Flaxseed - The Good Oil

To the Heart Rescue

Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of omega- 3 fatty acids and contains twice the amount found in fish. The most important omega- 3 fatty acid found in flaxseed oil is called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This essential fatty acid cannot be made inside the body so it must come from your diet. ALA is important for your health because it lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This helps to reduce fatty deposits in the blood stream that can build up and make the walls of the blood vessels narrow and stiff. As vessels become narrower and harder, blood pressure increases and the blood supply becomes blocked, causing angina, stroke and heart attacks.

One way ALA helps to reduce blood pressure is by increasing cell membrane fluidity and flexibility, and improving the elasticity of blood vessels. It also acts as a natural blood thinner, reducing the ability of blood to form clots. Studies have shown that, even in healthy young men, taking flaxseed oil every day will decrease this tendency for blood platelets to form.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Another function of ALA is to improve the body’s inflammatory responses. Your body converts fatty acids into substances called prostaglandins – hormone-like chemicals that control inflammation. There are many types of prostaglandins and some are more inflammatory than others. When the body produces a greater amount of stronger, more inflammatory prostaglandins, it results in conditions such as arthritis, gout and joint pain, severe menstrual cramping, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and asthma. Old-timers used to say that flaxseed oil ‘oils your joints’, relieving the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Now we know they were right about this effect and understand the complex biochemistry behind it. Prostaglandins that are made from omega-3 oils are weaker than those made from omega-6 oils, so a diet that includes flaxseed oil can ‘down regulate’ the inflammatory response and improve these inflammatory conditions.

Flaxseed oil for everyone

Flaxseed oil is an essential addition to the diet, but it is most important for anyone who suffers from cardiovascular disease or inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, period pain or asthma. Many people are concerned about the level of heavy metals found in fish these days. If this is you, or you are vegetarian or just don’t like fish enough to eat the recommended two servings a week, you can achieve your omega-3 fatty acid requirements from flaxseed oil.

Toni Jordan, BSc, Dip A, has 15 years’ experience in the natural medicine industry. She has lectured across Australia and overseas, and is now a freelance writer and consultant based in Melbourne.

This story has been published with the permission of Herbs & Health Lifestyle Magazine - www.herbsandhealth.com.au