Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) and the Power of Flaxseeds

LA, or alpha-linolenic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid found in many plant-based foods and offers a variety of health benefits. Get to know everything you need to know about ALA now!

What is Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)?

Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own and therefore must be obtained through the diet. It is found in many plant-based foods, with flaxseeds being one of the best sources. In fact, 100 g of flaxseeds contain approximately 22 g of ALA.

Health Benefits of ALA

There are numerous studies that prove the positive effects of ALA on human health. Some of the key health benefits include:

Blood Pressure Lowering and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Omega-3 fatty acids, including ALA, have blood pressure lowering and anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities are especially important in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Essential Component of Cell Membranes

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as ALA, are essential components of cell membranes in the human body. They are particularly present in high concentrations in brain and nerve cells and play a significant role as components of the retina of the eye.

Lizza Pizza Base: A Healthy ALA Source

The Lizza pizza base is a healthier alternative to traditional wheat pizza. 100 g of Lizza pizza base contain over 2.5 g of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA contributes to maintaining normal cholesterol levels in the blood. This positive effect is achieved with a daily intake of 2 g of ALA.

With multiple uses from the pizza crust now benefit from the ALA.

Snack: Nazzchos with Vegetable Salsa

Starter: Mini Pizzas

Savory: Lizza Bruschetta with Pesto

Conclusion

The health benefits of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are impressive, and flaxseeds are an excellent source of this essential omega-3 fatty acid. By incorporating ALA-rich foods like flaxseeds or Lizza pizza base into our diet, we can improve our health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Sources:

1. Goyal, A., Sharma, V., Upadhyay, N., Gill, S., & Sihag, M. (2014). Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 51(9), 1633-1653. Link
2. Rajaram, S. (2014). Health benefits of plant-derived α-linolenic acid. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(suppl_1), 443S-448S. Link
3. Pan, A., Chen, M., Chowdhury, R., Wu, J. H., Sun, Q., Campos, H., ... & Hu, F. B. (2012). α-Linolenic acid and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 96(6), 1262-1273. Link
4. Simopoulos, A. P. (2008). The importance of the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 233(6), 674-688. Link