High doses of ALA may reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Flaxseed oil may help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in some people with diabetes. However, some people with type 2 diabetes cannot properly metabolize ALA, so flaxseed oil may be of no benefit to them. These disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, cause immune cells to attack healthy tissue in the body. Flaxseed oil is converted to a substance in the body that can inhibit this autoimmune reaction.
Flaxseed oil is found in flaxseed or flaxseed meal.
Other Forms Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and softgel capsule form, and, like any oil, should be refrigerated to prevent it from becoming rancid. Flaxseed oil requires special packaging because it is easily destroyed by heat, light, and oxygen. The highest quality flaxseed products are manufactured using fresh pressed seeds, are bottled in dark or opaque containers, and processed at low temperatures in the absence of light, extreme heat, or oxygen. How to Take It Because flaxseed oil is easily damaged by heat and light, it must be added to foods after they have been cooked. Use flaxseed oil as a salad dressing, in dips, sprayed over popcorn, or add it to hot or cold cereal.