Flax Seeds and Your Eyes

Essential fatty acids are not just important or essential for your eye health. They are essential for your overall health and well being. Deficiencies in essential fatty acids can lead to a host of problems including cardiovascular disease, skin disorders and allergies, nervous system disorders and more.

Interestingly, most Westerners consume far too few essential fatty acids in the course of their day. Unless you eat fatty fishes (such as salmon) two or more times per week and routinely consume plenty of whole grains including flax seed, chances are you are not getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet to improve your health and well being.

What Is Flaxseed Oil and How Can It Help Me?
Flaxseed oil is a dietary supplement. It comes from a natural flowering plant and is often recommended for improving the health and well being of our bodies in general. It is one of the richest sources of natural omega-3 fatty acids found in nature.

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for promoting our health and well being. Fatty acids may help improve your immune system as well as other important bodily functions including our cardiovascular system, circulatory system and even nervous system. Some studies have linked omega-3 supplementation with a decreased risk in eye diseases including age related macular degeneration.

There are other types of fatty acids including omega-6s and omega-9s. Most people get far too many of these in their diet however, and not nearly enough omega-3s. That is why it is often necessary to take a supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids.

Fatty Acids and Dry Eye Syndrome
Even more recent research suggests supplementation with 1000 mg of Flax Seed Oil once or twice each day may help reduce dry eye syndrome in patients. People with dry eye syndrome do not produce enough tears. This can lead to irritation and inflammation as well as red eyes. While there are medications for dry eyes, there are also natural steps patients can take to improve their condition, including supplementation with flax seed oil.

Flax Seed Oil and Macular Degeneration
Age related macular degeneration is a condition where the macula of the retina deteriorates with age. This can lead to central vision loss. Typically there is no cure for macular degeneration. Fortunately there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration, including improving your nutritional intake.

It is vital that our bodies receive the proper nutrients necessary to function properly. Deficiencies in essential fatty acids or lutein, an important nutrient and antioxidant, may lead to conditions including age related macular degeneration. For this reason people at risk for eye diseases should consider supplementation with essential fatty acids and a multi vitamin and mineral supplement jam packed with antioxidants.

Flax seed oil comes in many different forms. You can buy it in capsule form or you can buy it in seed form. I personally prefer it in seed form. Flax seeds have a slightly nutty flavor that taste terrific when combined with oatmeal or other grainy foods. You can also add a teaspoon or two to fruit shakes and other blended beverages to help improve the nutritional content of them.

Related Articles:

• Eye Vitamins and Nutrition
• Taking B Vitamins May Prevent Vision Loss
• Essential Fatty Acids and Vision
• Fish Oil and Your Eyes
• Lutein and Xeaxanthin - The amazing nutritional connection to better eyesight.
• Red Wine - Better Eyesight and More
• Red Meat Linked to Blindness in Old Age
• Tips for Improving Your Vision Naturally
• Eye Exercises To Improve Vision
• How to Maintain Healthy Eyes
• Tips For Healthy Eyes During Summer
• Mozart May Improve Your Vision

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