Flax oil is made by pressing the seeds of the flax plant, which has historically been used in making dyes, soaps, paper and fabric. This oil is a rich source of both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Flax oil also contains an essential fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid. Flax oil may offer several medicinal benefits.
Check with your physician before adding flax oil to your diet.
Cholesterol Management
A balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, in combination with alpha-linolenic acid, may help reduce "bad" cholesterol. These fatty acids may increase high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, which are "good" components of cholesterol, the University of Maryland Medical Center states. HDL may help lower triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, the cholesterol components that can clog your arteries. However, evidence linking flax oil to cholesterol control is mixed.
Inflammation Control
The essential fatty acids found in flax oil, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, may have inflammatory benefits, states Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." These fatty acids may help reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. They may also alleviate inflammation of tissues surrounding blood vessels, which may ease constriction on your circulatory system and lower blood pressure.
Heart Health
The alpha-linolenic acid in flax oil may help reduce your risk of heart disease. This essential fatty acid may reduce the ability of blood platelets to adhere to arterial walls, the University of Maryland Medical Center states. This may improve blood flow and reduce strain on your heart. Alpha-linolenic acid is linked to lower incidence of heart attack, particularly when used in conjunction with a diet low in saturated fats and trans fats. It may also help prevent irregular heart rhythms.
Considerations
The human body does not efficiently convert alpha-linolenic acid into docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, which are the fatty acids that may support heart health. This may make flax oil less effective than fish oil, which naturally contains EPA and DHA, the University of Maryland Medical Center mentions. The omega-3 fatty acids in flax oil may increase the effects of blood-thinning medications, and may elevate blood glucose levels.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed Oil
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., et al.; 2010
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