Flaxseed oil provides long-lasting pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Flaxseed is known for offering a host of nutritional benefits, and for being easily incorporated into an array of dishes. A good source of protein, fiber and fat, flax seeds are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. These little seeds are chock full of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, B vitamins, and more.

But new research has shown that the benefits of flaxseed oil extend across the body — and the oil can even be taken orally or applied topically to help reduce osteoarthritis pain. It appears that the anti-inflammatory compounds found in flax can help mitigate some of the pain and inflammation seen in arthritis patients.

This is great news for people living with osteoarthritis who are looking for more natural methods of pain relief. So often, pharmaceuticals are seen as “the only way” to treat pain, but there are many natural options that do not carry the same risks of bodily harm and addiction.

Flaxseed oil for pain relief

Recent research has indicated flaxseed oil as a novel pain reliever for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. As the research team notes, flaxseed oil is used in traditional Persian medicine for a variety of things, including as a pain reliever. The scientists say that their study has confirmed that the oil can be applied topically for pain relief. The team wrote, “Flaxseed oil is effective in pain relief of patients with knee osteoarthritis, especially in improving the severity of symptoms and functional status of patients.”

Past research has indicated that the omega-3 fatty acids found in flax may be responsible for its pain-relieving properties. According to the U.K.’s Express, omega-3 fats are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Given that flaxseed contains nearly 1600 milligrams of the stuff in just one serving, flaxseed surely contains enough omega-3s to impart such benefits.

Arthritis Research U.K. reportedly says, “Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA [found naturally in oily fish] can be helpful if you have inflammatory arthritis.” Flaxseed is considered to be an excellent vegetarian source of omega-3s, and is a great alternative to fish or fish oil supplements.

Osteoarthritis affects many people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, but as sources note, making changes to diet and lifestyle can help alleviate the symptoms. A healthy diet loaded with fruits, veggies,  and healthy fats combined with regular exercise is the best way to reduce the risk of painful arthritis flare-ups.

The many benefits of flax

Flax offers a host of health benefits far beyond just pain relief. For example, the omega-3 fatty acids found in flax are said to support the brain and promote good mental health. As Natural News previously reported, “As a result of our processed-food-rich diets, we’re consuming large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and little or zero omega-3 fatty acids, which is a recipe for feeling “stressed out,” as too many people often are.”

Beyond the brain, flax continues to impress. Research has also shown that regular consumption of the seeds can help reduce cancer risk.

“Canadian researchers have shown that flax seed consumption reduces the risk of breast cancer by 28 percent in postmenopausal women and flax bread consumption reduces risk by 26 percent in both pre- and postmenopausal women. These results indicate that flax seed and flax-containing breads may be a simple but effective means for reducing breast cancer risk,” Natural News writer Ethan Evers states.

The anti-cancer benefits of flax are attributed to compounds called “lignans” which are a type of beneficial plant compound. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, flax seeds contain more lignans than any other food source.

Learn more about the healing powers of food at Food.news.

Sources for this article include:

ScienceDirect.com

Express.co.uk

Healthline.com