Flax seed oil is derived from seeds of the flax plant. The oil is available as a bottled liquid, or you can take supplements in capsule form. Although flax seed oil may be useful for many health disorders, more research is needed to confirm any of these benefits, the U.S. National Institutes of Health report on its MedlinePlus website. Consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Flax seed and the oil derived from these seeds are excellent sources of the omega-3 essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. Flax seed oil differs from most other vegetable oils, including sunflower, sesame and safflower oil, which contain large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and no omega-3 fatty acids, the Ask Dr. Sears website reports. Too much omega-6 can cause inflammation in the body. While omega-3 fatty acids are associated with cardiovascular health, MedlinePlus cautions that flax oil may not provide the same benefits as the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, with research yielding mixed results.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Heart attack patients are reported to benefit from alpha-linolenic acid, but quality research investigating the effect of flax seed on heart disease is lacking, according to eMedTV. Alpha-linolenic acid may decrease inflammation in the body, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it reduces the ability of blood platelets to clump together, which can prevent blood clots. In laboratory and animal studies, flax seed and flax seed oil reduce blood cholesterol levels, but research in humans shows mixed results, eMedTV adds.
Potential
Flax seed oil supplements may relieve the symptom of dry eyes experienced by people with Sjögren's syndrome. Flax seed oil also may reduce mild symptoms of menopause, and MedlinePlus notes one study that saw flax oil improve symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Usage
A standard dose for flax seed oil is one or two teaspoons daily, although research has not determined if this dosage is effective for any health purpose, eMedTV cautions. Take capsules as directed on the package, consume bottled oil by the teaspoon, or add flax seed oil to salads and other dishes. Add the oil after cooking and just before serving, as high heat can change its chemical structure.
Considerations
Flax seed oil does not contain many of the beneficial components of the seed itself, as it is an isolated component. For example, it does not contain lignans or fiber, MedlinePlus reports. While flax seed shows anti-cancer properties and might help reduce blood sugar and blood pressure, flax seed oil may not provide these benefits.
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