Is Flaxseed Useful In Lowering Cholesterol Levels?
Updated June 19, 2013.
Flaxseed is a high fiber, whole grain product that is rich in a variety of nutrients. One of these nutrients, alpha-linolenic acid, is a type of polyunsaturated fat. Specifically, it belongs to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and are cited very highly in promoting heart health through lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood clotting. It also contains substances called lignans, which are antioxidants that may aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis induced by oxidative stress.
Flaxseed typically comes in pill or liquid (oil) form in the pharmacy or in a solid, grain-like form found in a variety of health stores and grocery stores.
Many studies examining the effects of flaxseed have been performed in animals with hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels) and fed a high fat diet. In most of the recent studies, the lignan component of flaxseed was examined for its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels. These results have continually concluded that total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol levels were mildly reduced, whereas HDL cholesterol levels increased significantly. Additionally, scientists observed a reduction in the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques on the arteries. There have been conflicting debates as to whether or not flaxseed components are beneficial in lowering triglyceride levels. Some studies note a moderate reduction in cholesterol levels, whereas other studies do not note any change in triglyceride levels.
Sources:
Prasad K. Hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effect of flax lignan complex isolated from flaxseed.
Atherosclerosis 2005; 179(2):269-75.
Vijaimohan K, Jainu M, Sabitha KE, Subramaniyam S, Anandhan C, Shyamala Devi CS. Beneficial effects of alpha linolenic acid rich flaxseed oil on growth performance and hepatic cholesterol metabolism in high fat diet fed rats. Life Sci. 2006;79(5):448-54.
Flaxseed is a high fiber, whole grain product that is rich in a variety of nutrients. One of these nutrients, alpha-linolenic acid, is a type of polyunsaturated fat. Specifically, it belongs to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and are cited very highly in promoting heart health through lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood clotting. It also contains substances called lignans, which are antioxidants that may aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis induced by oxidative stress.
Flaxseed typically comes in pill or liquid (oil) form in the pharmacy or in a solid, grain-like form found in a variety of health stores and grocery stores.
Many studies examining the effects of flaxseed have been performed in animals with hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels) and fed a high fat diet. In most of the recent studies, the lignan component of flaxseed was examined for its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels. These results have continually concluded that total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol levels were mildly reduced, whereas HDL cholesterol levels increased significantly. Additionally, scientists observed a reduction in the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques on the arteries. There have been conflicting debates as to whether or not flaxseed components are beneficial in lowering triglyceride levels. Some studies note a moderate reduction in cholesterol levels, whereas other studies do not note any change in triglyceride levels.
Sources:
Prasad K. Hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effect of flax lignan complex isolated from flaxseed.
Atherosclerosis 2005; 179(2):269-75.
Vijaimohan K, Jainu M, Sabitha KE, Subramaniyam S, Anandhan C, Shyamala Devi CS. Beneficial effects of alpha linolenic acid rich flaxseed oil on growth performance and hepatic cholesterol metabolism in high fat diet fed rats. Life Sci. 2006;79(5):448-54.
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