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Benefits of Flaxseed Oil Benefits And Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2024

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Flaxseed oil’s other familiar name is ‘linseed’ oil and is procured from highly nutritious and disease-preventing flaxseeds. Just like the seed, flaxseed oil is also laden with nourishing omega-3 and fatty acids which are often associated with healthier hearts and brains. They also aid in decreased inflammation, healthier skin, nourished hair and better moods. With its slightly sweet and nutty flavor, just a tablespoon of flaxseed oil is enough for improving body processes related to brain, heart and health functioning and inflammation.

Flaxseed Oil Benefits

Flaxseed oil is extracted from flaxseeds. Flaxseed oil is loaded with both essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are essential and healthy. It is available as both a soft gel capsule, as well as in liquid form. The purest quality of flaxseed oil is made using fresh flaxseeds. They are then processed at a very low temperature where there is no light or paramount heat or oxygen. They are generally bottled in dark containers.

Nutritional Value of Flaxseed Oil Benefits

Flaxseed is one of the best sources of nutrients like vitamin E (38.1 mg per 100 grams), calories (884 per 100 grams), polyunsaturated fat (68 grams), monounsaturated fat (18 grams), and saturated fat (9 grams).

Nutritional facts Per 100 grams

884
Calories
100 g
Total Fat
0.1 g
Protein

Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil Benefits

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Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Flaxseed Oil Benefits

Relieves diarrhea and constipation

A study published in 2015 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, proved that flaxseed oil is effective in preventing both diarrhea and constipation. Thus flaxseed oil improves the digestive system in various ways. Flaxseed oil acts as a lubricant to the colon thus giving a natural and easy relief from constipation problems.

Helps in weight loss

Flaxseed oil as studied before that it lubricates colon and therefore it actually acts as a natural laxative. The use of flaxseed oil keeps things going in the digestive system. Thus it helps your body to detoxify and get rid of extra pounds. Making flaxseed oil as a carrier has benefits beyond just shedding extra pounds.

Removes cellulite

It helps fight cellulite naturally. As we grow, production of collagen decreases in our body. This is inversed with consumption of flaxseed oil. Its consumption makes structural and constructive changes in the skin tissues which includes weakened collagen as well. This makes cellulite’s visibility more prominent as the skin becomes thinner.

Helps fight cancer

In the world of cancer prevention, flaxseed oil is a respected product and is included in various natural treatments. Studies have proved that its consumption helps prevent the unwanted growth of breast tumors. Flaxseed oil contains ALA which is instrumental in reducing the growth of cell lines in breast cancer by altering signaling pathways. It not only reduces the growth of cancer cells but also induces apoptosis, which kills them.

Boosts heart health

It is evident that if you eat foods that contain a high amount of alpha-linolenic acids, such as flaxseed oil, it helps in preventing of heart diseases. Some studies also suggest that people who include a high amount of ALA in their diet are less prone to have a fatal heart attack. Studies also prove that women who consume high amount of ALA (around 15 grams daily) reduce their chances of having a sudden cardiac arrest. In short, if you eat foods which have alpha-linolenic acid, you will reduce your chances of a death due to heart disease.

Reduces eczema

Eczema these days have become a very common skin disease which are caused by itchy, red or dry skin that can crack or blister. The fatty acids which improve skin texture and elasticity are present in flaxseed oil. Thus flaxseed oil is arguably one of the best choices when it comes to fighting pesky and general skin problems such as eczema.

Treats Sjogren’s syndrome

Its most familiar symptoms are dry mouth and dry eyes. Health and diet go hand in hand, thus including flaxseed oil in diet or its capsules can improve the keratoconjunctivitis sicca syndrome by reducing eye surface inflammation. Thus it can be beneficial in treating Sjogren’s syndrome.

Lower cholesterol levels

ALA present in flaxseed oil converts DHA and EPA in the body. Thus it helps in reducing cholesterol levels and thereby prevents various other diseases that are caused due to high cholesterol level in the body.

Healthy hair and skin

If you really want to make your nail, skin and hair healthy, add 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil in your diet. The ALA fats present in flaxseed oil help provide vitamin B and fats which reduces flakiness and dryness. In addition to that, it benefits the curing of skin problems such as rosacea and acne. 1-2 tablespoons daily can really hydrate your hair and skin. You also have the option to mix it with essential oils and use it as a moisturizer for your skin.

Flaxseed oil is gluten free

This is a natural and healthy way to replace gluten which has inflammatory substances whereas flax act as an anti-inflammatory. For the ones who have gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease, this can be a great source of nutrients. They are also an option in cooking grain-free. People also use it in coconut flour.

Menopausal symptoms

It is proven that lignans present in flax have certain benefits for menopausal women. It is perhaps the best replacement for hormone therapy. This is because lignans have estrogenic properties. This property of flaxseed oil helps in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It also helps women in maintaining menstruation cycle regularly. To experience such benefits start using 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil in your smoothie during breakfast.

High in antioxidants

In addition to various other nutritional facts, it is also loaded with antioxidants. Lignans in flax provide us with antioxidant benefits, such as hormonal imbalance, cellular health and anti-aging, among others. Lignans are also well-known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties. Daily consumption of flaxseed oil can reduce your chances of catching flus or cold.

Uses of Flaxseed Oil Benefits

Clinical studies have time and again proved that using flaxseed oil helps in treating a variety of medical conditions. Flaxseed oil is natural and filled with health benefits. It can be used in cooking and will offer a lot of goodness.

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Side-Effects & Allergies of Flaxseed Oil Benefits

A dose of more than 30 grams daily, lead to losing stools and result in diarrhea. Some allergic reactions have also occurred while consuming it. Therefore you must consult your physician, if allergic before consumption. Flaxseed oil slows down the absorption of oral medications in the long-term. Therefore, it should be taken only under the supervision of your nutritionist. It increases the chances of prostate cancer in men. People suffering from schizophrenia or diabetes won’t be able to convert ALA to DHA and EPA. Thus people who are suffering from either of these conditions should avoid it and look at other options for omega-3 fatty acids such as fish. For women, it is highly risky to consume it by mouth during pregnancy. Some studies have proven that consumption of flaxseed oil results in premature birth, if taken during the 2nd or 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Flaxseed oil increases the chances of severe bleeding in people who are already suffering from bleeding disorders. If you are experiencing such a disorder then you must consult your healthcare provider immediately. Flaxseed oil also increases the chance of bleeding after the surgery, in some cases, during surgery as well. Therefore, you should stop using it at least 2 weeks before your surgery is scheduled.

Origin And Cultivation of Flaxseed Oil Benefits

A dose of more than 30 grams daily, lead to losing stools and result in diarrhea. Some allergic reactions have also occurred while consuming it. Therefore you must consult your physician, if allergic before consumption. Flaxseed oil slows down the absorption of oral medications in the long-term. Therefore, it should be taken only under the supervision of your nutritionist. It increases the chances of prostate cancer in men. People suffering from schizophrenia or diabetes won’t be able to convert ALA to DHA and EPA. Thus people who are suffering from either of these conditions should avoid it and look at other options for omega-3 fatty acids such as fish. For women, it is highly risky to consume it by mouth during pregnancy. Some studies have proven that consumption of flaxseed oil results in premature birth, if taken during the 2nd or 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Flaxseed oil increases the chances of severe bleeding in people who are already suffering from bleeding disorders. If you are experiencing such a disorder then you must consult your healthcare provider immediately. Flaxseed oil also increases the chance of bleeding after the surgery, in some cases, during surgery as well. Therefore, you should stop using it at least 2 weeks before your surgery is scheduled.

References

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
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