Flaxseed oil, also called linseed oil, is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that is a precursor to omega-3 fatty acids. Like most plant oils, flaxseed oil is unsaturated and healthy for the heart, explains the University of California, Berkeley. The oil is a good alternative for vegans, vegetarians and other groups who do not consume fish, but who desire the health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and capsule form.
Dry Eyes and Vision
When taken alone or used in conjunction with lubricating eye drops, flaxseed oil reduces the burning, redness, stinging and visual disturbances associated with dry eyes. Supplementation with flaxseed oil may reduce dry eye symptoms that occur in patients with Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack moisture-producing glands, according to MayoClinic.com. The oil may also reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, a disorder that can lead to blindness, explains All About Vision.
Cardiovascular Disease
A diet rich in ALA may significantly reduce the risk of heart disease recurrence, and people who eat plenty of ALA-rich foods are less likely to die of a heart attack. People with a history of heart attack and cardiovascular disease may benefit from flaxseed oil supplements containing alpha-linolenic acid, notes MayoClinic.com. ALA and flaxseed oil may protect cardiovascular health by reducing the stickiness of platelets, improving the health of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and preventing arrhythmias, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
High Cholesterol and High Triglycerides
MayoClinic.com reports that flaxseed oil has proven to lower triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels in animal and laboratory studies, although support for these benefits is lacking in humans. People on the Mediterranean diet have higher levels of HDL, the good cholesterol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This benefit may be explained by the fact that the Mediterranean diet is naturally high in ALA.
Other Health Benefits
Flaxseed oil may improve mild symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and breast tenderness, and help prevent spontaneous delivery during pregnancy. The oil may also help prevent or relieve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. MayoClinic.com explains that a deficiency in some highly unsaturated fatty acids may contribute to the development of ADHD in children. Moreover, because of the conversion of ALA to the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in the body, Oregon State University suggests that flaxseed oil may help protect against or treat dementia, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum)
- All About Vision: Using Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil To Relieve Dry Eye
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed Oil
- UC Berkeley Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
- Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute: Essential Fatty Acids
Member Comments