If you have a medical problem, or something is bothering you or a member of your family, The Jackson County Times now has a local physician, Dr. John Spence, of the Panhandle Family Care Associates available to respond to your questions via e-mail.
Dear Dr. Spence,
What’s all the flack about flaxseed oil? I have intolerance to zocor and lipitor. Can flaxseed oil improve my cholesterol?
Signed,
The Lorax
Dear Lorax,
Flaxseed oil is a natural plant food that contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that have proven beneficial in lowering triglycerides and other heart parameters. Compared to canola and corn oil that have 10% and 1% omega-3s respectively, flaxseed oil has 57% omega-3s.There have been numerous studies evaluating the cholesterol lowering effects of flaxseed. Though not as powerful an LDL (bad cholesterol) buster, it may drop triglycerides by 36%. The potential positive effects of flaxseed do not stop at triglycerides, however.
It has been estimated that nearly 30-40% of all cancers could be prevented through dietary and lifestyle interventions. Flaxseed oils, which contain certain phytoestrogens known as lignans, have value in blocking hormone dependent cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. With prostate cancer, flaxseed may increase levels of enterolactones, an active product that may confer some benefit. In one large study from Sweden, men with the highest enterolactone levels were 82% less likely to develop prostate cancer.
Given that flaxseed is rich in phytoestrogens, it would make sense that it may provide relief to the millions of women who suffer the discomforts of menopause, i.e. hot flushes. The Mayo Clinic demonstrated that flaxseed oil significantly decreased the occurrence of hot flushes in those women who chose not to take estrogen therapy. Estrogen’s potential link to breast cancer has left many wondering what the best therapy for menopause may be. Phytoestrogens exert both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects that may improve the annoying symptoms without increasing worrisome side effects. With more and more women opting for more natural protection against menopausal symptoms, flaxseed may provide a welcome alternative.
Flaxseed is also a rich source of dietary fiber. Soluble fiber forms a matrix with water that adds bulk to stool and promotes more regular bowel movements and freedom from constipation. Insoluble fiber in flaxseed may help slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream after a meal, preventing spikes in blood sugars, certainly a benefit in any diabetic or overweight patient. One ounce of flaxseed contains 32% of the fiber recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Patients should use ground flaxseed and sprinkle it on cereal, yogurt, salads or vegetables. In fact, a simple internet search can provide hundreds of healthy recipes that may incorporate flaxseed into the daily diet.
Do you have any medical questions or concerns that you would like addressed? You can contact Dr. Spence by email at panhandledailydose@hotmail.com or by mailing your question to Daily Dose, P.O. Box 6107, Marianna, FL 32446.
What’s all the flack about flaxseed oil? I have intolerance to zocor and lipitor. Can flaxseed oil improve my cholesterol?
Signed,
The Lorax
Dear Lorax,
Flaxseed oil is a natural plant food that contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that have proven beneficial in lowering triglycerides and other heart parameters. Compared to canola and corn oil that have 10% and 1% omega-3s respectively, flaxseed oil has 57% omega-3s.There have been numerous studies evaluating the cholesterol lowering effects of flaxseed. Though not as powerful an LDL (bad cholesterol) buster, it may drop triglycerides by 36%. The potential positive effects of flaxseed do not stop at triglycerides, however.
It has been estimated that nearly 30-40% of all cancers could be prevented through dietary and lifestyle interventions. Flaxseed oils, which contain certain phytoestrogens known as lignans, have value in blocking hormone dependent cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. With prostate cancer, flaxseed may increase levels of enterolactones, an active product that may confer some benefit. In one large study from Sweden, men with the highest enterolactone levels were 82% less likely to develop prostate cancer.
Given that flaxseed is rich in phytoestrogens, it would make sense that it may provide relief to the millions of women who suffer the discomforts of menopause, i.e. hot flushes. The Mayo Clinic demonstrated that flaxseed oil significantly decreased the occurrence of hot flushes in those women who chose not to take estrogen therapy. Estrogen’s potential link to breast cancer has left many wondering what the best therapy for menopause may be. Phytoestrogens exert both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects that may improve the annoying symptoms without increasing worrisome side effects. With more and more women opting for more natural protection against menopausal symptoms, flaxseed may provide a welcome alternative.
Flaxseed is also a rich source of dietary fiber. Soluble fiber forms a matrix with water that adds bulk to stool and promotes more regular bowel movements and freedom from constipation. Insoluble fiber in flaxseed may help slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream after a meal, preventing spikes in blood sugars, certainly a benefit in any diabetic or overweight patient. One ounce of flaxseed contains 32% of the fiber recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Patients should use ground flaxseed and sprinkle it on cereal, yogurt, salads or vegetables. In fact, a simple internet search can provide hundreds of healthy recipes that may incorporate flaxseed into the daily diet.
Do you have any medical questions or concerns that you would like addressed? You can contact Dr. Spence by email at panhandledailydose@hotmail.com or by mailing your question to Daily Dose, P.O. Box 6107, Marianna, FL 32446.
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