Flaxseed Oil They are also very fragile and tend to oxidize or die once the seed is altered in any way. This is why flaxseed oil and pre-ground meal is not as nutritious as freshly ground flaxseed. Chances are you are getting plenty of omega-6's because it can be found in almost all fresh fruits and vegetables (notice I said "FRESH.") In fact many people get too many omega-6's. Omega-3's are more elusive and found mainly in cold-water fish like salmon. It takes 2 servings of Salmon to equal 1\4th cup of freshly ground flaxseed meal. Flaxseed contains 48% Omega-3 fatty acid while Soybean contains only 7% omega-3's and Pumpkin seeds are 15%, Walnuts are 5%, and Safflower, Sunflower, and Corn have no omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for proper cell growth and regeneration and is especially important in the formation of health nervous system and helps keep the nervous system functioning properly. It has been shown to be useful in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, Behavioral Problems like Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Depression, Bipolar, Alzheimer's, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome because it improves the sheathes around nerve cells and connective tissue. Omega-3 Fats are also important in modifying the body's inflammatory response, making them very helpful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases like Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis and Eczema. Research shows flaxseed blocks the formation of Cytokines, proteins that trigger the pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis, up to over 80%. Flaxseed also contains natural Antihistamines to ease the symptoms of Allergies and Asthma and seems to be really good for your skin, hair, and fingernails. All around healing appears to be sped up too. And finally, all of these health responses seem to be happening in direct response to the amount of flaxseed you eat! So, in the case of fresh ground flaxseed , more is better! Studies also show the omega-3 fats can lower blood pressure and can lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent the blood clots that trigger both strokes and Heart Attacks by up to 70%. Flaxseed Fiber Soluble Fiber also plays an important role in maintaining the "Good" bacteria in our bowels, like Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacteria. Both Soluble and Insoluble Fiber are also "soothing" to the stomach and bowels and seems to relieve inflammatory intestinal conditions like: diverticulitis, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis. Insoluble Fiber increases the bulk of stools and prevents constipation both of which play a role in the prevention of colon cancer. Flax is very gentle but may increase the frequency and consistency and smell of your bowel movements that should be considered a positive health response. Flaxseed is an incredibly rich source of a group of compounds called Lignans. Many plant foods contain lignans, but flaxseed has the most - at least 75 times more than any other plant food. You would have to eat about 60 cups of FRESH broccoli or 25 cups of peanut butter or 100 slices of whole wheat bread to get the same amount of lignans that are in a quarter cup of flaxseed. Lignans Lignans have the ability to act like hormones and interfere with excessive hormonal production, excess hormonal binding to receptors and even the transportation of excess hormones in the blood. This is important because lignin's subdue cancerous changes once they’ve occur rendering them less likely to race out of control and develop into full-blown cancer. Even when estrogen-sensitive tumors get a chance to grow, lignans can slow the, stop their growth, and even shrink them. Flaxseed also lowers your cholesterol and shows great promise for reversing kidney and liver damage caused by lupus, hepititus, alcohol, & drugs.