What it is: A polyunsaturated vegetable oil that's a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids. Studies have repeatedly suggested that omega3's lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and reduce the stickiness of platelets, thus reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Other studies have found that omega 3's raise highdensity lipoproteins (HDLs), the "good" cholesterol that helps whisk artery clogging LDL out of the blood. While fish oils are the best known sources of omega 3's, flaxseed oil contains twice the amount of omega 3's as fish oils do.
How it delays aging. Researchers have conducted numerous studies on flaxseed to study its potential in preventing and treating cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer. In animal studies, flaxseed helps keep breast cancer from starting and slows the growth of breast tumors already in place.
Research suggests that the cancer fighting substance in flaxseed is lignan precursors, compounds that the body converts into lignans. These are estrogen like compounds that may prevent breast cancer by taking up estrogen receptors on breast cells, thereby blocking stronger, cancer causing estrogen.
Lignans also act as antioxidants and contain other beneficial plant chemicals. An accumulating body of research suggests that they may help protect against age related chronic conditions such as heart disease.
What you'll find. There are a wide variety of flaxseed oils on the market, but not all are equally beneficial, notes Michael T. Murray, N.D., a faculty member at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington, in his book Understanding Fats and Oils.
He recommends choosing a brand that has been processed using a technique called modified atmospheric packing (MAP). This method squeezes the oil from the seed at low temperatures while also protecting it from the damaging effects of light and oxygen. Some trade names for MAP processing include Bio Electron Process, used by Barlean's Organic Oils; SpectraVac Cold Pressed, used by Spectrum Naturals; and the Omegaflo process, used by Omega Nutrition.
Because lignan precursors are found only in the hull of flaxseeds, many brands of flaxseed oil don't contain these beneficial compounds. Some brands that do are Barlean's Organic HighLignan Flaxseed Oil, Spectrum Naturals' HighLig Flax Oil, and HI Lignan Flax Seed Oil from Omega Nutrition. They are available in some health food stores or by mail order.
One more thing: Buy only those brands that come in light resistant plastic containers. Light causes any oil, including flaxseed oil, to break down and turn rancid.
How much to take: Take 1 tablespoon per 100 pounds of body weight a day, suggests Dr. Murray.
Keep flaxseed oil in the freezer until you open it. This win keep its beneficial substances intact. After you open it, keep it in the refrigerator. Also, take flaxseed oil with food (perhaps mix it into yogurt). Your body will absorb and use its essential fatty acids more efficiently. Flaxseed is easily damaged by heat, so don't use it in cooking.
Side Effects Due to its high calorie content, you could gain weight if you don't figure flaxseed oil into your total calorie intake.
