Flaxseed is a natural inflammation fighter because its omega-3 fatty acids are in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). And now new research indicates that ALA, in particular may be even more effective than the EPA and DHA found in fatty fish and fish oils in lowering the risk of some coronary vascular disease problems such as arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms and platelet aggregation (blood platelet stickiness). More recent research suggests that ALA plays a crucial anti-inflammatory role in reducing heart disease risk. Its ability to lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is associated with artery inflammation, now may be considered as important in preventing heart attacks and strokes as lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.