6 Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

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Extracted from flax seeds, flax oil has a wealth of health benefits in your body and skin.

Flaxseeds are loaded with numberless health gains including reducing appetite, weight management, fiber content and protein. Flaxseed natural oil also known as linseed oil, is obtained by grinding flaxseed then pressed to get oil. Flaxseed can be used in many ways including preparing healthy foods and skin protection. Herein, you will learn various benefits of this health-supporting oil when used for cooking and as a skin care product.

Flaxseed Oil Is Healthy for The Heart

Flaxseed oil packs omega-3 fatty acids that improves the heart health. It leads to a significant reduction in high blood pressure when used compared to safflower oil. Increased omega-3s in the blood reduced the strain your heart may go through to pump blood to all body parts. Moreover, flaxseed makes arteries more elastic, lessening high blood pressure. Reduced arteries elasticity is primarily caused by aging and heightened blood pressure. However, a daily inclusion of this oil in your diet routine can stabilize your heart’s health.

Prevents The Growth of Cancer Cells

There are controversies on whether flaxseed oil offer protection against the multiplication of cancer cells. Both lung tumor and cancer attack chances were significantly lowered in a certain study after rats consumed flaxseed oil of about 0.3ml. Additionally, colon cancer risks were greatly lowered. Some also argue that flaxseed can offer breast cancer protection. While the findings are impressive on animals, it is a high time to research on humans for a clear conclusion regarding impact on cancer cells.

The Oil is Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Flaxseeds and oil are heavily loaded with omega 3 fatty acids. A tablespoon of flaxseed oil has omega 3 fatty acid of7,196 mg. Health experts suggest that men should take 1,600mg while women 1,100 mg of ALA every day. You can approximate it by one tablespoon. Some of the health benefits associated with omega 3 fatty acids include improving heart health, inflammation reduction, and limiting brain aging. Flaxseed oil is a recommended substitute for fatty fish oil.

Reduces Inflammation and Diabetes Risks

Omega 3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil are a major player in the reduction of inflammation. However, this might not be the case with everyone. It can limit inflammation, especially in obese people. Furthermore, flaxseed has strong anti-inflammation properties whose importance is similar to olive oil. However, it is differently felt between individuals.

A systematic analysis review on the impact of flaxseed oil on diabetic patients had impressive findings. Women at menopause and overweight men who were prediabetic participated in the study. Each took flaxseed oil, measuring either 26 grams or 13 grams for twelve weeks every day. The levels of blood sugar of those who had taken 13 grams were significantly lowered while the rest had no changes. However, experts did not get a solid cause on why there was no change in people who took much flaxseed.

Flaxseed Oil Can Keep Your Skin Healthy

Do you know you can include flaxseed oil in your skin care routine? In a certain study, flaxseed oil supplements significantly improved. There was neither irritation nor roughness of their skin. Instead, their skins were smooth and hydrated. Flaxseed oil can also reduce dermatitis signs, including redness, skin itching, and swelling. Unfortunately, no study supports the use of flaxseed oil on human skin. However, several sketchy reports suggest that it can make human skin smooth and prevent irritation.

It Is Essential in Treating Both Diarrhea and Constipation

The use of flaxseed oil helps in the treatment of diarrhea and constipation. A study conducted lately observed that oil can act as an agent to prevent diarrhea. Moreover, there was accelerated intestinal flow in a fifty people with constipation after using flaxseed oil for four weeks. Their stools were also consistent. Studies carried out so far are in animals.

How should flaxseed oil be used?

Due to the versatility of flaxseed oil, they can be used to supplement other oil. Addition of about one tablespoon to your diet is advisable. However, flaxseed oil is not preferable in cooking due to its low smoke point. Exposure to heat will make it generate dangerous compounds.

Moreover, the application of flaxseed oil on your skin keeps it healthy and increases moisture. It can also be an alternative to a hair mask, which enhances shining and growth.

Conclusion

Omega 3 fatty acids are richly contained in flaxseed oil. Would you wish to enjoy the benefits of flaxseed oil? They are loaded with countless health benefits. Bettering regularity and lowering of blood pressure are but a few examples. In addition, flaxseed oil can replace other oils, additive to dishes, and can be used on either skin or hair.

Marie Salbuvik

Dietician
MS, Lund University, Sweden

Nutrition plays an important role in human life. Eating habits are one of the factors that affect our health. There is often a misconception among people that nutritionists force a very restrictive diet, but that is not true. In fact, I don't ban any products, but I point out dietary mistakes and help change them by giving tips and new recipes that I've tried myself. I advise my patients not to resist change and to be purposeful. Only with willpower and determination can a good result be achieved in any area of life, including changing eating habits. When I don't work, I love to go climbing. On a Friday evening, you are most likely to find me on my couch, cuddling with my dog and watching some Netflix.

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