Health and Wellness

The Proven Benefits of Flaxseed and LNA

BY SUSAN SMITH JONES, PH.D.

In the last 10 years a plethora of scientific studies have been released on flaxseed and its amazing oil, known as alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) or omega-3. At a recent conference held at the Flax Institute of the United States, scientists focused attention on flaxseed and its role in healing and preventing numerous degenerative diseases.

Research and clinical experience demonstrate the following benefits from regular consumption of flaxseed:

1. Cancers. For over 35 years, German lipid researcher Johanna Budwig has been using flaxseed oil successfully in cancer therapy. She has more than 1,000 documented cases of successful cancer treatment with flaxseed oil as the main treatment.

In his New York City clinic, the now- deceased Dr. Max Gerson, used fresh flaxseed oil as the principal cancer fighting agent. More recent research shows that LNAs kill human cancer cells in tissue cultures without harming the normal cells. Breast, lung and prostate cancer cell lines were studied. As mentioned above, research evidence suggests that lignans may fight off chemicals responsible for initiating tumors and block estrogen receptors, which may reduce colon cancer risk. And according to Dr. James Duke of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, flaxseed contains 27 identifiable cancer preventive compounds.

2. Heart Disease. One of the unique features of flaxseed oil is that it contains a substance that resembles prostaglandins, , which may well be part of its potent therapeutic value. The prostaglandins regulate blood pressure and arterial function, and have an important role in calcium and energy metabolism. No other vegetable oil examined so far matches this property of flaxseed oil.

Similarly, LNAs blood-regulating capabilities prevent spontaneous blood clots caused by an excess of fatty acids derived from refined polyunsaturated oils. This has implications for preventing strokes if used at an early enough stage in a remedial lifestyle change using both exercise and improved diet.

3. Diabetes. Late-onset adult diabetes is suspected to originate partially from a deficiency of LNAs and an excess of saturated and trans fats in the diet. Although this syndrome can take as long as 30 years to emerge as a full blown disease, reversal of symptoms can occur with positive changes in the diet and proper supplementation of LNA from flaxseed oil. A concurrent lack of vitamins and minerals makes the disease worse. LNAs also may lower the insulin requirement of diabetics.

4. Inflammatory Tissue Conditions. LNA fatty acids decrease inflammatory conditions of all types. Inflammatory conditions are the diseases that end in "itis," including bursitis, tendonitis, tonsillitis, gastritis, ileitis, colitis, meningitis, arthritis, phlebitis, prostatitis, nephritis, splenitis, hepatitis, pancreaitis, otitis, etc., as well as lupus. Many of these inflammatory conditions may be eased by use of LNAs.

5. Skin Conditions. Pedigree show animals are fed linseed oil, made from flaxseed, to keep their coats glossy.

Along the same lines, recent research has shown that skin conditions in humans, such as psoriasis and eczema, have improved dramatically when flaxseed and flax oil was added to the diet. These skin conditions exacerbate from lack of LNAs in the diet. You will see that your skin gets smoother, softer and velvety from taking flaxseed oil regularly in your diet. It's also helpful for treating dry skin, dandruff and sun-sensitive skin.

6. Sexual Disorders. Dr. Budwig has found flaxseed oil to be a natural aphrodisiac. The most common physical cause of impotence in men and non- orgasmic response in women is blockage of blood flow in the arteries of the pelvis. Decrease of blood flow prevents full expansion (erection) of the penis and/or the clitoris. Thus ejaculation and/or orgasm cannot occur. The solution is to unblock narrowed arteries in general, and the consumption of flaxseed oil will help. Flaxseed oil is quickly gaining the reputation as one of the best aphrodisiacs of the 90s.

7. Calmness Under Stress. Many people find increased calmness to be the most profound effect of using fresh flaxseed oil. It brings on a feeling of calmness often within a few hours. This may be partly due to the fact that, under stress, LNA fatty acids appear to slow down the overproduction of stressing biochemicals like arachidonic acid which happens when we are chronically stressed.

8. Water Retention. The LNA and LA fatty acids in flax oil helps the kidneys excrete sodium and water or deceases water retention. Water retention (edema) accompanies swollen ankles, some forms of obesity, PMS, and all stages of cancer and cardiovascular disease.                                                                                                                                             9. Vitality and Athletic Ability. One of the most noticeable signs of improved health from the use of flaxseed oil is progressive and increased vitality and energy. Flax increases metabolic rate and the efficiency of cellular energy production. It stimulates respiratory and cellular oxidation by which energy is produced which we experience as warmth. For athletes, or anyone wishing to reduce fat and create a fit, lean body, this is great news!

 10. Other Conditions. LNAs are necessary for visual function (retina), adrenal function (stress) and sperm formation. They often improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis. In fact, when LNA consumption is high, MS is rare. Flax oil also can be helpful in cystic fibrosis (LNA helps loosen viscous secretions and relieves breathing difficulties); some cases of sterility and miscarriage; some glandular malfunctions; some behavioral problems (schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder); allergies; addictions (to drugs or alcohol); and some deviant behaviors.

Susan Smith Jones has a B.S. in psychology, a M.S. in kinesiology and a Ph.D. in health sciences and has been a fitness instructor at UCLA for over 20 years. In 1985 and again in 1988 Susan was selected by The President's Council of Physical Fitness and Sports as one of the ten "Healthy American Fitness Leaders. " She is the author of several books including her latest, The Main Ingredients of Health & Happiness (Dawn Publications). 1-800-545-7475.