Flax Seed Oil
Flax seed oil is an excellent source of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 essential fatty acids, particularly for people wishing to avoid fish-based sources of these nutrients either because of doubts about the safety of the fish supply or because they prefer a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Flax seed oil is naturally derived from the seeds of the same flax plant that is used to make linen cloth, the Linum usitatissimum. Varieties of the flax plant grow throughout the world, including the region from the Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent and in North America and Northern Europe. There is an unrelated plant called New Zealand flax that is also used for its fibers. The flax plant produces blue flowers atop a long, fibrous stem. Flax is one of the earliest cultivated fibers for use in textiles and Ireland is particularly well-known for its linen.
Potential health benefits for flax seed oil may include possible improvements in HDL or “good cholesterol” rates similar to those seen in individuals who eat a Mediterranean style diet and improvements for people suffering from heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have not been conclusive about these benefits, but flax seed oil has consistently been shown safe for most adults in recommended doses. Pregnant women should avoid consuming flax seed oil and other foods containing flax as there is a potential for flax to contribute to a softening of the cervix which would lead to premature birth in some cases.
Prescription of flax seed oil supplements has also been studied as a possible remedy for symptoms of the autoimmune condition Sjogren’s syndrome, which can result in dry eyes and dry mouth due the disruption of the salivary and tear glands. Studies indicate that the supplements may be effective, but should always be discussed with a primary healthcare provider first.
Some patients also take flax seed oil in conjunction with cancer treatments, specifically for some forms of breast cancer and prostate cancer. As always, any supplement should be cleared by a doctor first to ensure there will be no adverse reactions between medications.
People also take flax seed oil to help strengthen hair and nails and as a weight loss aid. It can also be applied to the skin to sooth some skin irritations and may be effective against dandruff.
Outside the medical realm, flax seed oil has multiple uses. It is the source of linseed oil, which can be used to provide a soft and luminous finish to wood furniture and in cooking. The oil is also a good binder for oil-based paints, so much of the world’s great art involves flax seed oil as a medium. It is also an ingredient in some resins, putties, and in linoleum. Flax seeds themselves can also be used to add a nutty flavor and increased nutritional value to baked goods and other dishes and flax seed oil is often an ingredient in margarine.
