Flax seed oil has a number of benefits for humans because it is a rich source of alpha linolenic acid, or ALA. Alpha linolenic acid is an omega-3 fat, similar to that found in oily fish, and a biological precursor to eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, the type of omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, according to the World's Healthiest Foods. Vegetarians and people who don't eat fish can eat flax seed oil as a source of omega-3, which offers a range of health benefits.
Reduces Inflammation
Flax seed oil has can help reduce inflammation associated with conditions such as asthma, arthritis and migraine, according to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois. This is because it is high in phytochemicals such as lignans, and flavonoids, which are also thought to have antioxidant and anticancer properties.
Reduces Hypertension
A study on the effect of omega-3 on blood pressure, reported in a 2003 issue of the "Journal of Human Hypertension," notes that, "Omega-3s from nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils-such as walnuts and flaxseed-had just as much impact on blood pressure as omega-3s from fish," and that among the 5,000 adults between the ages of 40 and 59 studied, those with a higher level of omega-3 intake had lower blood pressure than those with lower levels of intake.
Protects Against Heart Disease
According to Medline Plus, flax seed oil lowered blood cholesterol levels in animal studies, and though further studies on humans are needed, these preliminary animal studies show that flax seed oil may be able to protect against heart disease and stroke in people who suffer from diabetes or atherosclerosis.
Prevents Osteoporosis
Flax seed oil can help prevent osteoporosis, according to findings published in the "International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health." A study conducted at the National Research Center in Cairo, Egypt, showed that, "Bone mineral density and content...were reduced and normalized after receiving flaxseed oil...and flaxseed oil has [a] beneficial effect on the prevention of osteoporosis."
References
- "Journal of Human Hypertension": INTERMAP: background, aims, design, methods and descriptive status
- McKinley Health Center, University of Illinois: Flax Seeds and Nutritional Needs
- Medline Plus: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
- "International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health": Impact of feeding flaxseed oil on delaying the development of osteoporosis in ovariectomised diabetic rats, M. Elwassef, et al, 2009
- World's Healthiest Foods: Flaxseeds
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