Flaxseed oil – Delaying ageing

Ageing is part and parcel of life. Many people live a long life without any aches or pains, and with heaps of vitality right into their later years. Many of the cellular changes that are age-related are caused by free radical damage. This free radical concept is probably the most publicised theory on ageing. In naturopathic practice, the essential anti-ageing ingredients focus on many factors in a person’s diet and lifestyle. These include living with plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise, rest, eating healthy foods and drinking pure water, as well as being happy.

Flaxseed oil is derived from the seeds of the flax plant. Flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain substances that promote good health. Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid(ALA), an essential fatty acid (EFAs) that appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and a variety of other health conditions.

The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil are its key healing components. EFAs are particularly valuable because the body needs them to function properly, but can’t manufacture them on its own. Essential fatty acidswork throughout the body to protect cell membranes, keeping them efficient at admitting healthy substances while barring damaging ones. Interestingly, studies show that the oil’s lignans protect against various effects of ageingas well!