Health Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil
Why take flaxseed oil?
No matter how healthy a person’s diet might be, there may still be a lack of certain nutrients. A good way to get these nutrients is to take a supplement. Flaxseed oil provides nutrients such as vitamin E and vitamin D, minerals that include iron, potassium, and calcium. It is also a great source of fiber. Flaxseed oil contains good fats like Omega three fatty acids, which are essential to the body. It is possible to get “good fat” from foods such as nuts or fish, however these foods are high in calories. It’s also inconvenient to cook fish every day, therefore its might be easier for people to take a flaxseed oil supplement. There are several wonderful health benefits of flaxseed oil.
What is flaxseed oil good for?
There has been research done that indicates people who get high amounts of lignan in their diet have a low incidence of colon cancer and breast cancer. Flaxseed oil contains a high amount of lignan, more than you would get in most whole grain products. It is said that lignans have the ability to stop the growth rate and spreading of tumor cells. Flaxseed oil may also help to prevent type two diabetes, again due to the lignans.
Studies have shown that healthy fats, like Omega 3 fatty acids, help to prevent clots in arteries, as well as lowering cholesterol and blood triglycerides. Getting a low amount of healthy fats may result in strokes, thrombosis, and heart attacks. Lignans found in flaxseed oil have been known to reduce atherosclerotic plaque buildup as much as 75%. Flaxseed oil can play a big role in regulating a natural heart rhythm, and can be used in treating an irregular heartbeat, as well as heart failure.
Among the many health benefits of flaxseed oil, is the fact it can help with the healing of bruises and sprains. It can also increase the body’s metabolism, making it easier to burn fat and to lose weight. Flaxseed oil helps with the absorption of calcium, and is great for strengthening toenails and fingernails. It can also be a treatment for dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema. There is a high content of phytochemicals in flaxseed oil which include several antioxidants. Therefore taking flaxseed oil can possibly help slow down the aging process, as well as make your skin look and feel younger.
Flaxseed oil has the potential to improve mental function in elderly people. It has been scientifically proven to help people who have depression. The behavior of schizophrenics has been proven to improve when taking flaxseed oil. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome can be relieved by taking flaxseed oil. Women who are going through menopause can take flaxseed oil to help with the effects of hot flashes. There have been studies that show that the intensity of a hot flash was cut by 57% when flaxseed oil was taken regularly.
Other health benefits of flaxseed oil include helping with the treatment of multiple sclerosis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes mellitus. Flaxseed oil has been known to improve the perception of colors and eyesight in general. It can relieve side effects from many forms of cancer, and even stop the development of this disease. Taking flaxseed oil can lower high blood pressure in people who suffer from hypertension.
There are many health benefits of flaxseed oil, and the results can be seen both on the inside and the outside of the body. Adding flaxseed oil to your diet will improve many aspects of your health.
16 Replies
Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are popular among vegans and vegetarians who want a non-animal source of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, everyone can benefit from adding flaxseeds into their diet. While flaxseed oil contains higher levels of Omega-3 than the seeds, the seeds actually have many more benefits than just the oil. Here are 10 health benefits of flaxseeds and flaxseed oil.
1. Flaxseeds are a a great source of fiber and work as a natural laxative. They are a great way to keep things regular.
2. Flaxseed oil contains concentrated amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat. Vegetarians and vegans often use this as a substitute for fish oil, although there are differing opinions over whether the Omega-3 in flaxseed oil is as beneficial as that in fish oil.
3. Ground flaxseed has been shown to work just as well as statins in lowering cholesterol.
4. Flaxseeds are a good source of magnesium.
5. Flaxseeds contain high levels of lignans. Lignans may protect against estrogen-dependents cancers such as breast cancer.
6. An ounce of ground flaxseed per day was shown to regulate estrogen levels in post-menopausal women.
7. Flaxseeds have been shown to protect post-menopausal women from heart disease.
8. Flaxseed decreases insulin resistance and may protect against diabetes.
9. Preliminary research in mice shows that flaxseeds may prevent or slow the spread of prostate cancer.
10. Studies in mice show that flaxseed may prevent or slow the spread of melanoma.
---
As with everything, moderation is key. Too many flaxseeds may cause negative effects. Just one tablespoon per day is enough in most cases. If you are unsure how much is right for you, ask your doctor how much he or she recommends.
1. Flaxseeds are a a great source of fiber and work as a natural laxative. They are a great way to keep things regular.
2. Flaxseed oil contains concentrated amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat. Vegetarians and vegans often use this as a substitute for fish oil, although there are differing opinions over whether the Omega-3 in flaxseed oil is as beneficial as that in fish oil.
3. Ground flaxseed has been shown to work just as well as statins in lowering cholesterol.
4. Flaxseeds are a good source of magnesium.
5. Flaxseeds contain high levels of lignans. Lignans may protect against estrogen-dependents cancers such as breast cancer.
6. An ounce of ground flaxseed per day was shown to regulate estrogen levels in post-menopausal women.
7. Flaxseeds have been shown to protect post-menopausal women from heart disease.
8. Flaxseed decreases insulin resistance and may protect against diabetes.
9. Preliminary research in mice shows that flaxseeds may prevent or slow the spread of prostate cancer.
10. Studies in mice show that flaxseed may prevent or slow the spread of melanoma.
---
As with everything, moderation is key. Too many flaxseeds may cause negative effects. Just one tablespoon per day is enough in most cases. If you are unsure how much is right for you, ask your doctor how much he or she recommends.
nagalakshmi.karunanidhi wrote:
[quote]I am totally unaware of flax seed oil.Is this oil taken from plants?.[/quote]...
@ nagalakshmi here is the information about flax seed oil
Flax Seed Oil is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. This natural oil (also known as Linseed Oil) is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition and is considered to be nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the health of almost all body systems.
Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant, and many people believe that it has a range of health benefits. The oil is a source of omega-3 and other essential fatty acids. You can make flaxseed oil by following some simple steps. Different methods and types of equipment may improve the yield of oil from flax seeds, but the same basic process applies in every situation.
Flax Seed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil, minus that horrible "fishy" after taste.
Linseed oil, also known as flax seed oil, is a clear to yellowish oil obtained from the dried ripe seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum, Linaceae). The oil is obtained by cold pressing, sometimes followed by solvent extraction.
Linseed oil is a "drying oil" as it can polymerize into a solid form. The reaction is exothermic, and rags soaked in it can ignite spontaneously. Due to its polymer-like properties, linseed oil is used on its own or blended with other oils, resins and solvents as an impregnator and varnish in wood finishing, as a pigment binder in oil paints, as a plasticizer and hardener in putty and in the manufacture of linoleum. The use of linseed oil has declined over the past several decades with the increased use of alkyd resins, which are similar but partially synthetic materials that resist yellowing.[1]
It is an edible oil but, because of its strong flavor and odor, is only a minor constituent of human nutrition, although it is marketed as a nutritional supplement.
[quote]I am totally unaware of flax seed oil.Is this oil taken from plants?.[/quote]...
@ nagalakshmi here is the information about flax seed oil
Flax Seed Oil is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. This natural oil (also known as Linseed Oil) is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition and is considered to be nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the health of almost all body systems.
Flaxseed oil comes from the seeds of the flax plant, and many people believe that it has a range of health benefits. The oil is a source of omega-3 and other essential fatty acids. You can make flaxseed oil by following some simple steps. Different methods and types of equipment may improve the yield of oil from flax seeds, but the same basic process applies in every situation.
Flax Seed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil, minus that horrible "fishy" after taste.
Linseed oil, also known as flax seed oil, is a clear to yellowish oil obtained from the dried ripe seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum, Linaceae). The oil is obtained by cold pressing, sometimes followed by solvent extraction.
Linseed oil is a "drying oil" as it can polymerize into a solid form. The reaction is exothermic, and rags soaked in it can ignite spontaneously. Due to its polymer-like properties, linseed oil is used on its own or blended with other oils, resins and solvents as an impregnator and varnish in wood finishing, as a pigment binder in oil paints, as a plasticizer and hardener in putty and in the manufacture of linoleum. The use of linseed oil has declined over the past several decades with the increased use of alkyd resins, which are similar but partially synthetic materials that resist yellowing.[1]
It is an edible oil but, because of its strong flavor and odor, is only a minor constituent of human nutrition, although it is marketed as a nutritional supplement.
kavita porwal wrote:
[quote]Even i m totally unaware about this oil... Is it easily available everywhere....[/quote]
.I don't know about the flexseed oil availabily...but Flax seed is generally known as Linseed and ALSI -- there are regional names for this as well. General grocery stores where you get your dals will carry this or you could ask them where to get it.. Yes. it is available all over India.
[quote]Even i m totally unaware about this oil... Is it easily available everywhere....[/quote]
.I don't know about the flexseed oil availabily...but Flax seed is generally known as Linseed and ALSI -- there are regional names for this as well. General grocery stores where you get your dals will carry this or you could ask them where to get it.. Yes. it is available all over India.
Some of the giant list of flax seed oil benefits includes:
- Reduces the risk of cancer
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Protects against heart disease
- Aids the growth of healthy hair and nails
- Promotes healthy skin
- Many other really really good things
This list can go on and on. I’m sure you get the picture. Basically, taking flaxseed is good, and not taking it is bad. That pretty much sums it up. It’s not rocket science.
- Reduces the risk of cancer
- Helps lower cholesterol
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Protects against heart disease
- Aids the growth of healthy hair and nails
- Promotes healthy skin
- Many other really really good things
This list can go on and on. I’m sure you get the picture. Basically, taking flaxseed is good, and not taking it is bad. That pretty much sums it up. It’s not rocket science.
Flaxseed oil is rich in EFA’s, essential fatty acids. More specifically it contains the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This is the technical meaning of “healthy fat.” Your body needs these fats to function properly, yet it doesn't produce it on it's own. This makes EFA's an important part of your diet. Other sources of these fats are fish and nuts. Most of the fat in my diet comes from a combination of nuts and flax seed oil.
The hard part about getting all of your good fat from nuts or fish is that nuts contain extra calories from carbs and protein, and it’s not very convenient to prepare and eat a fish like salmon everyday. Flax seed oil on the other hand is as quick and simple as can be, and contains, for the most part, just fat. So... it has less calories than nuts.
It is completely safe to take on a daily basis. It has no negative side effects. It does however have a ton of positive heath benefits. Most people into working out (myself included) take it just because our diet HAS to consist of protein, carbs and fat, and flaxseed oil happens to be a perfect source of healthy fat that our diets require. This is actually just the beginning of its positive benefits.
The hard part about getting all of your good fat from nuts or fish is that nuts contain extra calories from carbs and protein, and it’s not very convenient to prepare and eat a fish like salmon everyday. Flax seed oil on the other hand is as quick and simple as can be, and contains, for the most part, just fat. So... it has less calories than nuts.
It is completely safe to take on a daily basis. It has no negative side effects. It does however have a ton of positive heath benefits. Most people into working out (myself included) take it just because our diet HAS to consist of protein, carbs and fat, and flaxseed oil happens to be a perfect source of healthy fat that our diets require. This is actually just the beginning of its positive benefits.
Everybody seems to have a secret for losing weight. The truth is, in order to achieve and maintain a significant weight loss, you need to burn more calories than you consume. Flaxseed products may be able to help you. The oil is a powerful antioxidant that can help boost your metabolism. Whole or ground flaxseed provides you with dietary fiber that makes you feel fuller and omega-3 fatty acids that can possibly curb cravings for sweets.
Use Flaxseed Oil for Weight Loss:
Add 1 to 2 tbsp. of flaxseed oil to a large glass of water and mix well. If you do not care for the nutty flavor of the oil, use low-calorie juice instead of water. Drink one glass of the mixture every day to benefit from the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
#
3
Drizzle a flaxseed oil dressing over your green salad. Use equal parts of olive and flaxseed oils, and add some lemon juice. The omega-3 in the dressing is a "good" fat and may reduce your body's craving for sweets and fatty foods.
#
4
Use ground flaxseed in your foods to add more fiber to your diet. Fiber makes us feel full on less food, so you may be less likely to overeat.
Add 1 to 2 tbsp. of flaxseed oil to a large glass of water and mix well. If you do not care for the nutty flavor of the oil, use low-calorie juice instead of water. Drink one glass of the mixture every day to benefit from the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
#
3
Drizzle a flaxseed oil dressing over your green salad. Use equal parts of olive and flaxseed oils, and add some lemon juice. The omega-3 in the dressing is a "good" fat and may reduce your body's craving for sweets and fatty foods.
#
4
Use ground flaxseed in your foods to add more fiber to your diet. Fiber makes us feel full on less food, so you may be less likely to overeat.
What Flaxseed Is Used For
* Flaxseed is most commonly used as a laxative.
* Flaxseed is also used for hot flashes and breast pain.
* Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions than flaxseed, including arthritis.
* Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used for high cholesterol levels and in an effort to prevent cancer.
* Flaxseed is most commonly used as a laxative.
* Flaxseed is also used for hot flashes and breast pain.
* Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions than flaxseed, including arthritis.
* Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used for high cholesterol levels and in an effort to prevent cancer.
What the Science Says
* Flaxseed contains soluble fiber, like that found in oat bran, and may have a laxative effect.
* Studies of flaxseed preparations to lower cholesterol levels report mixed results. A 2009 review of the clinical research found that cholesterol-lowering effects were more apparent in postmenopausal women and in people with high initial cholesterol concentrations.
* Some studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid (a substance found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil) may benefit people with heart disease. But not enough reliable data are available to determine whether flaxseed is effective for heart conditions.
* Study results are mixed on whether flaxseed decreases hot flashes.
* Although some population studies suggest that flaxseed might reduce the risk of certain cancers, there is not enough research to support a recommendation for this use.
* NCCAM is funding studies on flaxseed. Recent studies are looking at its potential role in preventing or treating atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), breast cancer, and ovarian cysts.
* Flaxseed contains soluble fiber, like that found in oat bran, and may have a laxative effect.
* Studies of flaxseed preparations to lower cholesterol levels report mixed results. A 2009 review of the clinical research found that cholesterol-lowering effects were more apparent in postmenopausal women and in people with high initial cholesterol concentrations.
* Some studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid (a substance found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil) may benefit people with heart disease. But not enough reliable data are available to determine whether flaxseed is effective for heart conditions.
* Study results are mixed on whether flaxseed decreases hot flashes.
* Although some population studies suggest that flaxseed might reduce the risk of certain cancers, there is not enough research to support a recommendation for this use.
* NCCAM is funding studies on flaxseed. Recent studies are looking at its potential role in preventing or treating atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), breast cancer, and ovarian cysts.
Side Effects and Cautions
* Flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplements seem to be well tolerated. Few side effects have been reported.
* Flaxseed, like any supplemental fiber source, should be taken with plenty of water; otherwise, it could worsen constipation or, in rare cases, even cause intestinal blockage. Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea.
* The fiber in flaxseed may lower the body's ability to absorb medications that are taken by mouth. Flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as any conventional oral medications or other dietary supplements.
* Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about CAMA group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine., see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.
* Flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplements seem to be well tolerated. Few side effects have been reported.
* Flaxseed, like any supplemental fiber source, should be taken with plenty of water; otherwise, it could worsen constipation or, in rare cases, even cause intestinal blockage. Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea.
* The fiber in flaxseed may lower the body's ability to absorb medications that are taken by mouth. Flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as any conventional oral medications or other dietary supplements.
* Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about CAMA group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine., see NCCAM's Time to Talk campaign.
Topic Author
N
neetu jain
@neetu020784
Topic Stats
Created
Monday, 15 November 2010 12:02
Last Updated
Tuesday, 30 November -0001 00:00
Replies
0
Views
2.5K
Likes
0