Flaxseed oil FAQs
What Is It?
A source of fiber for
linen fabric since ancient times, the slender flax plant (Linum
usitatissimum) 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.
What Are the Health Benefits?
The
essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil are 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 Americans 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.
In addition, flaxseeds are a rich source of lignans, 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.
When taken in ground form, flaxseeds provide an extra fiber boost,
easing the passage of stools and benefiting the digestive tract in
multiple ways.
Specifically, flaxseed oil (and flaxseeds) 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, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders and
gallstones. Because they are high in dietary fiber, ground flaxseeds can
help ease the passage of stools and thus relieve constipation,
hemorrhoids 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.
Minimize 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 aging. The
lignans in flaxseed oil 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 oil.
Interestingly, the oil's lignans may protect against various effects of
aging as well.
Treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility and
endometriosis. Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens
(phytoestrogens) in flaxseed oil help stabilize 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 oil may also improve uterine function and thus treat
fertility problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in flaxseed
oil 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.
Note: Flaxseed oil has also been found to be useful
for a number of other disorders. For information on these additional
ailments, see our Dosage Recommendations Chart for Flaxseed Oil.
Is Flaxseed oil beneficial to body builders?
Yes,
flaxseed oil does several things for body builders:
Reduced Body fat
Enhanced Performance
Shortened recovery time
Good source of energy
Reduced muscle soreness
Increased
utilization of oxygen
Increased utilization of other nutrients
Overall better health
And what do all of those lead to? MORE
MUSCLE!
Is flaxseed good for children?
Flax seed is good
for children as well as adults. Children 70 lbs. to 105 lbs. can consume
up to 1/8 of a cup per day.
Golden flax seed vs. brown flax seed - what is the
difference?
The nutritional value of golden flax seed vs.
brown flax seed are very similar if the samples are of the same quality.
I mention quality because it is very important in determining the omega
3 content and overall nutritional value. A high quality flaxseed whether
golden or brown will accomplish the same, although we have found most
people prefer the nutty-buttery flavor of our golden flax seed over the
brown flax seed.
The variety we sell is called Omega and was developed by North Dakota
State University in 1989 for human consumption. We specialize in flax
seed. We strive to deliver the highest quality flaxseed with the most
nutritional value. We are able to achieve this high quality by growing
it farther north in Canada. The cooler climate and longer summertime
daylight hours help to acheive a higher Omega 3 content in the flax
seed.