Flaxseed oil is one of the richest sources of Alpha Linolenic Acid (Omega-3 ALA) and also contains Alpha Linoleic Acid (Omega-6 ALA), another essential fatty acid (EFA). The essential nutrients must be obtained through the diet and cannot be biosynthesized by the human body. These EFA's are converted into EPA and DHA, two well-known compounds that are recognized for their benefits in heart health, brain function and arthritis. Consumption of flaxseed oil may be extremely important for vegetarians and for people who do not eat fish. The role of ALA in the Beneficial Effectsion of arteriosclerosis has also been well documented. Supplementation with EFA's may decrease harmful low density lipoproteins ("bad" cholesterol) and increase beneficial high density lipoproteins ("good" cholesterol).