In the last hundred years or so the rate of heart attacks has increased dramatically, from American health records we note that in 1890 no deaths were recorded from heart attack per 100,000 people; in 1970 this figure had risen to 340 per 100,000. As this figure has increased so the amount of essential fatty acids in our diet has decreased. Fatty acids such as those found in flax seed help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, prevent plaque and clot build-up, and prevent high blood pressure.
Walnuts, another food source high in ALA fatty acid, has been "shown to lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol" (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsSupplements/Omega3FattyAcidscs.html) Flax seed is another food source high in ALA and so is likely to show similar effects in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides.
It has also been shown that people who eat a diet high in ALA, such as is found in flax seed, are less likely to have fatal heart attacks and EPA and DHA, two other fatty acids produced from ALA prevent the build up of plaque and clots which contribute to heart attacks.
Patients who have suffered from one heart attack already or who have heart disease have found that by supplementing their diet with omega 3 fatty acids such as ALA and its two successors, DHA and EPA, they are less likely to suffer future heart attacks, and reduce the risk of death and strokes.
Omega 3 fatty acids are also beneficial for the heart in that they lower blood pressure in people who suffer from high blood pressure levels. Flax seed oil is also normally beneficial than fish oil in this area as fish oil may contain high levels of mercury whereas the lack of mercury and the high levels of omega 3 in flax seed oil make it ideal for lowering blood pressure.
If you are suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or have already had a heart attack it would be wise to start supplementing your diet with flax seed. You can take ground flax seeds sprinkled into cereals, salads and smoothies, place flax seeds in a glass of water and drink immediately, or you can take flax seed oil supplements.
Flax seed and flax seed oil supplements are an excellent way of ensuring heart health. They are able to lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels and blood pressure and the omega 3 essential fatty acids are known to reduce the risk of death, future heart attacks and stroke. Flax seed may be included in the diet as ground flax seed or taken as flax seed oil supplements in the form of oil or capsules.
Glossary:
Triglyceride: fat levels in the blood