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7 proven facts about the benefits and harms of linseed oil for the body

Linseed oil is made from flax seeds, which have been crushed and compressed to release natural oil from them. It is available in several forms: in liquid form (in grocery stores) and in capsules (in pharmacies).

Flax oil has a number of proven beneficial properties. It is rich in nutrients that can improve the health of all human organ systems and even prevent the appearance of malignant tumors. 

7 useful properties

Below are 7 facts about the benefits of using linseed oil (based on scientific sources of information).

1. It has a rich composition

Flax Oil contains contains a number of biologically active substances:

  1. Omega-3 and other fatty acids.
  2. Phenolic compounds (lignans). Act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals.
  3. Minerals. According to the data Russian scientists, linseed oil is rich in magnesium, iron, manganese, chromium, copper.

Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with the following health benefits:

  • Maintenance Heart muscle work ;
  • Suppression of chronic inflammation;
  • Prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Flaxseed oil can be not only a wonderful addition to any dish, but also a source of valuable substances: omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals.

2. Fighting cancer

The evidence base suggests that flaxseed oil is able to prevent the development of malignant processes in the body, as well as destroy cancer cells.

Works performed by Chinese scientists, demonstrate the ability of linseed oil to slow down the metastasis of lung cancer.

In laboratory mice, which were given 0.3 ml of oil for 40 days, the incidence of distant foci of metastatic growth was lower.

According to experts, linseed oil suppresses proliferation of malignant cells in the thickness of the mucous membrane of the large intestine, which leads to a halt in the growth of cancer.

Some research indicate on the effectiveness of the product against breast cancer cells in women.

The therapeutic effect of linseed oil is based on its pronounced antioxidant activity. The product blocks the effect of free radicals on all cells of the body (during oxidative stress), which can cause damage, death or malignant degeneration of the latter.

The inclusion of flaxseed oil in the diet supposedly protects the body from cancer.

3. Reduces blood pressure

Nutritionists of Charokopio University (Greece) installed that flaxseed oil reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

To achieve a healing effect, it is enough to consume only 15 ml of oil for 4 months.

Experts note that the abundance of omega-3 fatty acids in the composition protects the heart from dystrophic changes and prevents arrhythmias.

Also detected the ability of linseed oil to increase the elasticity of the walls of arteries, which are often subjected to fibrous changes against the background of a long course of hypertension. This is also due to the action of omega-3 fatty acids.

Linseed oil is recommended for the elderly as a natural means of additional control of the course of hypertension (in order to reduce the doses of antihypertensive drugs taken).

Due to the content of omega-3 fatty acids, the oil reduces blood pressure.

4. Reduces the concentration of cholesterol in the blood

Flax seeds and oil are effective for lowering cholesterol levels in blood plasma.

Research show that taking the drug (for 4 weeks or more) causes a decrease in the concentration of total cholesterol, as well as atherogenic lipids – low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

A large amount of LDL and total cholesterol is associated with a high risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation on the walls of arteries and the development of pathologies such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, stroke, chronic cerebral ischemia, etc.

Taking natural flax oil reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and prevents the development of diseases caused by atherosclerotic vascular disease.

5. Improves intestinal health

Animal experiments shown the ability of linseed oil to increase the volume and multiplicity of stools and constipated persons. At the same time, the effect was observed even with prolonged stoolage (over 4 days).

Similar results discovered experts from Brazil. Experts say that flaxseed and olive oils are the best natural remedies for the treatment of constipation.

Flax oil is recommended for constipation or a tendency to it. It allows you to normalize stools with almost complete absence of side effects inherent in medicines. The effect is equally pronounced in both men and women.

There is evidence of the ability of the drug to prevent inflammatory lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, duodenitis, GERD).

Flax oil eliminates constipation and can be used instead of medicines.

6.Supports skin health

Flaxseed oil can improve the health of skin, hair and nails. It is not for nothing that cosmetics for the care of the face and other parts of the body are made on its basis.

German specialists proved that prolonged use of the product (about 12 weeks) leads to increased smoothness and elasticity of the skin, decreased sensitivity, suppression of any signs of irritation and inflammation.

The oil is also effective in the treatment of dermatitis, allergic and infectious-inflammatory processes at the skin level. Korean scientists discovered that the use of flax oil reduces the severity of itching, eliminates swelling and hyperemia. When used, the nails become less brittle, and the hair does not split.

The natural remedy can be used both internally and topically. It is recommended to give preference to cold-pressed linseed oil.

Flax oil and cosmetics based on it are effective means for improving the skin.

7. Inhibits chronic inflammation

Numerous studies show the ability of omega-3 fatty acids and some antioxidants of flax seeds to inhibit chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is a physiological but extremely dangerous process in the body. It is he who underlies the development of chronic diseases of the digestive, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, bones and joints, liver.

This process also increases the likelihood of developing malignant processes in the body.

According to Chinese experts, the oil reduces concentration of C-reactive protein in obese individuals. Reducing the level of one of the key markers of an inflammatory reaction improves metabolic processes in adipose tissue and promotes weight loss.

Similar data demonstrate research by Indian scientists. They recorded a decrease in interleukins 1 and 6, as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha, with regular addition of linseed oil to the diet.

At the same time, as Greek experts emphasize, the effectiveness of linseed oil is comparable to olive oil.

Adding oil to the diet leads to a decrease in the activity of chronic inflammation and provides prevention of chronic diseases.

Safety and Harm

The use of linseed oil is associated with some risks and, in some cases, can be harmful to health. The main side effects are:

  1. Dyspeptic disorders. When taking large doses (more than 100 ml at a time), diarrhea, increased gas formation, and spastic abdominal pain may occur.
  2. Allergic reactions. Allergopathologies to the product can manifest in different ways: from banal skin reactions to anaphylactic shock. In the presence of such phenomena in the anamnesis, linseed oil is contraindicated.
  3. Change in blood viscosity. Active ingredients of flax seeds "dilute" the blood , which can lead to bleeding when taking medications such as warfarin.

Linseed oil is not recommended for pregnant women. It contains lignans that have estrogenic activity and can disrupt the course of pregnancy.

There are no contraindications for children. However, it is not recommended to give oil to a child under 5-7 years of age.

Flax oil can lead to side effects. This circumstance should be taken into account before including the product in the power supply system.

Admission Tips

Below are some recommendations regarding the correct use of the product:

  1. Methods of administration and dosage. It is recommended to consume up to 20 ml of oil daily, the maximum daily dosage is 100 ml. Flaxseed oil can be drunk in its pure form or added to any products and dishes, preferably not subjected to thermal effects (for example, frying in a frying pan).
  2. Optimal intake time. The herbal remedy can be consumed orally at any time of the day, except in the evening. Taking 2-3 hours before bedtime (at night) can cause an overload of the digestive system (due to the abundance of fats) and cause sleep problems. If the oil is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, then breakfast should follow after a maximum of 30 minutes.
  3. How to choose in the store. Before buying, it is recommended to carefully study the composition (there should be no foreign substances, in particular &8212; water) and shelf life. The consistency should be uniform, and the color should range from light yellow to brown (depending on the raw materials used and the degree of purification). The most valuable from a biological point of view is unrefined oil.
  4. What can be combined with. Linseed oil serves as an accompaniment to any vegetables and fruits, bread and bakery products. In folk medicine, it is used in recipes together with garlic, lemon, honey.
  5. Use in cooking. The oil is used for dressing vegetable and fruit salads, is added to meat and fish dishes at any stage of cooking, as well as before serving. The product can be added to any bread at the dough preparation stage.
  6. How to store. The oil is stored in a factory sealed package for no more than 1 year, after opening – up to 1 month (in the refrigerator). It is recommended to protect the product from exposure to sunlight, humid air and foreign odour sources.
Proper use of oil allows you to unlock the full biological potential without harm to health.

Conclusion

  1. Flaxseed oil is a valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and antioxidant substances.
  2. The effectiveness of the product has been verified through scientific research. Flaxseed oil lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, fights cancer and chronic diseases, and improves intestinal function.
  3. The remedy is allowed to be used by children (from 5-7 years old), but pregnant women should give it up.
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