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Flax Effect on Low-Density Lipoprotein

Lowering levels of harmful low-density lipoproteins (LDL) is essential for cardiovascular health. Statins are a group of drugs usually prescribed for the reduction of LDL cholesterol. Unfortunately, approximately 25 percent of patients prescribed statins discontinue them because of adverse side effects. The addition of flax to the diet may help such patients, as well as others who are interested in preventing cardiovascular disease, reduce their blood levels of low-density lipoproteins.

  1. Cholesterol

    • Cholesterol is a waxy fat that is carried in the blood by substances called lipoproteins. The two significant types of lipoproteins are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is considered to be "bad" because it is the type of cholesterol that accumulates on the walls of the arteries. The plaques that develop can cause heart attack or stroke. HDL is referred to as being "good cholesterol," because it is believed to be responsible for transporting cholesterol away from the arteries and to the liver so that it may be eliminated from the body.

    Flax

    • Flax is an annual plant that has had many uses throughout history. The fibers from the plant have traditionally been used to make linen. The flaxseed, also known as linseed, contains nutritionally beneficial substances and has long been used by many cultures for medicinal purposes. Flaxseeds contain fiber, protein, essential fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and lignans (chemicals that mimic the human hormone estrogen.) It appears that the fiber content and ligands are responsible for lowering cholesterol levels.

    Fiber and LDL

    • Flaxseeds are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Two tablespoons of ground flaxseed contain 4 grams of dietary fiber. Insoluble fiber remains intact as it functions to help move wastes through the intestines. Soluble fiber is the type that binds to the cholesterol in the blood and helps to eliminate it from the body. Research has shown that for every 1 to 2 grams of soluble fiber consumed daily, low-density lipoproteins go down 1 percent. Unlike the seeds, flaxseed oil does not contain fiber.

    Lignans and LDL

    • Lignans are naturally occurring phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) that closely resemble human estrogen. Flaxseeds contain approximately 100 times more lignans than other foods. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is the specific phytoestrogen implicated in lowering cholesterol. According to a study published by the American Heart Association, SDG reduces high cholesterol-related atherosclerosis by reducing total and LDL cholesterols and increasing HDL cholesterol. Unlike the seeds, flaxseed oil does not contain a significant amount of lignans.

    Forms and Dosage

    • Flaxseed is available in a variety of forms including whole seeds, ground seed and flaxseed oil. It is the flaxseeds, rather than the flaxseed oil, that have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Whole seeds require grinding before ingestion. Otherwise, the body would be unable to absorb the nutrients. The active ingredients in the seeds break down quickly when exposed to environmental elements such as heat and light. Consequently, seeds should be consumed within 24 hours of grinding. One tablespoon of flaxseed two to three times daily or two to four tablespoons once a day are the recommended doses.

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