Flaxseed against cholesterol

Flax seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids, most notably omega-3 fatty acids. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids, these compounds are necessary for healthy growth and development. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, they are also critical for proper brain function and cardiovascular health.

Various flaxseed preparations - including ground flaxseed, partially defatted flaxseed, and flaxseed bread and muffins - seem to significantly reduce total cholesterol and the “bad cholesterol,” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, in people with normal cholesterol levels and in men and pre-menopausal women with high cholesterol. But flaxseed doesn’t have much effect on “good cholesterol,” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Most flaxseed preparations don’t affect triglyceride levels either, but unfortunately partially defatted flaxseed (flaxseed without as much alpha-linolenic acid content) can increase triglycerides by approximately 10%.

 

Flaxseed might slow blood clotting. Taking flaxseed along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.