Do you have high cholesterol? Here's the latest research on taking flaxseed oil as a cholesterol-lowering nutrient.

One of the keys to staying healthy is maintaining cardiovascular health. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity are some of the major causes for the alarming rates of heart disease.

Following a healthy diet, moderate exercise and reducing stress may go a long way to improving your heart health. The sensible use of functional foods and nutritional supplements may also improve your quality of life.

One such supplement is flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of the omega 3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid (ALA). Research shows omega 3 fatty acids can reduce your risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation, control your blood pressure, and help lower the risk for blood clots.

You may read claims from some nutritional supplement companies that say you can use flaxseed oil on cholesterol. While flaxseed oil does offer many health benefits, the question is will it help lower high cholesterol levels?

What does the research show on flaxseed oil and cholesterol?

Is flaxseed oil a natural cure for high cholesterol?

Looking through medical journals, I found studies showing flaxseed oil may lower cholesterol levels, but only if ground flaxseeds were also used.

One study from Altanta, Georgia found patients getting 3 grams a day of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) from flax seed oil saw an increase in serum omega 3 fatty acids levels with no change in cholesterol levels.

Another study from Pennsylvania State University found a diet high in ALA led to a reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Unfortunately, this particular study didn't indicate if these patients used flaxseed oil as their source for alpha linolenic acid.

Research indicates flaxseed oil may raise your blood levels of alpha linolenic acid, but the cholesterol-lowering effect may be due more to the ingredients found only in ground flaxseeds.

Health Benefits of Ground Flaxseeds on High Cholesterol

In spite of the need for more research on flaxseed oil and cholesterol, you can improve your health with ground flaxseeds.

Current research shows ground flaxseeds can lower your cholesterol levels.

A study from Rome showed eating 20 grams a day of flaxseeds (about 1 tablespoon) reduces total cholesterol levels by 17% and triglycerides levels by 36%.

Scientists at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre in Manitoba looked at multiple studies and they found ground flaxseeds reduce circulating total cholesterol (TC) by 5%-17% and LDL (unhealthy) cholesterol by 4%-10% in people with high cholesterol.

The evidence to date suggests that the dietary fiber and lignans in ground flaxseed causes the decrease in cholesterol; not the oil. Researchers believe flaxseed oil may help reduce plaque build-up due to the anti inflammatory effects of the omega 3 ALA.

How does this happen? Lignans are a phyto-estrogen (plant-like estrogen) and antioxidant. The fiber mixes with bile acids in your gut and forces your liver to make more bile from cholesterol. This causes your cholesterol levels to decrease.

Introduction of High-lignan Flaxseed Oils

High Lignan Flaxseed Oil

Unfortunately, you'll find most flaxseed oil supplements are low in fiber and lignans. This may explain why using only flaxseed oil on cholesterol may not be as effective as ground flaxseeds.

Some flaxseed oil manufacturers are starting to realize this and are now adding lignans to their oils. Lignans are usually added in the form of crushed flaxseeds.

Can you use high-lignan flaxseed oil as a cholesterol-lowering agent? I think it's possible if there is a high enough content of lignans in the oil. Currently, the lignan content is not regulated by the flaxseed industry so there's no way of knowing how much of it is needed to achieve its valued health effect.

The Final Word on Flaxseed Oil and Cholesterol Lowering

So what's the verdict on flaxseed oil and cholesterol levels? If you're looking for a natural cure for high cholesterol, the studies indicate you may have better success from using ground flaxseeds rather than flaxseed oil.

There are other healthy oils you may use for high cholesterol; One of the benefits of coconut oil is it helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. You may also use krill oil or fish oils to lower unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Flaxseed oil is a good plant source of omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and plaque build-up in your arteries. Ground flaxseeds can provide more cholesterol-lowering effects due to the lignans and fiber. Combining these two forms of flaxseed may help improve your cardiovascular health.

Research References:

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