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Nutrition | Health Benefits | Flax and Omega-3 Fatty
Acid
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Flax
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA),
an "omega-3" fatty acid, has been the focus of much flax research.
Omega-3 fatty acids, are fats which the body needs but is unable
to make, so they must be obtained through diet. They are also
high in certain types of fatty fish, and are linked with reducing
the risk of heart disease.
Flaxseed oil is the most concentrated
source of ALA. (Thompson et al, 2005)
A
lower risk for heart disease
Researchers believe that the protective
effects of ALA against cardiac events such as thrombosis, fibrillation,
and atherosclerosis are partly due to ALA’s ability to improve
blood lipid profiles. In addition, once incorporated into cellular
membrane phospholipids, ALA increases membrane fluidity resulting
in changes in membrane function. (Prasad,
2003) These alterations may decrease the risk of Cardiovascular
Disease via an influence on calcium ion exchange across the membrane.
(Magee, 2002)
Anti-inflammatory effects
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) may
have protective effects in inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid
arthritis and systemic lupus erythmetosus. The anti-inflammatory
actions of ALA are attributed to its ability to inhibit production
of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are lipid mediators
of inflammatory reactions. (Vaisey-Genser
and Morris, 2003)
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