plant from sprouting in places that aren't conducive for growth. This is an enzyme inhibitor keeping the plant in a dormant stage to await the moist soil and warmth. However, the enzyme inhibitor actually works on the digestive system too. The interference they cause give you gas. Unless you like feeling bloated and gassy, it's not a pleasant experience.
Vitamin A is important to the immune system. The oil also is a far better carrier of vitamin A than the flaxseeds. In order to get enough oil from the seeds to be a suitable carrier, you'd have to ingest quite a few ground seeds.
Flaxseed Oil vs. Flax Seed for Herpes Virus
For those that fight problems such as herpes, including cold sores, shingles and genital herpes, the flaxseed oil contains high amounts of L-argenine, an amino acid. The seeds are also lower in L-lysine, another type of amino acid. L-lysine is important to the stimulation of the immune system. People with any type of herpes virus often take L-lysine supplements to prevent an outbreak.
However, there are some drawbacks to flaxseed oil. For instance, it goes rancid very easily. You must keep it in the refrigerator away from light and heat. Don't store it over six weeks either. Flaxseed is easier to add to meals. You can simply grind some seeds and sprinkle it on salads or eat it with your cereal. While you can add flaxseed oil to your salad dressing, some people don't care for the taste.
Flaxseed for Constipation
Flaxseed oil is also good for constipation as it lubricates your system. While flaxseed contains the oil, it also is high in fiber making it a super power for those having problems with going to the bathroom. This makes flaxseed a slightly better choice if constipation is the problem.
Flaxseed Oil vs. Flax Seed and Cancer
Flaxseed fiber contains most of the cancer fighting lignans. Since there's virtually no fiber in the flaxseed oil, you won't find that in the oil. However, you will find an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids that would be difficult to consume if you simply ate the flaxseed.
Both the oil and the ground flaxseed have virtues. For those that want the heart healthy and powerful brain saver of the omega-3 fatty acids, the oil is the best. If you need relief from constipation or simply want more of the lignans in your diet, go for the ground seed instead. Most people find that supplementing with both is the answer. You won't overdo on either the fiber or the omega-3 when you do and it's beneficial to your entire body when you consume both.
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All the Information within this site is for reference only with no guarantee of accuracy; it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Statements about the products efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
It is important to emphasize that you should not reject mainstream medical attention and guidance and the use of recommended products, treatments, and remedies for individual disorder should be approved and monitored by your health care provider. See disclaimer for more!
