Flaxseed oil, otherwise known as linseed oil, is extracted from the seed of the flax plant. Human beings have coveted its health benefits since ancient Egypt, but we are only now learning the extent of its powers. Although flaxseed oil lacks the fiber and cancer-fighting lignans of the seed, it still has a place as a dietary supplement. However, many of the possible benefits of flaxseed oil are also up for debate in the scientific community.
Anti-inflammatory
Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acids, which the body uses to produce the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Humans need a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and most diets are skewed toward omega-6. Flaxseed oil supplement could help to raise omega-3 levels and in turn allow you to enjoy the anti-inflammatory properties of a proper fatty acid balance.
Cholesterol Control
Opinions on whether or not flaxseed oil can lower cholesterol are mixed. While a number of studies have suggested it has a positive effect on high-density lipoprotein, or the "good cholesterol," others have shown no correlation between flaxseed oil and improved cholesterol. It is worth noting that practitioners of the Mediterranean diet generally have good cholesterol scores, and their diets include flaxseed as well as other foods rich in HDL.
Heart health
Consumption of foods containing alpha-linolenic acids are thought to reduce the chances of heart disease. Specifically, ALAs may benefit the blood vessels and reduce cardiac arrhythmia. They can also lower blood pressure. But just as with flaxseed oil's cholesterol-fighting properties, the direct benefits for the heart are still up for debate.
Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is a deficiency in moisture-production in which an individual's immune system attacks the glands that produce tears, saliva and sweat as if they were foreign bodies. Flaxseed oil has been shown to prevent symptoms of dry eye when taken on a daily basis by sufferers of Sjogren's syndrome.
Member Comments