| Flaxseed - also know as linseed- comes from the flax | | | | Flaxseed has anti-coagulant (blood thinning) properties |
| plant (Linum usitatissimum). The seed contain lignans | | | | so that patients taking blood thinners (Coumadin, |
| which are fiber-type ingredients. The seeds also | | | | heparin, Plavix, Lovenox) or |
| contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. | | | | non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory medicines. |
| Flaxseed may be ground into flour or meal. It is also | | | | Flaxseed should also be avoided if a patient has a |
| available as capsules (1000 mg) and also as the oil | | | | history of uterine or breast cancer or prostate cancer. |
| which is generally taken as one to three tablespoons | | | | Flaxseed may have cholesterol-lowering properties. |
| daily. | | | | Since this effect has not been well characterized, |
| Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is a | | | | patients are advised to use caution if there is a history |
| type of omega-3 fatty acid that is converted to | | | | of hypercholesterolemia or there is concurrent use of |
| eicosopentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic | | | | cholesterol-lowering medicines. |
| acid (DHA) which are the active ingredients in fish oil. | | | | There are also claims flaxseed may lower the risk for |
| Because of the high lignan content, flaxseed is a good | | | | cardiovascular disease. This may make it more |
| source of fiber. | | | | appealing for people who have inflammatory forms of |
| While there are few conclusive studies confirming the | | | | arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis where the |
| beneficial effects of flaxseed in rheumatoid arthritis, it is | | | | incidence and risk of cardiovascular disease is |
| known that omega-3 fatty acids have | | | | increased. |
| anti-inflammatory properties. Several uncontrolled | | | | The fiber in flaxseed also can block absorption of |
| studies suggest that flaxseed is helpful in reducing the | | | | some medications. |
| symptoms of joint stiffness and pain. | | | | |