In this most recent case, almost immediately, many practitioners and individuals alike rushed to purge ALL seed oils from their pantries and refrigerators without a second thought or any critical thinking. To my surprise, I watched the news spread like wildfire on social media.
But, being popular doesn’t make something true. And as I’ve learned time and time again in my 40+ year career, nothing is ever as it seems nor is nutritional science black and white. This is why I am always committed to digging deeper and doing the research to separate fact from fiction.
Beyond being a dieter’s dream, flaxseed oil plays a critical role in healthy brain function, breast and prostate health, proper thyroid and adrenal activity, and balanced hormones. It strengthens the immune system, helps maintain healthy blood and nerves, and breaks down cholesterol.
You can see why I consider flaxseed oil so vital to everyone’s health and wellness.
Here are some examples of quality seed oils that provide numerous health advantages when used properly.
Flax seeds provide an abundant supply of dietary fiber that is beneficial for digestive health, regular bowel function and controlling blood sugar.
Simply put, Industrial or commercial usage does not preclude a safe and beneficial application for use in food or health products.
Nowak W, Jeziorek M. The Role of Flaxseed in Enhancing Human Health. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Jan 30;11(3):395. Doi: 10.3390/healthcare11030395 PMID 36766971 and PMCID 9914786.
Goyal A, Sharma V, Upadhyay N, Gill S & Sihag M (2014). Flaxseed oil as both ancient medicine and functional food. J Food Sci Technol 2014 Sep;51(9):1633-53; doi: 10.1007/s13197-013-1247-9 Epub January 10 PMID 25190822 PMCID 4152533.
Shayan M, Kamalian S, Sahebkar A and Tayarani-Najaran Z. Flaxseed for Health and Disease: Review of Clinical Trials. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2020;23(8):697-722 and doi: 10.2174/1386207323666200521121708 PMID 32436825.
Alasalvar C, Chang SK, Bolling B, Oh WY and Shahidi F are authors of Specialty Seeds: Nutrients, Bioactives, Bioavailability and Health Benefits – A Comprehensive Review, to be published by Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf in 2021 May. PMID 33719194.
Merkher, Kontareva E, Alexandrova A, Javaraiah R, Pustovalova M and Leonov S. Anti-Cancer Properties of Flaxseed Proteome. Proteomes 2023 November 16;11(4):37. PMID 37987317 and PMCID 106612689 are two sources for information regarding flaxseed proteome properties that could help fight cancer.
Sala-Vila A, Fleming J, Kris-Etherton P & Ros E. Effect of Vegetable Omega-3 Fatty Acids such as Linolenic Acid on Cardiovascular Disease and Cognition. Advance Nutrition 2022 Oct 2;13(5):1584-1602. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmac016 PMID 35170723 PMCID 9526859.