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Although both linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic are 18 carbon length fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid has three unsaturated bonds while linoleic acid has only two. The location of the first unsaturated bond is different as well. Alpha-linolenic acid's first unsaturated bond occurs at the third carbon, hence it is known as an Omega-3 oil. Linolenic acid's first double bond is at the sixth carbon, hence it is an Omega-6 oil.

Largely because linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid form entirely different prostaglandins, researchers and physicians are finding that by manipulating the type of dietary oils, they can dramatically alter body function and, in some cases, treat disease. The Omega-3 oils are showing the greatest promise in this regard.

Some Conditions Improved by Omega-3 Oils:

High Cholesterol Levels
Prevention of Strokes and Heart Attacks
Angina High Blood Pressure
Arthritis
Mutiple Sclerosis
Psoriasis and Eczema
Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

Several plant-derived oils, as well as fish oils, are being used for medicinal purposes. Evening primrose, black currant and borage oils contain gamma-linolenic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid that eventually acts as a precursor to some favorable prostaglandins. Although quite popular, the research on GLA supplements is controversial and not as strong as the research on Omega-3 oils. Because GLA can be formed from linoleic acid, it is difficult to determine to what extent the effects are due to GLA vs. linoleic acid. Most sources of GLA are much richer in linoleic acid than GLA. For example, evening primrose contains only 9% GLA, but contains 72% linoleic acid.

In most instances, high linoleic acid containing oils, like safflower and soy oil, may provide nearly as much benefit as GLA products at a fraction of the cost. The only exceptions to this generalization may be in individuals with diabetes and people who cannot form GLA from linoleic acid. GLA supplementation in diabetics has been shown to improve nerve function and prevent diabetic nerve disease.

However, rather than simply relying on common vegetable oils, it appears most individuals would be better off supplementing their diet with Omega-3 oils. Although most of the research on Omega-3 oils has featured fish oils rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), EPA is manufactured in the body from alpha-linolenic acid, the primary essential fatty acid in flax oil. Flax oil contains more than twice the amount of Omega-3 oil compared to fish oil and is also a good source for linoleic acid as well. In addition, flax oil may offer other benefits over fish oil and GLA products. Flax oil is also less expensive than these products.

Lignans: An Extra Benefit Of Flax
Flaxseeds are the most abundant source of lignans, special compounds which are demonstrating some rather impressive health benefits including positive effects in relieving menopausal hot flashes, as well as anticancer, antifungal and antiviral activity. Research has shown that flaxseed lignans are changed by the bacteria in the human intestine to compounds which are extremely protective against cancer, particularly breast cancer.

High-lignan flax oil may be the best choice of flax oil, especially for women going through menopause or women at risk for breast cancer. It is currently estimated that as many as one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Flax Oil Benefits
Heart Disease - Flax oil lowers blood pressure and triglycerides. Flax oil decreases the probability of a heart attack and stroke, because it helps keep the arteries clean and free of plaque and cholesterol.
Cancers - Omega-3's in flax oil dissolves tumors - Dr. Johanna Budwig has documented over 1000 cases of successful cancer treatment using Flax Seed Oil along with additional nutritional support.
Diabetes - Omega-3's in flax oil lowers the insulin requirements, close monitoring is necessary. Flax oil also aids in circulation which is an important factor for diabetes. One form of diabetes even orginates from a lack of Omega-3's and and excess of hard fats aggravated by a lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet.
Arthritis - Omega-3's in flax oil have been found effective in the treatment and prevention of arthritis.
Athsma-Flax oil may noticeably relieve asthma within a few days of use.
PMS - many forms of PMS are complete within one month of using flax oil, vitamin and herbs also contribute
Allergies - Omega-3's help to decrease allergic response.

Flax Oil also helps with the following Inflammatory tissue conditions - water retention, skin conditions, calmness under stress, visual function, adrenal function, sperm formation, MS, and more.

The Omega-3's in flax oil are recommended for everybody because these essential nutrients are commonly lacking in North American diets. It must also be noted that in order for the Omega-3's to do the work, other essential nutrients (a good multiple vitamin) must be present in the diet in adequate amounts.