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What Is Flaxseed Oil?
Other Names: Linseed Oil, Linseed Flax Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Aceite de Linaza, Acide Gras Oméga 3, Acide Alpha-Linolénique, ALA, Aliviraaii, Acide Gras N-3, Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Brown Flaxseed Oil, Alasi, Brown-Seeded Flax Oil, Echter Lein, Common Flax Oil, Flachs, Flax Oil, Flachssamen, Flax Seed Oil, Graine de Lin, Golden Flax Oil, Huile de Lin, Keten, Lin, Kattan, Lin Oléagineux, Lin Commun, Linho, Lino, Lino Mazzese, Lino Comune, Linum crepitans, Lino Usuale, Linum usitatissimum, Linum humile, Malsag, Oil of Flaxseed, N-3 Fatty Acid, Saatlein, Tisii, Ta Ma.
Flaxseed oil is extracted from the nutritious flaxseeds of the flax plant. This is a blue-flowered herbaceous plant that is cultivated on the Canadian Prairies in western Canada for its seeds. The “Thomas Jefferson Agricultural Institute” stated that a flaxseed is roundly 40% oil by weight. And there are 55% of this oil is omega-3 fatty acid. This natural oil is great for the general health and nutrition thanks to its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids. If you are looking for the benefits of flaxseed oil for beauty & health, then read this post. Today, EffectiveRemedies.com shows you top 19 benefits of flaxseed oil, uses, and side effects. Continue reading this writing to discover these advantages in more detail!
What Are The Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil And Its Uses For Health & Beauty?
Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acid
The “3” in the omega-3 fatty acids refers to the main types of fatty acids, which are ingested in food and used by the body: eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid. When eaten, the body converts alpha-linolenic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are key components of the cell membranes; thus, having adequate amounts of these acids are essential to maintaining good health.
A study at Harvard University named “The Preventable Causes of Death in the United States: Comparative Risk Assessment of Dietary Lifestyle and Metabolic Risk Factors” found that lacking omega-3 fatty acids cause 72,000 to 96,000 deaths annually.
These fatty acids are very important for all sorts of processes of the body, including inflammation, brain function, and heart health. Lacking omega-3 fatty acids contributes to depression, lower intelligence, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and other health conditions. What more specifically is flaxseed oil great for? Benefits of flaxseed oil for health & beauty are extensive, but the following is the most impressive when talking about its benefits.
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I. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil For Health
1. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Treat Heart Disease
There is evidence that consuming foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid such as flaxseed oil helps to prevent and cure heart disease. A study suggests that people with a diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid have a lower risk of a fatal heart attack. According to another study, the risk of sudden cardiac death of women who took high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (1.5 grams daily) is lower (46 %) compared to people who took the lowest amount of alpha-linolenic acid (about 0.5 gram daily).
2. Health Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Relieve Constipation & Diarrhea
One of other folk or traditional benefits of flaxseed oil is to relieve constipation by working as a natural lubricant to the colon.
In addition, flaxseed oil is beneficial for people suffering from diarrhea. According to a study in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” in 2015, it has dual effects on stopping diarrhea and relieving constipation. [1] This means that this oil is great for the digestive system.
Add 1 tbsp. of the flaxseed oil to 1 glass of smoothie or juice and then have it in the early morning. If you are not a fan of juices or smoothies, you may also add it to your salad dressing. Also, you can take 1 spoon of this oil in the early morning.
See more: Natural Home Remedies for Constipation in Adults & Children
3. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil For Health – Treat Sjogren’s Syndrome
According to a study, taking flaxseed oil orally helps patients with Sjogren’s syndrome. The results showed that taking flaxseed oil capsules orally (1 or 2 grams a day) reduced inflammatory ocular surface disease and improved some symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in the Sjogren’s syndrome patients. [2]
However, we still need more long-term studies to clearly confirm the role of the above therapy for Sjögren's syndrome.
4. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Aid Weight Loss
According to a clinical study of “Impact of weight loss diet associated with flaxseed on inflammatory markers in men with cardiovascular risk factors” in the “Nutrition Journal” in 2015, add flaxseed oil to the weight loss diet helps participants to lose weight effectively and reduces inflammation markers. [3]
In addition, you may also prepare flaxseed oil, skim milk, frozen, and unsweetened strawberries to make a smoothie for weight loss. For the detailed instruction, click at the Weight Loss Remedy No. 10
5. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Treat Eczema
According to a study in the journal of Clinics in Dermatology in 2010, alpha-linolenic acid (found in flaxseed oil) may aid in treating various skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, melanoma, and lupus erythematosus.
Simply, apply flaxseed oil to your affected area and then spread a little avocado oil on this area to moisturize the skin and treat eczema.
Read more: Natural Home Remedies For Eczema On Face & Body In Adults
6. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Lower High Blood Pressure
Scientists believe that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help to lower high blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension. According to researchers working at the “Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences” at the “St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre” in Canada, alpha-linolenic acid present in flaxseed aids in reducing the rate of fatty deposits in your arteries, which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Learn more: Natural Home Remedies For High Blood Pressure Control
7. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Help Fight Cancer
According to a study conducted by the “Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center”, flaxseed oil may be useful in reducing the risk of several types of cancer. Some laboratory studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid present in flaxseed oil may prevent the development of cancerous cells. For instance, a 2005 study in the Nutrition and Cancer showed that laboratory animals exposed to a carcinogen and fed flaxseed oil are 50 % less likely to get colon cancer and have significantly fewer tumors as compared to other animals fed corn oil. According to another study in the journal of “Molecular Nutrition and Food Research” in 2010, flaxseed oil suppresses the development of breast cancer in the laboratory animals. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results on human subjects.
8. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
For carpal tunnel syndrome, you just need consume 1 tsp. of the flaxseed oil daily. For more other remedies for this health conditions, click at the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Remedies
9. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Prevent Arthritis
According to the University of Maryland Medicare Center, patients with arthritis should take 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. The recommended dose for flaxseed oil in the capsule forms is 1-2 capsules a day. It is not necessary to raise the intake of this oil because it can inhibit the body from the absorption of other nutrients & medications.
Read more: Natural Home Remedies For Arthritis Pain
10. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Remove Rosacea
All you need to prepare is 1 tsp. of the flaxseed oil. To get the detailed recipe, click at the Rosacea Remedy No. 7
11. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Reduce Cholesterol Levels
According to a study involved 66 patients in the “British Journal of Nutrition” in 2008, taking the flaxseed oil in the tablet form daily offers lipid-lowering effects. Nevertheless, the National Health Service states “Evidence suggests that vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids may not have the same benefits for reducing the risk of heart disease as those in oily fish.”
12. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Treat Bone Spurs
Firstly, take 1/4 cup of the flaxseed oil and heat it in a pan until warm. Then, soak the cheesecloth in the oil and place it on the affected area. Now, cover it by using a piece of plastic. Next, put a heating pad on your plastic for some hours. During this time, avoid doing any activity. Repeat this treatment for once daily.
13. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Treat Edema
Simply, take flaxseed oil and then massage it on your body. For better results, you should repeat this method for several times daily.
II. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil For Beauty
14. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Remove Stretch Marks
Firstly, mix 1 tsp. each of the flaxseed oil and olive oil and then apply the combination to the stretch marks on the breast. Now, gently massage it for 15 minutes. For better results, you should repeat this process daily.
Learn more: Natural Home Remedies For Stretch Marks On Breasts & Thighs
15. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Remove Forehead Lines
Simply, apply 2-3 tbsp. of the flaxseed oil to your forehead and follow this way regularly to remove forehead lines.
16. Beauty Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Fight Acne
According to a 2008 study in the Journal of Dermatology in Britain involved one group of 1000 teenagers in the North Carolina, the teenagers having the highest intake of seafood and fish (sources of omega-3 fatty acids) had the lowest symptoms of acne, acne cysts, pustules, and oily skin.
The most effective dosage of the flaxseed oil for acne is 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. The results often appear within 1 to 2 weeks after using it and these results will depend on the dosage of the flaxseed oil a day. Remember that the flaxseed oil in the liquid form gives better results than capsules.
See more: 43 Best Natural Home Remedies For Acne On Face & Body
17. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Remove Moles
Firstly, mix the ground flaxseed oil, honey, and flaxseeds to form a paste. Then, apply the paste to your affected area. Finally, leave it for overnight. Repeat this way until you can remove moles completely.
18. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil – Promote A Healthy Hair
Flaxseed oil has a rich source of fatty acids and essential vitamins & minerals, which are great for your hair. Applying flaxseed oil regularly helps to promote hair growth and prevent hair fall. It is also effective in removing dandruff and flakiness. In addition, it maintains the moisture in the hair to keep it lustrous & healthy.
Simply, massage hot flaxseed oil on the hair or add 2 tsp. of this oil to your conditioner.
19. Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil For Beauty – Stimulate Nail Growth
Massage flaxseed oil on the nails for several minutes and then wear cotton gloves for several hours to keep your nails moisturized before washing it off with tepid water. Repeat this way once or twice daily.
What Are The Side Effects Of Using Flaxseed Oil?
Flaxseed oil seems to be safe for most adults to take by mouth appropriately for a short term.
Large dosages of 30 grams a day and higher may cause diarrhea and loose stools. Some allergic reactions might have occurred when taking flaxseed oil.
A few men worry that taking this oil increases the risk of prostate cancer due to its alpha-linolenic acid content. Researchers are trying to find the role of this acid in prostate cancer. A few studies suggest that this acid increases the risk or worsens the existing prostate cancer, but other studies figure out no connection. However, the alpha-linolenic acid found in flaxseed oil is not likely a problem. The alpha-linolenic acid from the plant sources, including flaxseed, doesn’t likely affect the risk of prostate cancer, although this acid from meat and dairy sources has been related to prostate cancer in some studies.
The safety of taking flaxseed oil when applied to the skin is not unknown.
Special Precautions And Warnings:
Pregnancy: Flaxseed oil seems to be unsafe to take by mouth during pregnancy. A few studies suggest that flaxseed oil may increase the risk of premature birth when consumed during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Nevertheless, other studies suggest that taking this oil from the second and third trimester to the delivery may be safe.
Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable evidence about the safety of using this oil during breastfeeding. It is better to avoid using it while breastfeeding.
Children: Flaxseed seems to be safe for children to take by mouth for a short term.
Bleeding disorders: Flaxseed oil may increase the chance of severe bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Consult a healthcare provider before taking flaxseed oil if you suffer from a bleeding disorder.
Surgery: Taking flaxseed oil may increase the chance of bleeding during & after surgery. So, stop taking this oil at least two weeks before a surgery.
Where To Buy Flaxseed Oil?
You may find flaxseeds in oil, seed, powder, or capsule form. Capsules are considered the most convenient form because you can simply take it with a glass of clean water. Nevertheless, the essential fatty acids may be slowly broken down by light and oxygen; you should buy soft gel capsules with a dark coating stored in amber-brown bottles. If flaxseed oil is bought instead of capsules, you should store this in a cool and dry area.
Here is the list of health benefits of flaxseed oil, uses, and side effects that you should not miss. If you want to learn more the benefits of other ingredients, please visit our Superfoods page. In case, you have any comment on this topic, please drop your idea in the bottom of this post.
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