Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is a vegetarian source and hence is great for vegetarians and vegans as well. It is known to improve heart and brain health, has anti-inflammatory properties, boosts skin and hair health, and improves moods. Flaxseed oil should be stored in opaque bottles to reduce oxidation. While choosing flaxseed oil, it is best to go for cold-pressed organic flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is also available in the form of supplements. Flaxseed oil pills benefit by veiling the oily taste and making it easy to swallow.
Here are some of the health benefits of flaxseed oil:
Improves heart health: Regular intake of flaxseed is shown to prevent clots in arteries by decreasing the clotting and sticking factors in the blood platelets.
Helps in weight loss: Flaxseed oil helps in lowering the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. It helps in stimulating the body metabolism so that excess fats are burned up.
Relieves constipation: Flaxseed oil is a natural laxative. It lubricates the colon and helps relieve constipation and associated symptoms like bloating, back pain, and fatigue. Surprisingly, it is also used to treat diarrhea.
Improves skin health and fights cellulite: The production of collagen, which aids in skin health and elasticity, decreases with the advancement of age. It also is the reason for cellulite as the skin gets thinner and reveals the irregularities created by superficial fat just below the skin. Regular intake of flaxseed oil increases the collagen production, thus resulting in healthy skin that can discourage cellulite.
Helps heal acne and eczema: Flaxseed oil helps in healing the skin and reducing acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the redness, itchiness, and dryness associated with eczema, thus helping the skin to heal quickly.
Alleviates arthritis: In autoimmune diseases like arthritis, the body’s immune system works against it by attacking the joints. This causes inflammation in the joints causing swelling, pain, and stiffness and further damages the organs. Regular consumption of flaxseed oil helps to reduce inflammation and balances the immune system.
May fight cancer: Recent studies show that flaxseed oil contains ALA that reduces the growth of cancerous cells in a wide range of breast cancer and prostate cancer cases. According to an anti-cancer treatment known as the Budwig Protocol, organic flaxseed oil and organic cottage cheese is combined and used.
Helps treat Sjogren’s syndrome: Sjogren’s syndrome is an immune disorder associated with dry eyes and dry mouth. Flaxseed oil is shown to alleviate these symptoms.
Treats diabetes and improves moods: Flaxseed oil is known to maintain the blood glucose levels in the body. This also helps to improve the moods and decreases anxiety and depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to boost the brain health, thus improving memory and concentration.
Recommended Read: 5 Recipes Rich in Omega-3
Flaxseed oil contains an impressive amount of fatty acids. One tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains 13.6 grams of good fat. Flaxseed oil can be used in salad dressings, smoothies, and protein shakes. When used along with yogurt and cottage cheese, it improves the metabolism and digestion. It is also used to treat certain vaginal infections.
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