Cardiovascular Health Benefits of Flax Oil
- Gary Moller
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
(Updated 24th February, 2025)
New Zealand is one of the best sources of organic flax seed oil, which we have been promoting and selling for decades.
Flax seed oil contains high levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Research has shown that it has anti-inflammatory properties, can lower levels of LDL (or "bad") cholesterol, and improve the flexibility of arteries, all of which contribute to a healthier heart.
Its significant ALA content may also aid in regulating blood pressure by promoting the widening of blood vessels and reducing stiffness in arteries. Furthermore, the antioxidants in flax seed oil, such as lignans, can help combat oxidative stress, a leading cause of heart disease. Regular consumption of flax seed oil may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as stabilise high blood pressure.
It is true that flax oil's omega-3 — alpha-linolenic acid (ala)—pales in comparison to animal-based sources like fish, which deliver the ready-to-use EPA and DHA our bodies crave. Only about 5–20 percent of ALA turns into these active forms, depending on things like your genes, sex, and omega-6 intake. This means you are getting much less omega-3 that you can use than you might from a piece of salmon. Flax oil is not just a one-hit wonder — it is full of important benefits. It has a lot of ALA (up to 60 percent of its fat content) that helps your heart by reducing inflammation and cholesterol. It also has lignans that are antioxidants and fibre from the seed if you do not refine it.
Still, no single food is the answer to health. Its real power shines when combined with a wide range of nutritious foods — think oily fish for direct EPA and DHA. Lean meats for protein and iron, and vibrant plants like leafy greens and berries for vitamins, minerals, and fibre. When combined, animal, fish, and plant goodness builds a robust foundation for children's growth and lifelong wellbeing, far beyond what flax oil, or any other food alone. could ever achieve.
If you need more convincing of the health benefits of flax oil, watch this video:
Bruce Thomson here.
Thanks for recommending the video
The video is heart warming and I'm looking forward to more from Dr's Campbell and Dhand.
The quoted research paper (from Iran) is:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34119421/
The researchers demonstrated a 13 mm mercury drop in the top blood pressure reading. This is better and safer than anything a doctor prescription can give you.
Two pointers;
1. Beware of oxidised oils in the ground linseed - better to fresh grind' or buy sealed and refrigerated product.
2. Our diet is potassium deficient: 2 grams of potassium citrate is provides 12% of the Potassium RDA and is fine unless you have end-stage kidneys - if you have the slightest doubt about your kidneys, you should have…
I knew flaxseed was good for health but did not know the effect it had on blood pressure . I might try it as my BP is going up ( as is my age) .
Do you know whether Hemp seed oil would have the same benefit? I take the hemp seed capsules but not not regularly
Thanks for drawing my attention to this informative video
Great to see this humble seed get the proper attention it deserves.
And the compelling study which shows blood pressure reduction. The linked video discusses the benefits of ground flax seed which is likely to contain even more goodies. Thank you Gary for raising awareness on nature’s medicine.