Flaxseed Oil, Heart health, and Blood Pressure

Flaxseed has recently gained attention in the area of cardiovascular disease primarily because it is the richest known source of both alpha-linolenic acid ( ALA) and the phytoestrogen, lignans, as well as being a good source of soluble fiber. Human studies have shown that flaxseed can modestly reduce serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, reduce postprandial glucose absorption, decrease some markers of inflammation, and raise serum levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, ALA and eicosapentaenoic acid. In a human clinical conducted at Harokopio University, Athens, Greece, supplementation with flaxseed oil resulted in significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels compared with linoleic acid.