Manage Your Health with Flax

Atherosclerosis is a degenerative condition of the arteries characterized by accumulation of lipids (mainly cholesterol, usually complexed to proteins, and cholesterol esters) within the artery wall. The atherosclerosis plaque, or atheroma, represents the final stage of a complex, insidious process. Although any artery may be affected by atherosclerosis, the aorta, coronary arteries, and arteries supplying the brain are frequent targets.

Managing Cholesterol and Blood Pressure with Omega-3 Oils

By Jade Beutler, R.R.T., R.C.P.

ost cardiovascular diseases are the result of atherosclerosis. For example, “heart disease” usually refers to a restriction or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. If the blood flow through these arteries is severely blocked because of the build-up of cholesterol-containing plaque, a heart attack may occur, resulting in severe damage or death to the heart muscle.

Atherosclerosis and its complications are the major causes of death in the United States and have reached epidemic proportions throughout the Western world.

The Role of Cholesterol in Atherosclerosis

The first step in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke is the reduction of blood cholesterol levels. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that elevated cholesterol levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, cholesterol is not all bad; it serves many vital functions in the body including the manufacture of sex hormones and bile acids. Without cholesterol, many body processes would not function properly. It’s the type of cholesterol that determines whether or not it is harmful or helpful.

Cholesterol is transported in the blood by molecules known as lipoproteins. Cholesterol bound to low density lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as the bad cholesterol while cholesterol bound to high density lipoprotein (HDL) is referred to as the good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure while HDL cholesterol actually protects against heart disease. Why? LDL transports cholesterol to the tissues. HDL, on the other hand, transports cholesterol to the liver for metabolism and excretion from the body. Therefore the LDL-to-HDL ratio (also referred to as the cardiac risk factor ratio) largely determines whether cholesterol is being deposited into tissues or broken down and excreted. The risk for heart disease can be reduced dramatically by lowering LDL cholesterol while simultaneously raising HDL cholesterol.

In addition to keeping an eye on your cholesterol level, it is also important to keep the level of triglycerides in the proper range. Here are the recommended levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides:

• Total cholesterol - less than 200 mg/dl
• LDL cholesterol - less than 100 mg/dl
• HDL cholesterol - greater than 60 mg/dl
• LDL to HDL ratio, - less than 4.5
• Triglycerides – less than 150 mg/dl

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The Role of Blood Pressure in Heart Attack and Stroke

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the major risk factors for a heart attack or stroke, making it very important to keep blood pressure within normal range. High blood pressure is diagnosed by a reading of greater than 140/90. Unfortunately, over 60 million Americans have high blood pressure, most likely due to dietary factors.

Besides attaining ideal body weight, perhaps the most important dietary recommendation is to increase the consumption of plant foods in the diet. A primarily vegetarian diet typically contains more potassium, complex carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C than a meat-based diet, while providing less saturated fat and refined carbohydrates--all of which have a favorable influence on blood pressure.

Increasing the intake of Omega 3 fatty acids can also lower blood pressure. Over 60 double-blind studies have demonstrated that either fish oil supplements or flaxseed oil are very effective in lowering blood pressure. Along with reducing the intake of saturated fat, one tablespoon per day of flaxseed oil should drop both the systolic and diastolic readings by up to 9 mm Hg. One study found that for every absolute 1% increase in body alpha-linolenic acid content (the Omega-3 found in flax oil), there was a decrease of 5 mm Hg in the systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Omega 3 Oils and Cholesterol

Omega 3 fatty acids have the uncanny ability to break down cholesterol, as well as serving as a solvent for saturated fats in the diet. The end result is less cholesterol in the blood stream. Scientific studies have shown Omega 3 fatty acids help maintain cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are already within a healthy range.

Omega 3 Oils and Blood Pressure

Increasing the intake of Omega 3 fatty acids can also support blood pressure. Over 60 double-blind studies have demonstrated that either fish oil supplements or flaxseed oil — both sources of Omega 3s — are very effective in keeping blood pressure within a healthy range. Along with reducing the intake of saturated fat, one tablespoon per day of flaxseed oil should help achieve the desired effect.

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