Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil - Overview

What are the health benefits of flaxseed oil?

Flaxseed oil is the oil obtained from flaxseeds, which are also commonly referred to as linseeds. Flax seed oil is very rich in the omega 3 fatty acid, ALA; it is said that it comprises of about 55% ALA. This oil is put forth by many as the best plant-based source of omega 3 fatty acids. In fact, many even say it is nature's best and richest source of these essential fatty acids, period.

Omega 3 fatty acids are critical for good health and the proper function of numerous bodily systems and parts. Much research on omega 3's, however, has focused on DHA and EPA, two omega 3 fats which are typically found in animal-based food sources. Relatively little research has been carried out on ALA, which can actually be converted by the human body into DHA and EPA, but on a limited basis.

Besides omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil also contains omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, zinc, potassium and lecithin. Thus, overall, the health benefits of flaxseed oil stem largely from the fact that is a healthy whole food, offering broad-spectrum nutrition to the body and helping to bring about balance between the different types of essential fatty acids. This makes flaxseed oil a great supplement for obtaining essential fatty acids and various other nutrients.

The possible health benefits of flaxseed oil have been suggested by some studies. Flaxseed oil may help to lower high blood pressure, lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (so called "bad" cholesterol) and slow the rate of progress of atherosclerosis. One particular study suggested that flaxseed oil may boost conventional treatment for bipolar disorder.

In addition, flaxseed oil has been put forth as being useful for relieving constipation and for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Another study also suggested that an ALA-rich diet may help lower the risk of heart disease.

Flaxseeds themselves are rich in fiber and lignans, although flaxseed oil has little lignans and no fiber at all. This makes flaxseeds a good remedy for constipation and ulcerative colitis. There have also been suggestions that ALA and the lignans found in flaxseeds may have anti-cancer properties. Lignans have antioxidant properties and studies suggest that these nutrients could impact metabolism as well as the function of estrogen.

Logically speaking, because ALA can be converted by the body into the more well-studied omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, flaxseed oil should thus offer the same health benefits as fish oil and other sources of those fatty acids, at least to some degree. One way to boost the conversion of ALA into DHA and EPA, and thus the health benefits of flaxseed oil, is to restrict one's consumption of other types of vegetable oils.