15 Flaxseed Oil Benefits to Step up Your Health

Updated on December 6th, 2019
flaxseed oil benefits

Flaxseed oil benefits health in a number of ways. The seeds of Linum usitatissimum are crushed to extract the magical flaxseed oil that possesses a huge concentration of omega 3 fatty acids. The most important components of flaxseed oil are omega-3 fatty acids which are highly beneficial for cardiac health, lignans that are rich in antioxidant properties and soluble and insoluble fiber that promotes healthy and regular bowel movement. These three components are the reasons why flaxseed oil benefits good health and well being.

Flaxseed Oil Nutrition Facts

Flaxseed oil benefits health because of its rich supply of nutrients.

  • calories – 110
  • Protein- 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates- 6 grams
  • Fat-0 8.5 grams
  • Fiber- 6 grams
  • Manganese- 0.6 milligram
  • Thiamine (Flax seed vitamins)- 0.4 milligram
  • Magnesium- 80 milligram
  • Phosphorus- 132 milligrams
  • Copper- 0.2 milligram
  • Selenium- 5 milligrams

How to make flaxseed oil?

Do not be deprived of the flaxseed oil benefits of health because the oil can be prepared right at your home. The step-by-step process to make flaxseed oil is given below-

  • Add two cups of water in a pot and boil it.
  • When the water starts to boil, add two tablespoons of whole flaxseeds to it.
  • Lower the heat and continue boiling in the uncovered pot for about 8-10 minutes.
  • The water will start to thicken and look glossy.
  • Turn off the heat and let the liquid simmer down.
  • Pour the liquid into a jar and refrigerate it.
  • The flaxseed oil is ready for use.

It should be noted that there is no recommended flaxseed oil dosage. Do consult a physician for a prescribed amount.

Flaxseed Oil VS Fish Oil

Flaxseed oil contains a specific omega-3 fatty acid(1) called ALA or alpha-linolenic acid. Fish oil consists of two different omega-3 fatty acids i.e. docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Both the oils are beneficial for health.

What are the benefits of flaxseed oil supplements?

To secure the flaxseed oil benefits, the oil can be taken in the form of supplements available in local drug stores.

  • Aids in loss of excess body weight
  • Relief from diarrhea and constipation
  • Fight against cancer
  • Treatment of eczema
  • Maintenance of cardiac health(2)
  • Treatment of Sjogren’s Syndrome

15 Remarkable Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil benefits health in innumerable ways. Some of the benefits of flaxseed oil are elucidated below.

1. Prevention of Cancer

Flaxseed oil contains antioxidants that fight against colon cancer, breast and prostate cancer. The lignans of flaxseeds are antigenic in nature that prevents the growth of malignant tumors in the body.

The seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and ALA that inhibits the growth and spread of tumors and increase the probability of survival of patients afflicted with cancer. The lignans are known for blocking the enzymatic actions that catalyze the metabolism of hormones and for inhibiting the metastasis of cancerous cells.

2. Fight against Inflammation

It is the deficiency of omega-3 fatty acid in the body that sparks off the inflammation. Flaxseed oil is rich in lignans and ALA that block the production of pro-inflammatory agents in the body.

Flaxseed oil enhances the generation of two essential omega-3 fatty acids, docosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid that fight against inflammation and protect the human body from all kinds of infections.

3. Improvement of Digestion

improvement digestion

Flaxseed oil is rich in insoluble and soluble fibrous content that improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal absorption of nutrients is improved by the mucilaginous fiber of flax seeds.

Flaxseed oil acts as a natural laxative agent to regulate the process of excretion and improve digestion.

4. Prevention of Cardiac Diseases

The omega-3 fatty acid and amino acid content of flaxseed(3) oil can regulate blood pressure, prevent the stiffening of arteries, and prevent the sedimentation of harmful plaque in the arteries.

Lignans provide protection against atherosclerosis and help to maintain healthy cardiac rhythm. The alpha-linolenic acid protects blood vessels against inflammation.

5. Protection against Arthritis

protection for arthritis

The omega-3 fatty acid of flaxseed oil lowers the pain and stiffness of joints felt in rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces the swelling and alleviates the pain quite effectively. The essential fatty acids contained in flaxseed oil work upon osteoarthritis and soothe the stiffness of joints.

6. Prevention of Eczema

flaxseed oil for eczema

Dry skin is a serious skin issue and often leads to conditions like psoriasis, eczema and premature aging of the skin. Flaxseed oil is rich in healthy fatty acids that help to keep the skin supple and moisturized and prevents the occurrence of dry skin or eczema.

Regular consumption of flaxseed oil enhances the production of natural oils that prevent the formation of wrinkles and keep the skin well hydrated.

7. Fights against Skin Cancer

Flaxseed oil is rich in antioxidants that fight against poisonous free radicals, protect the skin from damage caused by the UV rays of the sun, repair broken skin tissues and thus prevent the skin from getting afflicted by cancer.

The flaxseed oil benefits for skin include prevention of skin cancer, protection against dry skin, premature aging, acne and other such skin issues.

8. Flaxseed Oil Benefits for Hair

Flaxseed Oil Benefits for Hair

Regular massage with flaxseed oil enriches the scalp with omega 3 fatty acids that keep it from going dry and flaky. The flaxseed oil induces the production of sebum in the scalp which moisturizes the hair, makes the root strong and prevents the occurrence of dandruff.

Flaxseed oil is highly anti-inflammatory in nature which protects the hair and scalp from the disease Cicatricial alopecia which is a condition of permanent loss of hair in which the hair roots and follicles get severely and irreparably damaged thus preventing the growth of new and healthy hair.

9. Flaxseed Oil for Weight Loss

Flaxseed oil aids in the shedding of excess body weight by accelerating the process of body metabolism, reduction of intestinal inflammation and suppressing the appetite. Flaxseed oil is richly packed with dietary and healthy fats which helps to curb the appetite and makes one feel full throughout the day.

Flaxseed oil helps in the development of muscles and its high fibrous content facilitates healthy digestion and regular bowel movement which is responsible for stabilization of body weight.

10. Treatment of Constipation

flaxseed oil for constipation

Flaxseed oil makes for an amazing antidote for constipation. It consists of omega-3 fatty acid, folate, copper, manganese, vitamin B6, and phosphorus.

The seeds contain mucilage which forms a smooth and slimy film along the intestinal walls. This smooth coat soothes the guttural lining and facilitates the movement and excretion of hardened feces with ease.

Flaxseed oil is essential for the maintenance of a healthy colon and aids in the softening of hardened, constipated feces.

11. Flaxseed Oil for Menopause

Flaxseed oil can powerfully control the symptoms of post-menopausal and perimenopausal syndromes that include hot flushes and nausea. The lignans present in flaxseed oil have a feeble estrogen effect.

12. Regulation of Diabetes

Flaxseed oil is rich in lignin can stabilize the level of blood glucose by enhancing insulin sensitivity. Consumption of a tablespoon of flaxseed oil on a daily basis for about a year can bring about a significant decline in insulin resistance that helps to control diabetes.

13. Flaxseed Oil Benefits Body Immunity

Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 as well as omega-6 fatty acids. When consumed, the fatty acids combine with the lignans to make for a potent booster of the immune system. Flaxseed oil is rich in antioxidants, antifungal and antibacterial properties that protect the body from diseases and strengthen body immunity.

14. Protection against Dry Eye Syndrome

flaxseed oil to dry eye syndrome

In the dry eye syndrome, the outer layer of the eye suffers from the dearth of necessary lubrication. This makes the eye burn and sting. Flaxseed oil, if taken on a regular basis, can cure the symptoms of this syndrome.

15. Prevention of Male Patterned Baldness

Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid that inhibits the action of the enzyme 5 alpha reductase that is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This DHT makes the hair follicles shrink and leads to baldness. Flaxseed oil contains ALA, oleic acid and linolenic acid that naturally remedy and reverse the condition of male pattern baldness.

What are the side effects of flaxseed oil?

A few general flaxseed oil side effects include increased bowel movement, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramps, constipation, stomach-ache, diarrhea, and nausea. Please restrict your consumption of flaxseed oil if you feel any of these symptoms or notice any allergic reactions.

FAQs

1. What does flaxseed oil do?

Response: Flaxseed oil contains omega 3 fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, fiber, antioxidants like lignans and vitamins and minerals which make highly beneficial for health.

3. How to take flaxseed oil?

Response: Flaxseed oil can be massaged on the skin or can be taken as capsules. Flaxseed oil capsules 1000mgbenefits the general health and well-being.

4. What are the other uses of flaxseed oil?

Response: The flaxseed oil uses are rooted in the fact that the oil is a rich source of unsaturated and essential fatty acids that fight against inflammation and promote general health. Flaxseed oil is highly essential for inflammatory disorders and rheumatoid arthritis.

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