Flax

Chris Robinson · 01-31-2009, 11:09 AM

In GCBC, Gary Taubes mentions several times that PUFAs have been known to cause cancer in labratory animals. Flax oil is 66% PUFA. I also read here that flax oil has been linked to prostate cancer. (Note: He does mention that "ALA blood levels are higher in response to flax oil intake than they are with milled seed intake."). What's more, in all the posts I could find, Robb W. seemed very wary of flax.

So, what's the deal? Is flax oil something to stay away from (despite Dr. Cordain's recommendation)? Are the seeds okay (obviously grinding them up pre-use)? How much is too much?

Steve Forman · 04-13-2010, 04:06 PM

I thought I would resurrect this thread. I thought it was a good question, Just wondering what you thought or heard, or read.

Steve

Garrett Smith · 04-13-2010, 05:21 PM

I recommend hemp oil/seeds or chia oil/seeds instead of flax.

Darryl Shaw · 04-15-2010, 06:08 AM

I don't use flax oil as it oxidises too easily and is probably going to be rancid before you even get it home from the store but I have been eating ~25g of freshly ground flaxseeds per day for the past 20 or so years and I've seen no evidence so far that would make me stop doing so.

Flaxseed Supplementation (Not Dietary Fat Restriction) Reduces Prostate Cancer Proliferation Rates in Men Presurgery.

Nutrition and cancer: A review of the evidence for an anti-cancer diet

whfoods.com - flaxseeds.