Flax, an ancient but little known seed, has recently gained worldwide recognition for its many nutritional attributes. Recently, researchers from The University of Toronto began to study the potential benefits of flax. Their results showed that flax seed could support normal cholesterol and also normal cell growth. The prediction is that flax will likely be found in many new foods in the near future. In Dr. Andrew Weil's new book "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health", flax seeds are the first things suggested for anyone interested in eating healthier. He recommends whole flax seeds ground into cereal or sprinkled on foods, but they are also available in capsule form or in flax seed oil.

At a recent Experimental Biology seminar, researchers related that levels of 1.25 and 2.5% flax in the diet stimulated the immune system, increased vitamin D levels and increased the retention of calcium, magnesium and phosphate. Moderately high levels of flax, compared to the same level of oat bran, was better in supporting normal blood triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL, and favorable effects on insulin activity as well. Flax seeds are very reasonably priced and seem to be a valuable addition to the daily diet.

In this day and age of fat phobia and the resultant barrage of low fat and non-fat food products, a recommendation to supplement your daily diet with one to two tablespoons of essential fatty acid rich flax or borage seed oil would appear to go against what you are being told. To the contrary, this is exactly what health conscious consumers are doing across the country, to attain and maintain optimal health.

While it is true that Americans should not consume more than 20-30% of daily calories as fats, a lack of the dietary essential fatty acids has been suggested to facilitate degenerative disease.

Flax seed oil is considered by many to be the answer to this health dilemma. Oil extracted from flax seed is unique because it contains both essential fatty acids: alpha-linolenic, an omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, in appreciable amounts. Flax seed oil is the world's richest vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively studied for their apparent beneficial effects toward:

• Heart-protective activity

• Maintain normal blood cholesterol and blood pressure

• Skin health

• Normal circulation

• Soothing joints

The high content of omega-3 fatty acids in flax seed oil is but one of its positive attributes. Essential fatty acids common to flax seed oil are ultimately converted to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins, and are important for the regulation of a host of bodily functions including:

• Inflammation, pain, and swelling

• Secretions from mucus membranes and their viscosity

• Smooth muscle and autonomic reflexes, gastrointestinal, arterial, ear, heart

• Water retention

• Blood clotting ability

• Allergic response

• Nerve transmission

• Steroid production and hormone synthesis

Scientists continue to discover regulating effects of prostaglandins. Without the essential fatty acids, precursors of prostaglandins, problems in the regulation of the above listed bodily functions are possible.

Nature's most potent concentration of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil (24%). A great deal of scientific research has been conducted with supplements rich in GLA, resulting in significant interest regarding specific health concerns, including pre-menstrual syndrome, breast health, skin health and circulatory support.

When considering an essential fatty acid supplement and deciding on whether to use flax or borage seed oils, the most sensible solution may be a formulation of the two. The combination of both flax and borage seed oil yields a true Omega-Twin, by providing nature's best of the omega-3 fatty acids in flax with the best of omega-6 fatty acids in GLA rich borage oil.

Supplementation with flax seed & borage seed oils makes good sense for the following reasons:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids and GLA together on the production of beneficial prostaglandins.

2. There are many health benefits from both flax seed and borage seed supplements.

3. Flax seed oil combined with borage seed oil work together for even better results.

4. Flax seed and borage seed oils combined is a less expensive supplement than purchasing them separately.

To achieve optimal health, the answer does not appear to be 'no fat', but the right fat, as common to flax and borage seed oils.

Past and present scientific research supports the use of essential fatty acid nutrients in promoting optimal health. Flax seed oil is recognized as nature's richest source of essential and omega-3 fatty acids. Borage seed oil is recognized as nature's richest source of GLA. These natural plant substances used alone have created a great deal of interest in the control of numerous health problems. The combination of omega-3 fatty acids with gamma-linolenic acid may further complement the health benefits of either fatty acid used singularly.

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