Flaxseed Oil

Although scientists have conducted more research into flaxseed than flaxseed oil, some studies into the oil do show promising results.

The possible benefits of flaxseed oil include:

Reducing Cholesterol

Similar to flaxseed, flaxseed oil may help lower cholesterol levels. The ALA in flaxseed oil might play a role in decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol.

In one small studyTrusted Source involving 15 adults, the participants consumed either flaxseed oil or corn oil once per day with dinner.

Researchers measured the participants’ cholesterol levels at the start of the study and again 12 weeks later.

Those who consumed the corn oil had no change in their cholesterol levels, while those who consumed the flaxseed oil had a significant decrease in LDL.

Fighting Cancer

Flaxseed oil may help fight certain types of cancer. Although much more research is needed to draw a definite conclusion, some animal studies are encouraging.

One study on mice with lung tumors found that those that consumed a 10 percent flaxseed diet had fewer tumors compared with those in the control group.

Researchers have also studied effects of flaxseed and flaxseed oil on other types of cancer.

One literature reviewTrusted Source indicates that in animal studies, the fatty acid in flaxseed oil may suppress breast tumor size and growth, as well as promote cancer cell death.

Treating Atopic Dermatitis

Flaxseed oil may also have benefits for the skin and hair, such as reducing some of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema, which is a long-term condition that causes red and itchy skin.

One studyTrusted Source looked at the effect of flaxseed oil consumption on mice with dermatitis. After 3 weeks, the mice had decreased dermatitis symptoms, such as redness, swelling, and itching.

Reducing Diabetes Risk

Flaxseed oil may also help lower the risk of diabetes. One 2015 systematic review analyzed studies to determine the effect of flaxseed oil in people with diabetes.

One study involved 25 people who had prediabetes. These participants were either women experiencing menopause or men who were overweight. They consumed either 13 grams (g) or 26 g of flaxseed daily for 12 weeks.

After 12 weeks, those who consumed 13 g of flaxseed had a decreased blood sugar levels. Those who ate higher doses of flaxseed did not experience any changes.

Researchers are not sure why the high-dose group did not have any changes. While flaxseed oil may have a positive effect in people with prediabetes, larger and more comprehensive studies are needed to make firm conclusions.

Decreasing Inflammation

In one meta-analysisTrusted Source, flaxseed and its derivatives decreased circulating C-reactive protein, which is a marker of inflammation. However, these results were only present in adults who were obese.