Flax seed oil is a substance extracted from the flax plant which contains a high level of omega 3 essential fatty acids and flax seed oil supplementation is often used as an alternative to fish oil supplementation for vegetarians. Flax seed oil also has many other benefits due to its other properties which fish oil does not necessarily give.

Due to its high level of omega 3 fatty acids flax seed oil supplementation has been known to have positive effects on high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Some fish oils may be high in mercury and although providing a high level of omega 3 fatty acids are not suitable for high blood pressure due to the high mercury content. Flax seed oil on the other hand provides the benefits of omega 3 fatty acid supplementation to patients suffering from high blood pressure without the problems associated with mercury.

Flax seed oil supplementation is also good for irritable bowel syndrome both because of its high level of omega 3 fatty acids as well as the mucilage it contains. People with Crohn's disease (a form of IBS) have been shown to be low in omega 3 essential fatty acids and scientists think that the type of omega 3 fatty acids found in flax seed oil may actually be more effective than the type found in fish oil.

The mucilage found in flax seeds is also a natural laxative and flax seed oil supplementation may therefore be used as natural medication for those who suffer from constipation.

The natural laxative effects of flax seed oil supplementation are also beneficial for removing toxins from the body. A build up of toxins in the body can lead to many diseases and in our modern diet and lifestyle we are bombarded with so many different toxins that our bodies need a way to get rid of them and flax seed oil supplementation is a good, natural way to do this.

Flax seed oil supplementation is also very beneficial for women's health. The lignan content of flax seed oil helps to stabilize estrogen levels, the omega 3 reduces menstrual symptoms, as well as reducing the risk of breast cancer. The stabilizing effects of flax seed oil on estrogen and progesterone levels has also caused this supplement to be recommended for women going through menopause.

Another study showed that flax seed oil supplementation improved the immune system, possibly due to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, and children who were given flax seed oil were less likely to develop colds and respiratory diseases than those who did not take flax seed oil.

Although flax seed oil supplementation provides many excellent benefits for most people there are a couple of people who should not take flax seed oil - pregnant women should not take flax seed oil due to the effects it has on hormone levels. Babies, children and nursing mothers should also avoid using flax seed oil supplementation as should those suffering from hemophilia or patients on warfarin. If you are about to undergo surgery it is also recommended that you stop taking flax seed oil supplementation for a while before and after the surgery.

Flax seed oil supplementation is high in omega 3 essential fatty acids, lignan and mucilage and so provides many benefits including lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol, easing Irritable Bowel Syndrome, acting as a natural laxative, stabilizing women's hormones and easing menstrual and menopausal symptoms, reducing cancer risks, as well as boosting the immune system. Flax seed oil supplementation however should not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers, small children or those suffering from hemophilia or about to undergo surgery.