Flaxseed Oil health benefits includes managing eczema, battling cancer, alleviating diarrhea and constipation, supplying nutrients, managing arthritis and calming the nerves. Other benefits includes slowing the aging process, protecting the lung, balancing hormones, reducing cellulite and supporting weight loss.
What is Flaxseed Oil?
The multiple healing and nutritional benefits of the flaxseed cannot be denied. There are archeological indications of flaxseeds being planted first by the Babylonians around 2000 B.C.E. Greeks have indications of planting the flax seed plant and using its seeds in their poems as well. The father of medicine, Hippocrates, is known to have prescribed flax seeds to his patients for treating different types of digestive difficulties.
Flax was cultivated in Rome and other areas for linen, which leads us to believe that they were also using the seeds in their diets. By the 8thcentury, the health and medicinal properties of flaxseed were so widely known that the King of France, Charlemagne had entries for the uses of flaxseed in his medical journal. The scientific name for flax seeds translates to “the most useful”. Flax seed is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world.
Where this plant has many uses, its seeds can be eaten raw or are used to extract oil. There are two types of oils that are extracted from flax seeds, linseed oil and flax seed oil. Linseed oil is used in machines and other tools whereas; flax seed oil is for human consumption. It is strictly advised to never use flaxseed oil for cooking purposes as it has a very low smoking point.
Flaxseed oil is one of the best plant based sources of omega 3; it is often compared to fish oil in its medicinal capabilities. This is good news for vegetarians as it is the best source of omega 3 fatty acids in the plant kingdom. Flax seeds are not only rich in omega 3s; they also have a variety of nutrients.
Flax seed oil has an almost nutty, slightly sweet and a tad bitter flavor. This flavor profile makes it delicious; giving flax seeds a distinct flavor. Flax seeds contain from 50% to 60% alpha-linolenic acid, which is a form of omega 3 fatty acids.
Flaxseed oil is a healthy addition to your diet, it not only anti inflammatory, but has more disease preventing properties than fish oil. There are many reasons to opt for flaxseed oil over fish oil one being the potential presence of mercury in the fish oil.
11 Impressive health benefits of Flaxseed Oil
1. Eczema Management
Eczema is a skin condition that may arise as an allergic reaction to foods and may result in dry, inflamed and itchy red skin. This can also be caused due to the chemicals present in soaps, perfumes and skin care products. Doctors emphasize the role of diet in controlling this skin condition. Consuming about a tablespoon of flaxseed oil everyday improves the skin’s elasticity and calms inflammation.
2. Battling Cancer
There are multiple reasons for the occurrence of cancerous cells in the human body; there are instances where doctors are unable to specify when and why it occurred. Conventional medication for cancer is both painful and pricey. Nature itself holds a plethora of cancer fighting elements in the tiny seed. Flax seed oil has a respected and acknowledged position in the world of cancer treatments. The recommended diets for cancer patients, such as the Bud wig diet, include flax seed oil as a mandatory ingredient. There have been recent studies that have observed the modifying properties of the alpha- linolenic acid found in flaxseed oil. This property modifies the signaling pathways and reduces growth of breast cancer.
3. Alleviates Diarrhea and Constipation
Diarrhea is a digestive disorder that is very harmful for the overall body; it often leads to loss of energy and nutrients. There are studies that show flaxseed oil as a beneficial aid in relieving the affects of diarrhea and helping retain nutrients and energy.
Flaxseed oil surprisingly has dual affects in relieving the symptoms of constipation by lubricating the colon. Flax seed oil is a natural remedy for relieving constipation.
4. Nutritional Benefits
Flaxseed oil is a great source of Omega 3s. One ounce of flaxseed oil contains 8grams of fiber, 6grams of protein, vitamin B1 31% RDA, Manganese 35% RDA, Selenium 10% RDA and phosphorus 19% RDA. This composition makes flax seed oil a must in your diet.
5. Arthritis management
Joint pain can be extremely uncomfortable and prevent us from enjoying life to the fullest. There are many conventional medications that claim to heal and soothe the inflammation in the joints. Flax seeds and flax seed oil is a more natural path to pain management. Adding flax seeds to a smoothie, a shake or oatmeal can be a good addition for arthritis patients. Taking about a tablespoon of flaxseed oil is also recommended. It can also potentially relieve muscle and lower back pain.
6. Calms nerves
Flaxseed oil contains EFAs that help soothe the nerves. Flaxseed oil acts as a nervine that minimizes nerve damage along with being beneficial in treating tingling and numbness. Studies are being conducted on its potential benefits for Parkinson’s disease, which is a disease that affects the nervous system. Flaxseed oil is also found to have positive effects on the nerve damage caused by diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
7. Anti-aging
There are multiple conventional products that claim to turn back time, but have many harmful ingredients with little to no results. Age cannot be stop, but it is wise to take a natural route to a supple and healthy skin. Flaxseed oil has been observed to promote elasticity in the skin and is excellent for the prevention of wrinkles and other age related skin problems. The omegas 3s in flaxseed oil also prevent age-related macular degeneration.
8. Protects the Lungs
Omega 3s help the lung filter the air and prevent the oxidative damage caused by the free radicalsin the environment. Flax seed oil is often used in remedying the affects of asthma and preventing asthma attacks.
9. Balanced Hormones
Flax seeds contain EFAs that prevent the excessive prostaglandins production that lead to elevated PMS conditions, which are mainly related to endometriosis. For men, the EFAs found in flaxseed oil helps calm prostrate inflammation.
10. Cellulite Reduction
Cellulite often is the result of loss of elasticity and collagen in the body. Flaxseed oil improves the body’s ability to produce collagen and reduce cellulite. As we age our body loses its ability to prevent the structural changes in the skin and thus, cellulite occurs.
11. Aids in Weight Loss
Artificial laxatives in fitness and weight loss teas are more harmful than beneficial. Flaxseed oil acts as a natural laxative. It helps keep the digestive system in excellent condition and rids the body of toxins that lead to weight gain and bloating.
Bottom Line
Flaxseed oil has multiple other benefits such as increased vitality and energy, improved metabolism and an overall healthy body. Flax seed oil is an excellent way to ensure the intake of omega 3s in the purest form possible. Remember to eat a tablespoon of flaxseed oil on its own or add it to cooked meals.
