What Are The Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil Tablets?

Scientific research continues to delve further into the beneficial properties of many foods, flaxseed included. Familiarizing yourself with the evidence enables you to make better choices when considering supplements and food choices. Flaxseed, flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil tablets each offer their own benefits for your health.

Background

Flaxseed, a plant thought to have originated in Egypt, is also known as linseed. The plant is currently grown throughout much of the United States and in various parts of the world. Whole or ground flaxseed have different benefits than flaxseed oil. Lignan and soluble fiber are found in whole and ground seeds, but is absent from flaxseed oil. However, both flaxseed and flaxseed oil offer a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Types

Flaxseed, whole or ground, contains lignan. The Sept. 7, 2010 edition of the "Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics" published the results of a study on the effects of different lignans. Conclusions of the study state that phytoestrogens may have potential benefit for breast cancer therapy. Flaxseed lignan was one of the phytoestrogens investigated in the study.

Flaxseed, whole or ground, also contains soluble fiber. This has made whole or ground flaxseed one of the treatments for constipation. Flaxseed oil neither contains lignan nor fiber, but it is a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids. Because of the different health benefits of flaxseed and flaxseed oil, it is important to note the form of flaxseed being discussed when learning about provided benefits.

Benefits

Much of the scientific research on the benefits of flaxseed and flaxseed oil is in the preliminary stages. There are studies that suggest one benefit or another, but as MayoClinic.com and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine point out, more research is required before they can be recommended for reducing heart disease risk and reducing cholesterol and triglycerides.

Flaxseed oil provides a concentrated form of omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fatty acids that the body does not manufacture, so they must be provided through an external source. For individuals concerned about obtaining these essential fatty acids through animal-based sources, flaxseed and flaxseed oil provide a plant-based alternative.

Purported Uses

Flaxseed oil has been used for the treatment of constipation, but whole or ground flaxseed or flaxseed in food products are the preferred forms for relieving constipation. "Arthritis Today," a publication of the Arthritis Foundation notes that while some people use flaxseed or flaxseed oil to ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, scientific evidence is lacking. However, the "Arthritis Today" supplement guide does state that omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory.

Considerations

Much research has been conducted on the relationship between alpha-linolenic acid, ALA, and the risk of prostate cancer. Flaxseed is rich in ALA; flaxseed oil provides a concentrated amount of ALA. The May 2009 edition of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" contains the results of an analysis by Joel A. Simon on the relationship between ALA and prostate cancer risk. Conclusions of the analysis state there may be a small increased risk of prostate cancer with high ALA intake, but that studies up until the date of the study's publication may have been influenced by publication bias and the diversity of study methods used.