Why Flax?
Flaxseed is the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, a family of essential fatty acids the body cannot produce on its own, but which appear to be vital to good health. The omega-3 in flax and other plants is called alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. ALA, the "parent" of the omega-3 family, is a short chain fatty acid that the body converts to the long chain fatty acids DHA and EPA, the type of omega-3 fats found in marine animals. It's estimated that only about 15% of the ALA converts to EPA; however, many studies have shown results from flax supplementation similar to those with marine oils.
ALA appears to be effective in treating everything from skin disease to neurological disorders, but it may be best known as a heart-smart supplement. Studies on cardiac patients have shown that diets high in ALA are associated with fewer fatal cardiac events. In clinical trials, ALA was shown to lower LDL, the bad cholesterol, with no change in HDL. Additionally, blood pressure levels are reduced, and strokes prevented, by diets high in ALA.
Other Health Benefits:
Cancer survivors and researchers alike tout the benefits of flax, and with good reason. Numerous studies conducted on animals and humans show that flax has powerful anti-tumor properties and may reduce tumor size by 59%. Scientists have found the lignans--powerful phytoestrotens that reduce the negative impact of human hormones--in flax are effective at blocking new tumors, while the ALA slows the growth of established tumors.
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and MS, may also benefit from flax supplementation, due to its positive role in prostaglandin formation. Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease are helped by flax, and pms symptoms can be reduced. Neurological and mental disorders, including depression, attention deficit, schizophrenia, and post partem depression, are also treated with the ALA from flax oil. In addition, flax oil lowers the amount of insulin required by diabetics, and can help control blood sugar levels.
The Skinny on Flax
Several skin conditions are treated with flax, including dry skin, excema, and psoriasis. Flax makes hair shiny, skin soft and supple, and nails strong. Acne is also noticably reduced after flax supplementation. While a more beautiful you is a fine benefit, melanoma, the deadly skin cancer, is also less prevalent in people with diets high in ALA.
The Brain Connection
Essential fatty acids are also vital to the brain and nervous tissue. Sixty percent of the human brain is made up of fat, and when the wrong types of fats are included in the diet, brain function is affected. Animals fed high levels of saturated fat--the "hard" fats--don't learn as rapidly. Adequate amounts of omega 3 fats--the "squishy," more fluid fats--ensure good communication between the neurons and improve learning.
Without adequate amounts of omega-3 fats, neurons cannot make connections properly. Infant brains, especially, are at risk of EFA deprivation. Pregnant and nursing mothers should be especially aware of insuring adequate intake of omega-3 fats, as babies born to mothers with low levels of DHA show signs of neurological and visual impairment. (DHA made from algae is available, in vegetarian capsules.)
It's also suspected that chronic, low level inflammation may underlie such neurological diseases as Alzheimers and Huntington's. Excessive amounts of omega-6 type fats fuel the inflammation response, while omega-3 fats combat inflammation.
Research continues into the health benefits of flax. More and more, scientists are confirming what the ancients knew all along: flax is good for you.
Our Daily Flax: Cooking with Flax
Flax FAQs
Other Sources of Omega-3
Nutritional Profile of Flaxseeds
Barleans Lots of educational literature from a reputable flaxseed oil manufacturer.
The Flax Council Visit the Nutrition pages for results of scientific studies involving flax
GAIA Research Dozens of abstracts on flax research
Your Miracle Brain by Jean Carper
Fats that Heal Fats that Kill by Udo Erasmus
The Omega Plan by Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D., and Jo Robinson
Flax Oil as a True Aid against Arthritis, Heart Infarction, Cancer and Other Diseases by Johanna Budwig
Omega 3-Oils: To Improve Mental Health, Fight Degenerative Diseases, and Extend Your Life by Donald O. Rudin
Flaxseed Oil: The Premier Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids by Kate Gilbert Udall
The Omega-3 Connection, by Andrew Stoll, M.D.
Flax: The Super Food by Barb Bloomfield, Judy Brown and Siegfried Gursche
To Your Health
The Cooking Life
Our Daily Flax
Flax FAQs
Nutritional Profile of Flaxseeds