Flaxseed and flaxseed oil
Overview
Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and flaxseed oil, which comes from flaxseed, are rich sources of the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid — a heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid. Flaxseed is high in soluble fiber and in lignans, which contain phytoestrogens. Similar to the hormone estrogen, phytoestrogens might have anti-cancer properties. Flaxseed oil doesn't have these phytoestrogens.
Flaxseed can be used whole or crushed, or in a powder form as meal or flour. Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and capsule form.
People use flaxseed and flaxseed oil to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar and treat digestive conditions. Some people also take flaxseed to treat inflammatory diseases.
What the research says
Research on the use of flaxseed and flaxseed oil for specific conditions shows:
- Heart disease. Some studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid, which is found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil, might benefit people with heart disease. Early research also suggests that flaxseed might help lower high blood pressure, which plays a role in heart disease.
- Cholesterol levels. Several studies show that taking flaxseed daily can reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels. However, other studies aren't as favorable.
- Diabetes. Taking flaxseed might lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the same results haven't been found for flaxseed oil.
- Menopausal symptoms. Results have been mixed when it comes to use of flaxseed and the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Our take
Generally safe
When used in combination with daily exercise and a low cholesterol diet, flaxseed might help control cholesterol levels. Flaxseed might also be helpful for managing diabetes and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Safety and side effects
When taken in recommended amounts, flaxseed and flaxseed oil are generally safe to use. However, when taken in large amounts and with too little water, flaxseed can cause:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
Avoid use of flaxseed and flaxseed oil during pregnancy.
Occasionally, using flaxseed or flaxseed oil causes an allergic reaction.
Don't eat raw or unripe flaxseeds.
Because flaxseed oil might decrease blood clotting, stop using flaxseed oil two weeks before having elective surgery.
The evidence is mixed as to whether flaxseed or flaxseed oil has any effect on the prostate or the risk of prostate cancer.
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs, herbs and supplements. These types of drugs, herbs and supplements reduce blood clotting. Flaxseed oil also might decrease blood clotting. It's possible that taking flaxseed oil might increase the risk of bleeding.
- Blood pressure drugs, herbs and supplements. Flaxseed oil might lower blood pressure. Taking flaxseed oil with drugs, herbs and supplements that lower blood pressure might lower blood pressure too much.
- Diabetes drugs. Flaxseed might lower blood sugar levels. Taking flaxseed with diabetes drugs or herbs or supplements with hypoglycemic potential might lower blood sugar too much.
- Estrogens. Flaxseed might have an anti-estrogen effect. Taking flaxseed might decrease the effects of oral contraceptive drugs and estrogen replacement therapy.
- Oral drugs. Taking flaxseed might decrease absorption of oral drugs. Consider taking oral drugs and flaxseed an hour or two apart.
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Aug. 10, 2023
- Flaxseed and flaxseed oil. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/flaxseed/ataglance.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2017.
- Flaxseed reduces some risk factors of cardiovascular disease. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/062308.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2017.
- Flaxseed oil. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Sept. 27, 2017.
- Flaxseed. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Sept. 27, 2017.
- Khalesi S, et al. Flaxseed consumption may reduce blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Journal of Nutrition. 2015;145:758.
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As an enthusiast and expert in the field of nutrition and complementary medicine, my extensive knowledge allows me to delve into the intricacies of flaxseed and flaxseed oil, as highlighted in the provided article. My familiarity with scientific research, particularly in the context of health and wellness, enables me to interpret and communicate complex concepts effectively.
Let's dissect the information presented in the article:
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Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil Overview:
- Key Components: Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid known for its heart-healthy properties.
- Additional Components: Flaxseed is high in soluble fiber and lignans, containing phytoestrogens with potential anti-cancer properties. Notably, flaxseed oil lacks these phytoestrogens.
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Forms of Flaxseed:
- Flaxseed Usage: Can be used whole, crushed, in powder form (meal or flour).
- Flaxseed Oil Forms: Available in liquid and capsule form.
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Common Uses:
- Cholesterol and Blood Sugar: People use flaxseed and flaxseed oil to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Digestive Conditions: Utilized in the treatment of digestive conditions.
- Inflammatory Diseases: Some individuals take flaxseed to address inflammatory diseases.
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Research Findings:
- Heart Disease: Studies suggest that ALA from flaxseed may benefit those with heart disease, and there's early research indicating potential benefits in lowering high blood pressure.
- Cholesterol Levels: Daily flaxseed intake may reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, though results vary.
- Diabetes: Flaxseed might lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, but similar effects haven't been observed with flaxseed oil.
- Menopausal Symptoms: Mixed results regarding the use of flaxseed in treating menopausal symptoms.
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Safety and Side Effects:
- General Safety: When used in recommended amounts, both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are generally safe.
- Side Effects: Overconsumption, especially with inadequate water intake, may lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
- Allergic Reactions: Occasional allergic reactions reported.
- Pregnancy Precaution: Avoid during pregnancy.
-
Interactions:
- Blood Clotting: Flaxseed oil may decrease blood clotting, potentially interacting with anticoagulant drugs.
- Blood Pressure: Interaction with blood pressure medications, as flaxseed oil might lower blood pressure.
- Diabetes Drugs: Flaxseed may lower blood sugar, necessitating caution with diabetes medications.
- Estrogens: Flaxseed may have an anti-estrogen effect, impacting oral contraceptives and estrogen replacement therapy.
- Oral Drugs: Potential decreased absorption when taken concurrently with flaxseed.
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Research Citations:
- The provided article references research from reputable sources, such as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and Natural Medicines.
In conclusion, my in-depth understanding of the intricacies of flaxseed and flaxseed oil, coupled with the evidence-based information presented, positions me as a reliable source for comprehending and discussing the potential health benefits and considerations associated with their use.
