Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

The main benefits of flaxseed oil is it provides a rich source of healthy fats, plant proteins, vitamins and minerals, including thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

Flaxseeds contain about 42% oil and more than 70% of the oil is a polyunsaturated fat in the form of an omega 3 fatty acid called  Alpha linolenic acid (ALA).

Food scientists state that omega 3 fatty acids are essential fats you need for optimal health. These fats play an important role in brain function and cellular development. Your body can’t make them so you need to get them from your diet.

When you eat flaxseeds, your body converts the alpha linolenic acid (ALA) into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Unfortunately, research shows that the conversion process for alpha linolenic acid isn’t very efficient.  So if you’re going to use flaxseed oil for the omega 3 fatty acids, you may want to think about supplementing your diet with other food sources of omega 3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, walnuts and fish oils, to ensure you’re getting enough of these healthy fats.

Seven Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

1.  May Reduce Risk for Heart Disease

Research shows omega 3 fatty acids can reduce high cholesterol and may help minimize plaque build-up in your arteries.

One study found women who ate 1.5 grams of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) every day had a 46% lower risk for sudden cardiac death than those who ate lower amount.

2.  May Reduce Risk for High blood Pressure

Scientists believe that eating a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids (including ALA) can reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Researchers at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at the St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre in Winnipeg, Canada concluded that alpha linolenic acid in flaxseed reduces the incidence of fatty deposits in the arteries, which may lower the risk for high blood pressure.

3.  Improve Skin Health

A study published in the July 2010 issue of Clinic of Dermatology found alpha linolenic acid may help treat skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, lupus erytheromatos and melanoma.  

Using flaxseed oil for acne may help lead to softer and smoother-looking skin with less breakouts.

The healthy fats in flaxseed oil may improve your skin health by:

• help maintain the integrity of your skin.

• inhibits inflammation.

• raises your threshold for getting a sunburn.

• helps your skin heal faster.

• may promote cell death of malignant skin cells such as melanoma.

4.  Possible Reduced Risk for Cancer

Can you use this supplement to cure cancer? A controversial cancer treatment called The Budwig Diet is rumored to cure cancer. Before you jump the gun and try this diet make sure your read this information in this eye-opening report.

Can you get prostate cancer from taking this product? – Find out what The National Cancer Institute believes is the real reason for the rise in prostate cancer…and it’s not from flaxseed oils.

Flax Seed and Cancer – Flax seed is an excellent plant source of phytoestrogens called lignans. Animal studies found these compounds may help protect against color and breast cancer by blocking tumors from forming. Learn how a tablespoon a day of this healthy seed may reduce your risk for certain types of cancers.

5.  Lower Risk for High Cholesterol?

Latest research on flaxseed and cholesterol shows mixed results. Scientist discovered milled or ground flaxseeds may perform better at lowering cholesterol than the oils. While the oils may boost your alpha linolenic acid levels, researchers believe it’s the lignans and fiber in flaxseed that may have a cholesterol-lowering effect.

6.  Can you Use Flaxseed Oil to Cure Constipation?

This idea may have come from the use of taking mineral oil to help provide lubrication for slow moving stools; or that old wives’ tale of taking cod liver oil for constipation. Current research now shows this may not be the most effective treatment for slow moving bowels.

Doctors believe constipation is caused from eating a poor diet, lack of exercise and not eating enough fiber. The daily recommended dose of fiber is about 20 – 25 grams.

One of the most effective treatments for constipation is ground flaxseeds. One tablespoon of ground or milled flaxseed provides 2.2 grams of fiber.

What are other food sources of fiber? You can use dried beans, whole wheat bran cereals, and dried fruit (figs & apricots). If you’re interested, here’s a great article on bowel function & fiber from Dr. Warren Encker, Director of Gastrointestinal Institute for Cancer and Continuum Cancer Centers of New York.

7.  Reduce Joint Pain in Arthritis – Research shows omega-3’s can exert an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. This effect may help reduce morning stiffness, joint tenderness and improve your mobility.

Buyer’s Guide to Flaxseed Oils

Side Effects – Can you use this product if you’re pregnant? Is it safe to give to your child? While this is a natural whole food supplement there are some guidelines you should follow to get the most from it. Get all your questions answered here.

Better than Fish Oils? – Find how which product is better for your individual health needs.

Capsules and Soft gels – This product is available in two different forms; soft gels capsules and bottled liquids. Here’s more detailed information on the pros and cons of soft gels and capsules.

Guide to Buying the Best Oils – Looking for the highest quality products? Learn the secrets to finding the highest quality supplements and check out my favorite selection of flaxseed oils from some of the best nutritional supplement companies.

Benefits of Flaxseed Oil Research References: