Flax Seed Oil And Cholesterol

Several studies indicate that flax seed oil, as well as whole and grounded flax seeds, may be able to lower the cholesterol levels in the human body. Flax seed oil cholesterol lowering is desirable, since high cholesterol levels are known to increase the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a sterol and a lipid present in cell membranes in the human body. Cholesterol is transported by the blood plasma bound to various lipoproteins. Two of the most famous lipoproteins are LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High Density Lipoprotein). Cholesterol bound to LDL is often referred to as “bad cholesterol” while cholesterol bound to HDL is considered to be “good cholesterol”. The claim of flax seed oil cholesterol lowering is backed up several studies, but more indebt studies and knowledge is necessary before we can know anything for sure or understand exactly how flax seed oil cholesterol lowering is carried out in the human body.

In 2004, researchers present at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions claimed that women who reported eating food rich in ALA oils (such as flax seed oil) seemed to be at lower risk of dying from heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest compared to women who reportedly did not include food items rich in ALA oils in their everyday diet. Head researcher for this study was Christine M. Albert, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of medicine at Harvard University Medical School, Boston. It is still no known whether this effect was caused by lowered cholesterol levels or not.

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Flax Seed Oil Cholesterol