Flax Oil

What is it?

The flax plant, from which linen is made, has a seed rich in omega-3 oils. This flax oil also contains lignan (a substance found in the cell walls of plants).

The omega-3 oils are

• an important constituent of the membranes of the cells in our bodies.
• essential for the repair of the membranes of our cells
• an intimate part of the functioning of our immune system
• important for many hormonal systems
• important for the maintenance of the energy-producing systems

Our body is able to synthesize many of the oils that we need but not all. Some we must obtain in our diet, and these are called the essential fatty acids. The omega-3 oils are essential fatty acids.

One way to obtain the benefit of flax oil is to buy whole flax seeds and grind them in a nut grinder at home. This provides maximum freshness. Another method is to buy fresh flax oil and keep it in your refrigerator.

Choosing a manufacturer of flax oil

Improperly prepared flax oil can age quickly. Use of too much heat, or failure to protect from oxygen in the air during processing can result in rancid oil. Flax oil should be used within a few months of its preparation, and kept frozen or refrigerated to prolong its freshness. Two good brands are Omega Nutrition and Barleans.

These oils are high in lignans, which, according to several reports (as in Acta Oncology 1992;31:175), are protective against breast cancer. Lignans have shown promise in the treatment of diseases in which the body may be allergic to itself, and disease caused by HIV. Lignans are present in lesser amounts in cereals, seaweed, beans, vegetables and fruits. (The farther down this list, the less lignan).

Flax oil nourishes the colon and is often of great benefit in treating and preventing constipation.

Tips on the use of flax oil

Do not buy more than you can use in a month. Keep your flax oil refrigerated for maximum freshness. One way to take it is to shake vigorously with room temperature juice (orange, papaya, or your own favorite). Or use as a salad dressing. This will be a great deal more pleasant to swallow than cold, plain oil. Your system must be able to absorb fats to obtain benefit from flax oil; so check with your physician if there is any doubt.

My usual recommendation is one tablespoon once a day, to replace and not add to, other oils in the diet.

If this doesn't appear to help your problem, you may not be absorbing it. Take 3 capsules pancreatic enzymes with each dose to enhance absorption

Prevention with flax oil

The British Journal of Nutrition (1993; 69: 443) reported that four teaspoons a day of flax oil in healthy women lowered total cholesterol by 9% and LDL cholesterol (the undesirable cholesterol) by 18%. It influenced blood sugar in a favorable direction.

Medical Hypotheses (1985; 17:351) outlines the mechanism by which flax oil inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

A study in Georgia, printed in Acta Biol Med Ger (1978;37:879), showed decrease in blood pressure in eight borderline hypertensives after four weeks of linoleic acid.

The lignan in flax oil may enhance immunity. Biochem Biophy Res Comm (1990;168:194) reported that lignan stimulates the ability of white blood cells to destroy bacteria.

Self-care with flax oil

All oils can have hazardous effects and use should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you have diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Given those precautions, our most common use for flax oil in the clinic is for people with constipation, especially those with dry skin. Vegetarians may desire to use it instead of fish oil.

Some people are born with an increased requirement for the linolenic acid in flax oil, and will suffer from eczema without it. They may also need extra B6.

These nutrients enhance the effect of cod liver oil

Vitamins E, C,A, and B3 (niacin); and the minerals selenium, zinc and manganese are important factors in helping your body metabolize flax oil.

Medical use of flax oil

Nutrition can become complicated in people with certain illnesses, so I suggest consulting with your physician before embarking upon self-treatment of these conditions. However, it may help you to know that---

Medical Hypotheses (1991;36:90) reported a blood pressure lowering effect with flax oil, through an even stronger effect was found with fish oil.

Which fatty acids are in flax oil?

Flax-oil generally contains about half alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and 15% linoleic acid, both essential fatty acids for humans. From these our system can synthesize the very desirable gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is used by the system to create beneficial substances that reduce inflammation. Margarine, aspirin, and excessive alcohol interfere with the production ofgamma-linolenic acid, which is present in Evening Primrose Oil. Aging and diabetes caninterfere with proper utilization of flax oil, GLA, and other essential fatty acids.