Flax oil is made from the seeds of the flax plant, also known as Linum usitatissimum. Flaxseed oil is prized for its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are types of "healthy fats." Several different types of flax oil products are available, and you might use flax oil to make salad dressings or take it in the form of a dietary supplement. In addition to its use as a source of healthy fats, flax oil also has some potential medicinal benefits. Before you begin taking flaxseed oil for medicinal purposes, consult your doctor to discuss the possible risks and drug interactions.
Types
Flaxseed oil comes in the form of manufactured oil and in capsules. Flaxseed oil isn't used for cooking, because exposure to temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit typically turn the oil rancid. Therefore, flaxseed oil is most commonly made into salad dressings without heating it. Also, flax oil products are packaged in dark- or opaque-colored containers to prevent exposure to light, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sometimes, manufacturers add vitamin E to flax oil to prevent rancidity. Common brand names for flaxseed oil products include Alashi, Barlean's Vita-Flax, Barlean's Flax Oil, Linaceae and Graine de Lin. Flax oil also comes in two types: Type I Flaxseed containing 51- to 55-percent alpha-linolenic acid, or "ALA," and Type II Flaxseed, or CDC-Flaxseed, containing only 2- to 3-percent ALA.
Function
Flax oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, the most important of which is the omega-3 called ALA, MayoClinic.com notes. Most flaxseed oil products are standardized to contain a certain concentration of ALA, typically 50- to 60-percent ALA. Your body converts ALA into eicosapentaenoic acid, or "EPA," and docosahexaenoic acid, or "DHA," according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Omega-3 fatty acids act to inhibit inflammation in your body, regulate your cholesterol levels, reduce excessive clotting of blood platelets, regulate heart rhythm and support the health of your blood vessels.
Uses
Flaxseed oil could provide specific health benefits for certain people. Flax oil may have the potential to help in treating high cholesterol and Sjogren's syndrome, as well as in reducing the risk for heart disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Flaxseed oil could possibly help in treating bipolar disorder, hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as supporting pregnancy, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. No widely accepted, conclusive medical research supports the use of flax oil for any of these purposes, however.
Considerations
Although flax oil is often considered an alternative to fish oil with similar health benefits, both oils are not the same in their specific nutrient content.The main difference is that flaxseed oil contains ALA, which your body has to convert into EPA and DHA, while fish oil actually contains EPA and DHA, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Although ALA is still an important type of omega-3 fatty acid, flax oil may not offer the same health benefits as fish oil. The main reason for this difference is because your body doesn't efficiently convert ALA into EPA and DHA, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also, flax oil can pose certain dangers for some people. Flaxseed oil can have a slight laxative effect, which may cause diarrhea and stomachaches, MayoClinic.com warns. The laxative effect also makes flaxseed oil a substance to avoid if you have irritable bowel syndrome, chronic diarrhea or inflammatory bowel diseases. Men who have or are at risk for prostate cancer should also avoid taking flax oil, due to a potential danger associated with ALA. If you're taking blood-thinning medications like Coumadin, Plavix or aspirin, taking flaxseed oil may increase your bleeding risks. Flax oil can also increase your fasting blood-glucose levels, which can interfere with insulin and other diabetes medications.
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