Flaxseed oil is derived from the seeds of the flax plant. It contains the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, which is converted into eicosapentaenoic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids or essential fats are what give flaxseed oil its primary nutritional content. It is often used in supplement form to prevent high cholesterol and heart disease, although its usefulness in these areas has yet to be proven.
Calories
The size of the serving in one serving of flaxseed oil determines its nutritional contents. Although flaxseed oil is not high in many nutritive components other than fats and fatty acids, it is high in calories. A 1-cup portion of flaxseed oil contains approximately 1,927 calories. Calories provide the energy that the body needs to repair and maintain itself. Although it is doubtful that a person would consume 1 cup of flaxseed oil at one sitting, even 1 tbsp. of this oil contains 120.2 calories.
Fatty Acids
A 1-tbsp. serving of flaxseed oil provides approximately 1.28 g of total, saturated fatty acids. The same sized serving also contains 2.75 g of total monounsaturated fatty acids. The 8.98 g of total polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3, found in flaxseed oil are thought to reduce inflammation throughout the body, while omega-6 fatty acids seem to actually promote inflammation, leading to various diseases.
Vitamins and Minerals
Flaxseed oil does not provide a plethora of vitamins or minerals. However, a 1-tbsp. serving of flaxseed oil does contain 2.4 mg of vitamin E. It does not provide any minerals, carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, sugars or caffeine.
Considerations
Flax seeds provide more nutritional content than flaxseed oil; however, flaxseed oil's value lies in the amount of fatty acids it contains in a usable form. Although the body does not process these fatty acids very efficiently, it still can convert them into omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil is sensitive to light, temperature changes and oxygen and should be stored out of the reach of sunlight and in a dark bottle.
Member Comments