Holland & Barrett Flax Seed Oil > Reviews (4)

As some of you may have noticed, reading my ops, a lot of the products are for spot removal. Well, to be honest, spots are the bain of my life. However, after reading an op on here, for flax seed oil, I decided to give it a try. It sound horrible and yukky, but then again, so does a spot on the end of your nose…we all get them. It may sound rather contrived, but this stuff is a wonder product, well for me anyhow. Its supposed benefits are plentiful and I’m surprised its not publicised more. Arriving at the health shop, I had to ask where the flax seed products were, and they were hidden in a corner…obviously not a big seller then. There were capsules and bottles and more capsules of higher and lower strengths. After about 10 minutes of deliberation, I decided to choose the actual oil.

What is it?

Well, basically its oil, like cod liver oil, just not as fishy. To be more technical, it contains omega-3 fatty acids (which include, stearic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, to name a few). These fatty acids are important as they cannot be created directly by the body and so need starting blocks (the fatty acids contained in the oil) to be produced. It is most readily available from the eating of fish, but from someone who doesn’t like fish, its quite hard to find them in much else. They are also present in nuts and seeds.

What is it supposed to do?

The health benefits of taking omega3 fatty acids are widely documented. Once the important fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) have been produced, they play a role in normal brain and vision development. In recent years it has also been suggested that they may play a preventative role in hypertension and arthritis, among many others. This isn’t the actual reason why I started taking it though. As I said, I’d read that it would help with spots. After trying many creams, potions and lotions, I was beginning to think they were industrial strength. Flax seed oil may also help with strengthening of hair and nails, treatment of eczema and dandruff, prevent atherosclerosis, lower high blood pressure, alleviate some allergies, and a whole lot more. For a full list of possible benefits, visit http://www.theministryoffitness.com/mof/​library/faq/faq4.htm. It is also known to help with weight loss. What’s that I hear you cry? Fat? When you’re trying to lose weight? It actually increases metabolic rate.

Where can I buy it from and how much?

Most health food shops sell the capsules and the oil. I got mine from Holland & Barrett and it costs a might £10.99. I thought this was very steep, but to say I bought it in August and I still have some left, its lasted quite a while.

Ok, capsules or oil?

This depends on how much your willing to pay really. The capsules are good in one way, as it means you don’t have to taste it. However, one teaspoon of oil contains 4, 650mg of flax seed oil, the capsules are usually about 2, 500mg, so its quite a big difference.

How do I take it?
The recommended dose is 5ml twice a day, preferably with a meal.

There is no recommended daily amount, but I think this is a large enough amount. As said before, it’s not the tastiest thing in the world, but you get used to it.

Have you noticed any benefits?

Obviously, I can’t see any of the benefits like prevention of heart disease etc, so I can only presume its preventing it. It does however, keep away the spots. After about 2-3 weeks of taking I noticed some visible difference in my skin.

As with any vitamin or supplement, it is best to consult your doctor before the start of any course.

Manufacturers Details

Holland & Barrett
Nuneaton
Warwickshire
CV11 6XW