Flaxseed Oil Benefits
A rich source of healing compounds,
flaxseed has been cultivated for more
than 7000 years. First cultivated in
Europe, the plant's brown seeds were
regularly used to prepare balms for
inflamed skin and healing slurries for
constipation. Rich in essential fatty
acids, or EFAs, flaxseed oil is used to
prevent and treat heart disease and to
relieve a variety of inflammatory
disorders and hormone-related
problems, including infertility.
A source of fiber for linen fabric since
ancient times, the slender flax plant
also boasts a long history as a healing
herb. First cultivated in Europe, the
plant's brown seeds were regularly
used to prepare balms for inflamed
skin and healing slurries for
constipation. Today, flaxseeds (also
called linseeds) are best known for the
therapeutic oil that is derived by
pressing them. Rich in essential fatty
acids, or EFAs, flaxseed oil has earned
a solid reputation for treating a range
of ailments, from heart disease to
lupus.
The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil
are one of its key healing components.
EFAs are particularly valuable because the body needs
them to function properly, but can't manufacture them
on its own. Essential fatty acids work throughout the
body to protect cell membranes, keeping them efficient
at admitting healthy substances while barring damaging
ones.
One of the EFAs in flaxseed oil, alpha-linolenic acid, is
known as an omega-3 fatty acid. Like the omega-3s
found in fish, it appears to reduce the risk of heart
disease and numerous other ailments.
Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of omega-3s: Just 1
teaspoon contains about 2.5 grams, equivalent to more
than twice the amount most people get through their
diets. Flaxseeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids in the
form of linoleic acid; omega-6s are the same healthy
fats found in vegetable oils.
Flaxseed oil only contains these alpha-linolenic acid
(Omega 3 oils), and not the fiber or lignan components.
Therefore, flaxseed oil provides the Omega 3 benefits,
such as lipid-lowering properties, but not the laxative or
anti-cancer properties.
Whole flaxseeds (not the extracted oil) are a rich source
of lignans (phytoestrogens), substances that appear to
positively affect hormone-related problems. Lignans
may also be useful in preventing certain cancers and
combating specific bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including
those that cause cold sores and shingles.
Flaxseed may help to:
Lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease and
control high blood pressure:
Several studies indicate that flaxseed oil, as well as
ground flaxseeds, can lower cholesterol, thereby
significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. Taking
flaxseed oil may also protect against angina (chest
pain) and high blood pressure. In addition, a five-year
study done recently at Boston's Simmons College found
that flaxseed oil may be useful in preventing a second
heart attack. It may also help prevent elevated blood
pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause
artery-hardening plaque and poor circulation.
Counter inflammation associated with gout, lupus and
fibrocystic breasts:
Omega-3 fatty acids appear to limit the inflammatory
reaction associated with these conditions. In cases of
lupus, flaxseed oil not only reduces inflammation in the
joints, skin and kidneys, but also lowers cholesterol
levels that may be elevated by the disease. Taking
flaxseed oil for gout may lessen the often sudden and
severe joint pain or swelling that is a symptom of this
condition. In addition, the ability of omega-3 fatty acids
to boost the absorption of iodine (a mineral often found
in low levels in women suffering from fibrocystic
breasts) makes flaxseed oil potentially valuable for
treating this often painful condition.
Control constipation, haemorrhoids, diverticular
disorders and gallstones:
As they are high in dietary fibre, ground flaxseeds can
help ease the passage of stools and thus relieve
constipation, haemorrhoids and diverticular disease. In
those with diverticular disease, flaxseeds may also keep
intestinal pouches free of waste and thus keep potential
infection at bay. Taken for inflammatory bowel disease,
flaxseed oil can help to calm inflammation and repair
any intestinal tract damage. In addition, the oil may
prevent painful gallstones from developing and even
dissolve existing stones.
Treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea:
The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil are largely
responsible for its skin-healing powers. Red, itchy
patches of eczema, psoriasis and rosacea often respond
to the EFA's anti-inflammatory actions and overall skin-
soothing properties. Sunburned skin may heal faster
when treated with the oil as well. In cases of acne, the
EFAs encourage thinning of the oily sebum that clogs
pores.
Promote healthy hair and nails:
The abundant omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil have
been shown to contribute to healthy hair growth (in
fact, low levels of these acids may cause dry and
lackluster locks). Hair problems exacerbated by
psoriasis or eczema of the scalp may respond to the
skin-revitalizing and anti-inflammatory actions of
flaxseed oil as well. Similarly, the oil's EFAs work to
nourish dry or brittle nails, stopping them from cracking
or splitting.
Minimise nerve damage that causes numbness and
tingling as well as other disorders:
The EFAs in flaxseed oil assist in the transmission of
nerve impulses, making the oil potentially valuable in
treating conditions of numbness and tingling. The oil's
nerve-nourishing actions may also help in the treatment
of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative disorder of the
nervous system, and protect against the nerve damage
associated with diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Reduce cancer risk and guard against the effects of
ageing:
The lignans in flaxseed appear to play a role in
protecting against breast, colon, prostate, and perhaps
skin cancer. Although further studies are needed,
research undertaken at the University of Toronto
indicates that women with breast cancer, regardless of
the degree of cancer invasiveness, may benefit from
treatment with flaxseed. Interestingly, the lignans may
protect against various effects of ageing as well.
Treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female
infertility and endometriosis:
Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant
estrogens (phytoestrogens) in flaxseed help stabilise a
woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have
beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle, and relieve the
hot flashes of perimenopause and menopause. Flaxseed
may also improve uterine function and thus treat fertility
problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in
flaxseed have been shown to block production of
prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that, when
released in excess amounts during menstruation, can
cause the heavy bleeding associated with
endometriosis.
Fight prostate problems, male infertility and impotence:
The EFAs in flaxseed oil may help to
prevent swelling and inflammation of the
prostate, the small gland located below the
bladder in males that tends to enlarge with age.
Symptoms of such enlargement, such as urgency to
urinate, may lessen as a result. The EFAs also play a
role in keeping sperm healthy, which may be of value in
treating male infertility, and they can improve blood flow
to the penis, a boon for those suffering from impotence.
