It is essential that our bodies get a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids in our diet. Unfortunately in the modern diet we often consume omega 6 fatty acid in large quantities while getting very little omega 3 essential fatty acid. This imbalance in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids can leave a person feeling extremely "stressed out" and has led to an increase in stress related diseases such as heart disease. In order to balance the omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acid levels in our body we need to look at the benefits of flax seed.
Researchers tested the benefits of flax seed on stress levels by getting a group of people to supplement their diet with flax seed every day for a couple of months. They were then exposed to various stressors and their response to these stressors was measured. Those who had supplemented their diet with flax seed showed healthier responses to these stressors, including a lower blood pressure, which would aid in the prevention of stress related diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
According to nzhealth.net.nz "Omega 3 fatty acids are the precursors for the series 3 prostaglandin's, which regulate immune function and are responsible for reversing the body's physiological response to stress. Some clinical studies have indicated a sense of calmness in response to Omega 3's" (http://www.nzhealth.net.nz/products/flaxseedoil.shtml)
The benefits of flax seed for stress may also be caused by the ability of omega 3 to optimize the production of serotonin which contributes to healthy brain activity and so improves the response to stress. People who supplement their diet regularly with omega 3 fatty acids such as those found in flax seed report to be calmer, getting stressed less easily, dealing with stressful situations more efficiently and not losing their temper as often.
Flax seed also contains an amino acid known as Tryptophan. Tryptophan helps to stabilize moods and is also used in the production of serotonin so assists in alleviating stress.
One of the other possible benefits of flax seed for stress is that the fatty acids found in flax seed may slow down the production of chemicals which lead to stress such as arachidonic acid.
If you lead a stressful lifestyle or are going through a period of particularly high stress you should consider supplementing your diet with flax seed for all the benefits that flax seed oil provides to stress. You can sprinkle ground flax seed over your cereals, take a flax seed supplement or quickly take flax seed in water (leaving flax seed in water or any liquid for too long will cause the liquid to solidify).
Flax seed benefits stress by improving the body's responses to stress, improving the production of serotonin which leads to a better overall mood and less feelings of stress. Flax seed may also contribute to slowing down the production of chemicals which are responsible for stress.
Glossary:
Serotonin: chemical in the brain involved in the functioning of the emotions and communication between nerves.
Tryptophan: amino acid formed from proteins which is necessary for normal growth, and the production of serotonin and niacin.