Blog On

Kia ora and welcome to our new blog, a place where Soil and Health members can share news, information, and ideas. We value contributions and comments from readers. If you would like to write an article, or let us know about an event, please email us at: organicschch@blogspot.com

August Talk – The Benefits of Eating Flax Seed Oil

Earlier this month, Soil and Health member Christopher Musgrave hosted a talk on the health benefits of flax seed oil, also known as linseed oil. Christopher introduced us to a wide range of nutritious products, and told us the interesting story behind his family farm at Waihi Bush.

The Plant
Flax seed oil comes from the delicate, blue flowered Linum plant, not to be confused with the New Zealand native flax, Phormium sp.

Waihi Bush
Originally inspired to grow flax after the oil was recommended as a cure for his son’s eczema, Christopher’s father David Musgrave, pressed his first lot of oil in 1993. Starting off small, using equipment supplied by a Canadian company, the Musgrave’s business now employs 18 people.

Fifteen years ago New Zealanders would have struggled to find organic flax seed oil on the shelves of their health food store or supermarket. Now thanks to Waihi Bush, there are a number of different flaxseed products to choose from.

Health Benefits
Eating flax seed oil has many benefits, so many in fact, that Mahatma Ghandi once said that "whenever flax seeds are part of the peoples diet, then their health will be improved". While flax seeds have been part of the Indian diet for centuries, many New Zealanders have yet to discover their benefits.

Flax seed contains two kinds of fatty acid, Omega-3 and Omega-6, both of which are essential nutrients. To maintain optimum health the body needs balanced amounts of both fatty acids. Modern diets tend to be high in Omega-6 and low in Omega-3, this is largely because the most common oils, with the exception of olive oil, are high in Omega-6 but contain little or no Omega-3.

The body uses Omega-3 fatty acids to send messages to different parts of the body. One of its most important functions is to switch off the inflammation response. When people do not get enough Omega-3 in their diet they can develop a variety of inflammation related diseases, for example arthritis, eczema and psoriasis. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce water retention by regulating salt excretion, and help to boost the body’s natural immune system.

Fresh is Best
Both flax seed oil and fish oil contain high levels of Omega-3’s, but fish oil contains secondary Omega-3’s, which a healthy body can make from the primary Omega-3 found in flax seed oil – you need both to be healthy. Because Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids decay rapidly when exposed to light and air, these foods need to be carefully packaged. Fresh, unrefined foods, generally contain higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. Before the advent of industrial farming and processed food, people’s diets probably contained more Omega-3’s. For example the meat, milk and eggs from free-range, grass fed animals, tends to have higher levels of these essential nutrients.

Daily Dose
Including flax seed oil in your diet is the easiest way to make sure your body gets the right amount of Omega-3. Unless you are treating a specific health issue, a tablespoon of oil a day is usually all you need. Eat the oil directly, or mix it in with your food. Including the oil in salad dressings is a great way to make flax seed oil a tasty part of your daily meal.