Flaxseed found to help treat high blood pressure

Thursday, November 14, 2013 by: PF Louis
Tags: flaxseed, high blood pressure, omega-3 fatty acids

(NaturalNews) One of the least expensive sources of omega-3 and other beneficial nutrients, flax seeds, has recently been tested for reducing high blood pressure (HBP).

Researchers in Canada performed the first known published trial of flax seeds for HBP in humans after reviewing tests with positive HBP reduction in animals. Their human trial also showed significant HBP reduction.

The CDC has reported that over 60% of folks with HBP are using pharmaceutical medications for hypertension. These are estimates based on telephone surveys conducted by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2005 through 2009. [1]

Not everyone accepts the dangers of heart attacks and strokes attributed to HBP. But let's play it safe and assume that there is some benefit to reducing hypertension (HBP), which is considered anything above a blood pressure reading of 140/90.

The Canadian human flax seed hypertension trial

The 110 human subjects chosen, most of whom have high blood pressure, were diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. They were divided into two groups. Both groups were instructed to eat bagels and muffins daily, increasing their consumption slightly over a six month period.

The experimental group members were fed baked goods laced with milled flax seeds, up to 30 grams, while the control group was fed similar tasting baked items without any flax.

The lead author for the study was Grant Pierce, head research director at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Pierce explained, "It [controlling HBP] is the number one reason for a person to visit a physician in the U.S. today. Understanding how to reduce blood pressure has become, therefore, a critical challenge."

After the six month period, the experimental group members with systolic (upper reading number) numbers at or above 140 that were fed flax had an average reduction of 15 points, while those with diastolic readings (lower number) at or above 90 decreased by 7 on average.

The president of the American Society of Hypertension, Dr. William White, commented: "The study results are indeed surprising, it is actually hard to imagine such huge reductions in blood pressure with flax seed mixed in food stuffs." Yes, especially if it threatens HBP pharmaceutical profits.

Canadian researcher Pierce added, "These decreases [in blood pressure] are amongst the most potent dietary interventions observed and comparable to current medications [emphasis added]." [2]

Their study was published in a September 2013 issue of the journal Hypertension. [3]

More reasons to take advantage of flax seeds' inexpensive health solutions

Even if your blood pressure is normal, flax seeds offer several other health benefits. Flax seeds have to be ground in a coffee grinder, then taken almost immediately.

One or two tablespoons taken with food or water once or twice daily should be very beneficial for reducing HBP, providing some omega-3 and even protecting against radiation. [4]

Flax seeds are plant-based fatty acid sources that offer an abundant supply of ALA, alpha-linolenic acid not alpha-lipoic acid. Flax seeds' ALA is a useful nutrient for heart health and other health benefits.

But it must be converted into EPA and DHA for optimal omega-3 assimilation in order to counter the omega-6/omega-3 standard American dietary imbalances that create inflammation, which predisposes us to autoimmune diseases.

Many argue that the conversion process of ALA to EPA and DHA omega-3 is slow and difficult, especially as one grows older. So they recommend fish oils for better omega-3 fatty acid assimilation to offer optimal brain and nervous system protection from neurodegenerative decline or disease.

But at a dollar or so a pound, why not add those flax seeds' ALA to that pricier fish oil? Flax seeds have also been discovered in scientific studies to protect against radiation, an ever increasing threat in our environment. [5]

Sources for this article include:

[1] http://www.cdc.gov

[2] http://www.reuters.com

[3] http://hyper.ahajournals.org

[4] http://www.naturalnews.com

[5] http://www.naturalnews.com

[6] http://science.naturalnews.com