Flaxseed oil lends itself to many uses

Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of flax, a plant native to Central Asia but now found throughout Asia, Europe and North America. The plant’s oil, sometimes called linseed oil, is high in fat, protein and fiber. It also is a common thinning ingredient in paints and varnishes. Flaxseed oil is one of the richest natural sources of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 essential fatty acid that’s important to the structure of cell membranes. It also contains lignans, which are a type of phytoestrogen, or plant chemical that acts in a similar way to the female hormone estrogen.

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Uses: People take flaxseed oil for a variety of reasons (some more substantiated than others): to prevent heart attacks, stroke and cancer; to alleviate arthritis; to treat anxiety and constipation; and to promote weight loss.

Dose: About 3 to 4 grams a day, which usually provide about 1 1/2 to 2 grams of alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseed oil is available in capsules, as an oil, as ground seeds, in foods such as cereals and bread containing flax and in eggs from hens fed flaxseed-rich diets.

Precautions: Large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset; flaxseed oil also may hamper the blood’s ability to clot.

Research: Studies of its effects on people have produced mixed results on blood pressure and platelet aggregation, a clustering of blood cells that can lead to heart attacks and stroke. Laboratory and animal studies suggest that flaxseed oil may protect against some types of cancer. Two current, federally sponsored trials are looking at flaxseed oil’s effects on cholesterol levels, heart disease and cancer in humans.

Dietary supplement makers are not required by the U.S. government to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective. Ask your health-care provider for advice on selecting a brand.

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-- Elena Conis