Flax seed was one of the first crops domesticated by man more than 7,000 years ago. As a health supplement, this plant has been growing in popularity. Research is finding more and more uses for flax seed and flax seed oil all the time. Even without the extra health claims, flax is still a great source of fiber and unsaturated fats. Not everyone may be able to enjoy flax, since it can interact with medications.
History
Flax oil has been around for thousands of years in the textile industry. Flax plants have been dated back as far as 9000 BC. It was popular in the early Egyptian times for making the wrappings for mummies. It continues to be used in making linen and papers. Flax lost popularity in the textile industry with the invention of the cotton gin. This plant still is a relatively inexpensive crop to grow and is gaining a premium price when used as a food supplement.
Benefits
Since flax seed is made mostly of unsaturated fats, it can be used as an oil or butter replacement in baking. The Cleveland Clinic states that ground flax seed can replace butter in a three to one ratio. When a recipe calls for one cup of butter, replacing it would require three cups of the ground seed. Flax seed will add a nutty flavor to the recipes and will reduce the overall calories and fat since 1 cup of flax seed is 760 calories and 55 g of fat versus one cup of butter at 1,600 calories and 176 g of fat.
Ongoing Research
While flax oil does not affect HDLs in cholesterol, studies are still looking at whether flax oil or seed can help lower LDL fats. The Mayo Clinic graded many studied benefits at a "C" in terms of effectiveness and research. Some of these benefits include helping with ADHD, reducing dry eyes in a rare autoimmune condition, helping with heart disease, and possibly being a protective and preventative food for prostate cancer. Most of these studies received a "C" due to the fact that flax seed has not received "thumbs up" for treating these conditions but have been shown to be helpful. Full benefits from flax seed alone or the oil will need further research.
Whole Seeds
While flax contains fiber and oil the seed itself has a coating which causes a laxative reaction. Eating the whole seeds may not provide the same benefits as consuming the oil or ground seeds. Even when consuming the ground flax and oil, the body has a hard time converting the Alpha-linolenic acid, ALA, into Omega 3 oil, so higher amounts of flax need to be taken to obtain the same amount of omega-3 from fish oils.
Drug Interactions
Flax can interfere with the absorption of some medications, while causing other effects for other drugs and has protective effects with even others. Taken with over-the-counter medications, it helps protect the stomach from ulcers and other negative side effects. Combining flax with blood thinners such as warfarin may cause an increase in the blood thinning effects of these drugs. Currently, those with diabetes are not recommended to take flax seed without the supervision of a health-care provider, according to the University of Maryland Medical Ceneter. When supplementing with flax seed or oil, it is best to talk to a doctor to find out about other potential drug interactions.
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