Flaxseed Oil and Brain Health

Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed and fish is good for maintaining brain health as about 60 percent of the brain consists of lipids (fats) which make up the lining, or cell membrane, of every brain cell. The types of fats present in the brain influence its structure and function. How well your mind works depends, in the long run, on what you eat.

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.

 Flaxseed Oil and Prostate Health

Flaxseed may slow growth of prostate tumors. Including flaxseed as part of a low-fat diet may slow the growth of tumors in men with prostate cancer. According to a study published in the journal Urology, 25 men with prostate cancer supplemented with 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily for an average of one month had a greater rate of prostate tumor cell death than men who did not follow this diet.

Flaxseed Oil and Estrogen Metabolism

Phytoestrogens, which are abundant in flaxseed and soy, have chemical structures resembling those of endogenous estrogens and have been shown to exert hormonal effects. According to a research published on American Journal of Nutrition, supplementation with flaxseed modifies urinary estrogen metabolite excretion to a greater extent than does supplementation with an equal amount of soy. This modification by flaxseed is associated with an increase in urinary lignan excretion. Despite the shift in estrogen metabolism to favor the less biologically active estrogens, a negative effect on bone cell metabolism was not observed.

 Flaxseed oil and Skin Care

Flaxseed Oil is incredibly rich in the essential fatty acids known as Omega-3, (alpha linolenic acid), and Omega-6 (linoleic acid). Flaxseed oil helps nourish the skin membranes by supplying our skin with natural Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids in Flaxseed oil in also essential for the production of prostaglandins in the skin to help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the skin. Flaxseed oil, when used topically, can be immensely soothing to a variety of conditions including sunburn. Flaxseed oil can also help seal moisture into the skin, making it a great ingredient to have in lotions.

Flaxseed Oil Reduces Skin Inflammation

Skin disorders such as psoriasis have been shown to improve by supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. In the skin of persons with psoriasis the amount of compounds causing inflammation is many times greater than normal. Omega-3 fatty acids inhibits the production of these inflammatory compounds. Clinical trails have shown that omega-3 fats can be successful in the treatment of eczema. Epidermal cells can be very active in the conversion of essential fatty acids into prostaglandin hormones, which determine the smoothness and moistness of the skin, and can influence skin conditions such as eczema. The omega-3 fatty acids provide skin cells with the precursors from which they synthesize PG-series 3, derived from gamma-linolenic acid. Gamma-linolenic acid is converted to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid by epidermal cells, then to anti-inflammatory prostaglandin hormone (PG-1), which also improves skin texture and has been used successfully to treat eczema and provide proper skin care treatments.

Flaxseed Oil Nourises Skin

Our skin membranes are made of compounds comprised from Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The health of our skin cells is dependent upon the membranes working properly, and if we are deficient in EFAs, nutrients do not flow into the cells as easily as they should and waste products do not come back out as readily. For years, a deficiency in EFAs has been linked to skin that is dry, cracked, red, or covered with a skin condition like psoriasis, or eczema.

Flaxseed Oil Skin Care Research

Numerous studies have shown the link between flaxseed oil and healthy skin. One such research project was conducted by Donald Rudin, M.D., from the Department of Molecular Biology at the Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute in Philadelphia. Dr. Rudin gave flaxseed oil to 44 patients, 39 of whom had at least one type of skin condition. In his book, Omega-3 Oils, A Practical Guide, Dr. Rudin wrote, "Chronic skin disorders, such as scaling, cracking, and persistent infections of the hair follicles, healed only after the volunteers began taking flaxseed oil, an oil high in Omega-3. The general color and elasticity of the volunteer's skin also improved greatly."

Dr. Rudin also found that the patients who took flaxseed oil had smoother hands in as little as a week. After six weeks, there was a huge improvement in dandruff, as well as in dryness, flakiness, and redness. Within one to four months on flaxseed oil the subjects' skin was more firm and elastic, with improved texture and tone. Over the years, many other studies have duplicated these results.

Flaxseed oil as Cosmetic Ingredient

European have been using flaxseed oil and applied to the skin to sooth a variety of conditions including sunburn. Flaxseed oil can also help seal moisture into the skin, making it a great ingredient to have in lotions.

Reference:

Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Feb;79(2):318-25.

Nutr Rev. 2004 Jan;62(1):18-27.

Biomed Khim. 2004 Jan-Feb;50(1):25-43.

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jan 31; Paschos GK, Magkos F, Panagiotakos DB, Votteas V, Zampelas A. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece.