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, haemorrhoids, diverticular disorders and
gallstones:
As they are high in dietary fibre, ground flaxseeds can help ease
the passage of stools and thus relieve constipation, haemorrhoids
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.
Minimise 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
ageing:
The lignans in flaxseed 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. Interestingly, the lignans may protect against various
effects of ageing as well.
Treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility
and endometriosis:
Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens
(phytoestrogens) in flaxseed help stabilise 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 may also improve uterine function and thus
treat fertility problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in
flaxseed 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.
