Flaxseed oil is one of the richest natural sources of the omega 3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid ala omega 3 fatty acids are essential components of the diet and are required for many biochemical functions alpha linolenic acid ala contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels this beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 2g of ala from food and supplements flaxseed oil is one of the richest natural sources of the omega 3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid