Add 1 to 2 tbsp. of flaxseed oil to a large glass of water and mix well. If you do not care for the nutty flavor of the oil, use low-calorie juice instead of water. Drink one glass of the mixture every day to benefit from the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
#
3
Drizzle a flaxseed oil dressing over your green salad. Use equal parts of olive and flaxseed oils, and add some lemon juice. The omega-3 in the dressing is a "good" fat and may reduce your body's craving for sweets and fatty foods.
#
4
Use ground flaxseed in your foods to add more fiber to your diet. Fiber makes us feel full on less food, so you may be less likely to overeat.
* Flaxseed is most commonly used as a laxative.
* Flaxseed is also used for hot flashes and breast pain.
* Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions than flaxseed, including arthritis.
* Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used for high cholesterol levels and in an effort to prevent cancer.
* Flaxseed contains soluble fiber, like that found in oat bran, and may have a laxative effect.
* Studies of flaxseed preparations to lower cholesterol levels report mixed results. A 2009 review of the clinical research found that cholesterol-lowering effects were more apparent in postmenopausal women and in people with high initial cholesterol concentrations.
* Some studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid (a substance found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil) may benefit people with heart disease. But not enough reliable data are available to determine whether flaxseed is effective for heart conditions.
* Study results are mixed on whether flaxseed decreases hot flashes.
* Although some population studies suggest that flaxseed might reduce the risk of certain cancers, there is not enough research to support a recommendation for this use.
* NCCAM is funding studies on flaxseed. Recent studies are looking at its potential role in preventing or treating atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), breast cancer, and ovarian cysts.
* Flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplements seem to be well tolerated. Few side effects have been reported.
* Flaxseed, like any supplemental fiber source, should be taken with plenty of water; otherwise, it could worsen constipation or, in rare cases, even cause intestinal blockage. Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea.
* The fiber in flaxseed may lower the body's ability to absorb medications that are taken by mouth. Flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as any conventional oral medications or other dietary supplements.
* Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about CAMA group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine., see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.
