Can you use Flaxseed Oil on Cholesterol?

Do you have high cholesterol? Here's the latest research on using flaxseed oil on cholesterol.

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

Healthy dieting, moderate exercise and less stress can go a long way to improving your cardiovascular health. Sensible use of functional foods and nutritional supplements can also improve your quality of life.

Many nutritional supplement companies claim you can use flaxseed oil on cholesterol. But the question is, does it work?

One thing we know is flaxseed oil is high in the omega 3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid.

And research shows omega 3 fatty acids can reduce your risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation, controlling your blood pressure, and reducing your risk for blood clots.

What does the research show on flaxseed oil and cholesterol?

Is this a natural cure for high cholesterol?

Looking through medical journals, I did find studies showing flaxseed oil reduced cholesterol levels in animals. Animal studies are great, but I'm more interested in the effects this healthy oil will have on humans.

A study done in Altanta, Georgia found patients getting 3 grams a day of alpha linolenic acid from flax seed oil saw an increase of omega 3 fatty acids in their blood. However, this study didn't indicate if there was any change in cholesterol levels.

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

So what can we get from this research?

Most studies show flaxseed oil will increase your blood levels of alpha linolenic acid. However, not all studies conclusively show flaxseed oil will lower cholesterol levels...so I think the jury is still out on this one.

Use Ground Flaxseeds on High Cholesterol

In spite of the need for more research on flaxseed oil and cholesterol, there's other ways 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 a whopping 36%.

How does this happen?

Flaxseeds are high in lignans and fiber. The flaxseed fiber mixes with bile acids in your gut. This forces your liver to make more bile from cholesterol...thus lowering your cholesterol levels!

Most flaxseed oil supplements are low in fiber and lignan content. You basically get zero fiber and lignans in the oil. I think this is part of the reason why using flaxseed oil on cholesterol isn't as effective as ground flaxseeds.

Flaxseed oil manufacturers are starting to realize this. You can now buy flaxseed oils with lignans added to them.

Some nutritional supplement companies claim you can use their high lignan flaxseed oil on cholesterol. But do they really work? So far, I haven't found any studies showing a positive correlation between using flaxseed oil with lignans and a reduction in high cholesterol levels.

Conclusions:

So what's the verdict on flaxseed oil and cholesterol lowering therapies? If you're looking for a natural cure for high cholesterol, try supplementing with ground flaxseeds.

Flaxseed oil is still a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. If you can't eat fish and you're looking to boost your omega 3 levels, you can take flaxseed oil. The only problem is your body has to convert the ALA into the more essential EPA and DHA, which isn't the most efficient process.

Best Ground Flaxseed Supplements for High Cholesterol

Looking for the best ground flaxseed products for cholesterol health?

Ground flaxseeds supplements help lower cholesterol, improve bowel transit time, and provide an excellent source of lignans. One such product is Country Life Omega Fiber Organic Flax Powder.

This flax supplement is an excellent source of ground flaxseeds. Each 100 mg/serving provides beneficial lignans for supporting healthy bones, normal heart function and hormonal balance.

Getting your daily dose of lignans ensures you win the fight win against high cholesterol.

Products such as Designing Health Mega Flax Pro-Active Powder and Health From The Sun Fiproflax Organic Milled Flax Seed Powder provide a complete and balanced organic whole food source. High in fiber, omega 3, protein and lignan content these functional foods are formulated to improve whole body health, reduce discomfort associated with inflammation, and improve recovery from physical activity.

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