Flaxseed Oil - Benefits And Harms, How To Take?

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 02:10

The benefits and harms of flaxseed oil, how to take?

This unique product, used for a long time in folk medicine, is a real treasure in terms of the content of biologically active substances.

Its main benefit lies in the unique combination of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, lecithin and beta-carotene, which are rarely found together in foods from the usual human diet.

Content:

• Composition and calorie content
• The benefits of flaxseed oil
• The benefits of flaxseed oil for women
• The harm of flaxseed oil and contraindications for use
• How to take flaxseed oil?
• How is linseed oil made?
• How to choose flaxseed oil?
• How to store flaxseed oil?

• Answers to popular questions:

  • Should linseed oil be bitter?
  • Can you drink flaxseed oil on an empty stomach?
  • Can I fry in linseed oil?
  • Can flaxseed oil be given to children?
  • Is flaxseed oil possible during pregnancy?
  • Can you lose weight with linseed oil?

Composition and calorie content

• Fats: 99.8 g
• Proteins: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.0 g
• Water: 0.1 g
• Ash: 0.0 g

Fats (per 100 g):	amount	% RDA
Omega-3	53.4 g	5335%
Omega-6	12.7-14.3 g	135%
Omega-9	18.3-20.2 g	-
Saturated fatty acids	9.0-9.9 μg	38%

1.9 g of flaxseed oil (less than half a teaspoon) fully satisfies the human body's daily requirement for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). However, it completely lacks EPA and DHA acids - the most beneficial for human health.

Phytosterols (in 100 g):	amount	% RDA
Total phytosterols	689 mg	1252%
Beta-sitosterol	206 mg	515%
Campesterol	98-105 mg	184%
Delta-5-avenasterol	59 mg	107%
Stigmasterol	30-35 mg	93%

Complete chemical composition ➤

The benefits of flaxseed oil

Taking this remedy, which is useful in all respects, can improve health, normalize fat metabolism, prevent cardiovascular diseases, pathologies of the digestive system and metabolic processes.

Useful properties of flaxseed oil:

• Increases the elasticity of blood vessels, reduces the likelihood of stroke and heart attack, hypertension;
• Serves for the prevention of atherosclerosis and thrombosis;
• Normalizes fat metabolism, promotes weight loss;
• Improves the functioning of the digestive tract;
• Acts as a prophylactic agent against the formation of stones in the gallbladder, normalizes the work of the biliary system;
• Increases immunity;
• It is a good source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for vegetarians.

You should not use flaxseed oil for self-medication and at the same time cancel the drugs prescribed by your doctor. Before using the oil, you should consult a qualified specialist on the profile of your disease and take into account all the contraindications.

Omega-3 in flaxseed oil

Flaxseed oil is the champion in omega-3 content, second only to fish oil. The concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in linseed oil reaches, according to various sources, from 44% to 60%.

These beneficial lipids enter the body through the small intestine after pretreatment with bile enzymes in the duodenum. A certain amount of omega-3 enters the liver, where it becomes a full-fledged participant in metabolic processes. A tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains up to 8 g of omega-3 fatty acids, while the remaining acids, omega-6 and omega-9, are represented by 2 and 3 grams, respectively.

The founder of the Gerson Institute from California, Charlotte Gerson, published the results of scientific research organized by her, according to which flaxseed oil is not only the leading donor of beneficial lipids, but also slows down the growth of tumor cells.

Enriching the diet with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to positive changes:

• The heart rate is normalized;
• Indicators of blood pressure and blood biochemical composition are close to normal;
• The functioning of the endocrine glands is restored;
• The metabolism is normalized, the risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus disappears;
• Reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood and the risk of blood clots;
• Decreases blood viscosity, which is very useful for the prevention of varicose veins;
• Constipation disappears;
• The condition of the skin and hair is noticeably improved;
• The hormonal background in women and men is restored;
• The blood supply to the brain and the state of blood vessels are improved.

Experimental studies organized by professor at one of the Australian universities of Sydney Leonard Storlien have shown that food enriched with omega-3 type lipids helps to normalize metabolism, preventing obesity and diabetes.

The benefits of flaxseed oil for women

Women's health, reproductive function, beauty and well-being at all ages are the areas where linseed oil can be of invaluable help. Its unique composition will help strengthen the immune system, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and regulate blood pressure.

During pregnancy, prerequisites for the development of varicose veins often appear due to the increased load on the body. Dosed intake of flaxseed oil will maintain the elasticity of blood vessels and reduce the risk of blood clots. Its ability to soften the skin will help prevent stretch marks on the abdomen and chest. The use of this remedy during the formation of the fetus will positively affect the work of the brain of the unborn child, the retina of the eyes and other important organs and systems.

You should not abuse flaxseed oil during pregnancy for women with a threat of miscarriage, since it contains a natural analogue of estrogen in its composition, and an excess of this hormone negatively affects the course of pregnancy. But on the other hand, the natural estrogens of flaxseed oil will come in handy during menopause, when, with the attenuation of the function of the ovaries, the body produces less and less of this hormone of femininity.

Flax seed (especially in the shell of white flax) contains a record amount of phytoestrogens, but depending on the processing technology, the concentration of plant hormones in the oil can be either high or negligible.

Replacing natural estrogen with a natural analogue will allow a woman to postpone the wilting period, keep the skin of the hands and face fresh and young, and reduce the manifestations of menopause in the form of hot flashes, dizziness, and pressure surges. Flaxseed oil is used with caution for this purpose by women with prerequisites for the onset of cancer, depending on the level of estrogen: breast and ovarian neoplasms.

Find out more: List of Phytoestrogen Foods

The invaluable role of this product for maintaining the beauty of the skin of the face and hands, nails and hair. Internal use of oil, masks and applications with it to nourish the skin and nail plate will help to make them smooth and beautiful, remove fine wrinkles on the face. The need for regular intake of this remedy is especially great among women who practice various diets that are not always balanced in the presence of substances necessary for the body.

Even with a rather modest diet, the body will always have enough vitamins, macro- and microelements to maintain optimal health and good mood, resistance to stress and increased stress.

The benefits of flaxseed oil for men

The unique composition of linseed oil has a tonic effect on the male body, which cannot but lead to a persistent increase in potency. The mechanism of its stimulation depends on increasing the elasticity of blood vessels, including the vessels of the penis. Its blood circulation is improved, which allows you to maintain a stable erection.

Normalization of the endocrine system of the male body with the help of linseed oil promotes increased production of testosterone - the main male hormone responsible for the typical signs of masculinity, potency and reproductive function. The hormone serotonin, present in flaxseed oil, stabilizes the psycho-emotional state and restores good mood.

Useful properties of the components of flaxseed oil for men:

• Linoleic acid - transmission of nerve impulses, restoration of nerve cells;
• Omega-3 and omega-6 lipids - stimulates brain function, improves memory, vision and hearing;
• Vitamin A - strengthening blood vessels, preventing myopia;
• Choline - synthesis of steroids, stimulation of immunity, prevention of inflammatory processes in the prostate gland, prostate adenoma;
• Vitamin B ₆ - ensuring the functioning of the nervous and genitourinary systems, maintaining psycho-emotional balance;
• Niacin - production of progesterone;
• Alpha-tocopherol - tissue regeneration, body rejuvenation;
• Vitamin K - participation in the process of hematopoiesis.

This composition gives flaxseed oil the properties of a powerful natural antioxidant, since its components restore cell membranes, regenerating cell walls and restoring their youth. Flaxseed oil significantly improves sperm quality by making sperm more motile and increasing their number. Thanks to these qualities, the reproductive function rises to a higher level, the likelihood of conceiving a healthy child increases.

With pathologies of the prostate gland, taking flaxseed oil helps to relieve swelling and inflammation of the prostate, to return the digestion process to normal. Since excess weight can become one of the causes of prostatitis, the normalization of metabolism due to the intake of oil indirectly affects the condition of the prostate and bringing body weight back to normal. The combination of oil with dietary meals will allow you to quickly get full and not overeat, reduce the absorption of food in the stomach and intestines.

Flaxseed oil is indicated for the following male health pathologies:

• Oligospermia;
• Accelerated ejaculation;
• Erectile dysfunction, impotence, infertility;
• Inflammatory diseases of the prostate and genitourinary system;
• Decreased libido.

To improve men's health, take flaxseed oil starting with 1 teaspoon throughout the day. This dose is maintained for a week, and then the volume is increased to 2 tablespoons. To enhance the beneficial properties of the oil will help its simultaneous intake with honey or fermented milk products. The optimal combination of flaxseed oil with vegetables as a salad dressing will allow you to fully utilize the rich composition of this product.

Dishes using linseed oil to restore potency:

• Cabbage salad - broccoli and cauliflower are boiled or used raw, cooled, cherry tomatoes, mashed with a fork cheese are added. All ingredients are mixed, seasoned with linseed oil.
• Green vegetable salad - grate the daikon and carrots, cut the apple into strips, and the celery into slices, knead the garlic clove. The salad is seasoned with lemon juice and 2 tbsp. l. linseed oil.

The harm of flaxseed oil and contraindications for use

According to Avicenna, everything that is a medicine can be poison at the same time. If stored incorrectly and overdose, flaxseed oil can be harmful to health. It is not easy to achieve an overdose, since the constituents of the oil practically do not accumulate in the body. The danger can be represented by the property of omega fatty acids to oxidize under the influence of light and high temperatures.

The result of this reaction is the formation of peroxides - chemical compounds that are harmful to the body and have a carcinogenic effect. This process is very easy to determine: the oil tastes bitter and takes on an unpleasant odor.

Peroxide poisoning is manifested by the following symptoms of intoxication:

• Dyspepsia;
• Pain in the epigastric region and chest;
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Hypermenorrhea in women;
• Reduced blood clotting, bleeding tendency.

You can't drink rancid flaxseed oil! It is carcinogenic. Such a product is only harmful to your health, and not a drop of benefit.

Contraindications to the use of flaxseed oil:

• You can not use flaxseed oil with an acute form of cholecystitis;
• It is forbidden for diarrhea, volvulus, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of the eye);
• Such oil should be used very carefully for cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, exacerbation of gastric and duodenal ulcers, and removed gallbladder.

How to take flaxseed oil?

There is a universal way of using flaxseed oil: it is recommended to take it on an empty stomach from 1 tsp to 1 tbsp. l. before every meal. The daily norm of this product is 2-3 tablespoons for an adult, but there are no strict restrictions here. It is better to start using the oil with a minimum dosage, that is, from 2-3 teaspoons per day. In special cases, when a person cannot consume oil in this way, it can be added to salads, side dishes and soups, avoiding exposure to high temperatures that destroy the structure of fatty acids.

The duration of the course of taking this drug in most cases is determined by the doctor, depending on the purpose of use. As with most natural remedies, the benefits of taking flaxseed oil may not be immediately apparent. On average, the course of treatment lasts 2-3 months. If necessary, it can be extended after a 2 week break.

The peculiarity of taking flaxseed oil is that it can be mixed with juices, yoghurts, fermented milk products. When treating constipation, it is recommended to stir 1 tsp. means in a glass of warm water or drink a dose taken on an empty stomach.

Taking this drug has its own characteristics in the treatment of various diseases:

• For the treatment of dry skin - the dosage is increased to 5 tbsp. spoons, of which 1-2 tablespoons are used directly by the oral method, consumed on an empty stomach before breakfast, and the rest of the dose is added to ready-made meals. After 30-45 days of such treatment, a period of rest begins, and then it is taken in the lowest possible doses for the prevention of skin diseases.
• To remove "bad" cholesterol, cleanse blood vessels, increase immunity, take 1 tbsp. l. oil with meals 2 times a day. The treatment of these conditions lasts 3 months, for prevention it is taken for this purpose within 30 days.
• Restoration of the gastrointestinal tract, relief of constipation, relief of the general condition with hemorrhoids and dysentery require a monthly course of treatment with linseed oil. In this case, the following dosage is applied: the agent is taken 2 times a day, adults - 1 tbsp. l., children under 14 years old - 1 dess. l., children under 7 years old - 1 tsp. The course of treatment can be continued only after a 3-month break.
• To treat inflammation of the throat and oral cavity - slowly dissolve a spoonful of oil, holding it in the mouth.
• The recovery period after influenza, operations, prolonged illness - 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day for 2-3 months.
• In the treatment of obesity (as an adjuvant) - 1 dec. l. on an empty stomach.
• In case of epidermal lesions - lubricate the skin with oil diluted with lime water in a 1: 1 ratio;
• When treating burns, lubricate the affected area with oil mixed with a chicken egg;
• To improve metabolism, cleanse the body, prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system - in an increasing dosage (in 1 week, 1 tsp. Half an hour before breakfast, in 2 weeks, 1 tsp. 2 times a day after meals). The recovery course lasts about 3 months.

In all applications, the oil should be at room temperature.

What medicines should not be taken with flaxseed oil?

Flaxseed oil is an active agent that has a strong effect on the body. And like every drug with a pronounced effect, it may be incompatible with some drugs.

Interaction with medicinal products:

• Flax seed oil has the property of thinning the blood, so it cannot be taken simultaneously with drugs with a similar effect: acetylsalicylic acid, Heparin, Warfarin. If it is necessary to use both means, you need to withstand a time interval of several hours between doses. These precautions will help avoid unpleasant consequences such as bleeding due to the increased action of blood thinners.
• Hypertensive patients taking blood pressure medications cannot take flaxseed oil, which has the same effect.
• Therapy with hormonal drugs, the use of birth control pills are incompatible with the use of oil.

How is linseed oil made?

The production of linseed oil is a process with a long tradition. Technological progress has brought some changes to technology. Currently, edible oil is prepared using the cold-pressed method.

The production of this product goes through the following stages:

• Removing foreign impurities from mature flaxseed using seed cleaning machines.
• Freeze seeds to -15 ° C for 1 to 2 days.
• Correction of moisture content of raw materials up to 8-9% to obtain full oil return.
• Flax seed pressing under a press at temperatures from +40 to + 45 ° C. The increased temperature is needed to prevent oxidative processes in the finished product.
• Stabilization and enrichment with vitamin E in a 2: 1 ratio, settling in a container.
• Draining the oil from the sediment (fuse), filtering it from impurities using a layer of perlite and fine filters.
• Control of the finished product for purity and transparency, its transfer to the filling container.
• Packing oil in glass containers or specially prepared dishes made of opaque plastic.

With this method, the output is a dietary product with medicinal properties, completely ready for use. Subject to the storage conditions, the shelf life of such a product is 12 months.

Flaxseed oil production at home

How to choose flaxseed oil?

The unrefined linseed oil obtained by cold pressing has a healing effect. The oil should be clear and range in color from golden to brown.

Flaxseed oil must be packaged in dark bottles, impervious to sunlight and other lighting.

Its aroma should not have an unpleasant shade. A spoiled product usually smells like fish oil or has a burnt seed flavor. No impurities in linseed oil will give it much benefit, so it is advisable to exclude varieties with additives.

The ideal oil for medicinal use is one that has only passed 1 to 2 weeks from the date of production. It has the best taste and health benefits.

You can choose any manufacturer of flaxseed oil, the main thing is that the path from production to the consumer is as short as possible. After a month from the moment of manufacture, it already begins to turn rancid, but this period may differ. If you have already bought flaxseed oil, focus on the fact that there is no bitterness.

Flaxseed oil is purchased in supermarkets, organic grocery stores, and drugstores. It is important that the seller adheres to the storage conditions of the product by keeping it in a cool, dark place. The price of linseed oil varies from 100 to 600 rubles, depending on the volume of the container.

A good alternative to flaxseed oil is fish oil, which is almost identical in properties and composition.

How to store flaxseed oil?

At home, you need to store linseed oil at temperatures from +5 to + 22 ° C, in the dark, excluding the influence of light on the product as much as possible. The best storage place is the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. It's not a mistake to keep a bottle of oil in your kitchen cabinet. Close the bottle cap tightly after each dose. From the moment the package is opened, linseed oil is stored for no more than 3 months.

In the pharmacy chain, you can purchase a product enclosed in gelatin capsules. They are convenient for those who cannot bear the smell of oil. This form of packaging is stored exclusively in the refrigerator.

Answers to popular questions

Even with the most detailed coverage of the problem, consumers still have questions. Below are the answers to the most popular ones.

• Should linseed oil be bitter? No, high-quality linseed oil stored in optimal conditions for it should not taste bitter. If it has a bitter taste, it means that the oxidation process has begun, and the oil becomes dangerous to health.
• Can you drink flaxseed oil on an empty stomach? Yes, flaxseed oil is taken on an empty stomach to cleanse the intestines and for gastritis. This method of application is not used in persons with a history of pancreatitis, especially in moments of exacerbation. This drug induces the release of bile when consumed on an empty stomach, causing vomiting. You need to wait for a period of remission in order to be treated with flaxseed oil on an empty stomach.
• Can I fry in linseed oil? No, this is excluded, since polyunsaturated fatty acids, for which linseed oil is used, are destroyed under the influence of high temperatures. But the most dangerous thing is that these acids turn into carcinogens, which accelerate the aging of the body and cause cancer.
• Can flaxseed oil be given to children? There is no consensus about the use of flaxseed oil in children - usually pediatricians do not allow it to be used in baby food until 6-7 years old.
• Is flaxseed oil possible during pregnancy? Evidence that flaxseed oil is beneficial for pregnant women is an experiment by scientists at the University of California, who set out to determine the prerequisites for the birth of intellectually gifted children. They investigated the molecular structure of the subcutaneous fatty tissue in the thighs and concluded that it contains a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids that affect the development of brain structures. The rest of the fatty acids, imbalanced with omega-3 lipids, inhibit the development of the brain of the unborn child. Flaxseed oil, as a source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, is a product recommended for pregnant women. But first, you need to discuss with your gynecologist the likely contraindications and use the dosage recommended by your doctor.
• Can you lose weight with linseed oil? This remedy cannot be called a "magic pill" that helps to get slim in a short time, without much effort. For all its advantages, flaxseed oil is considered an auxiliary factor in weight correction. There is no doubt only that the essential fatty acids included in its composition are in a very successful combination, easily normalize fat metabolism, due to which excess weight is reduced. Omega-3 lipids, as a result of complex biochemical reactions, convert excess fats in the body into glycerin and water. They are not absorbed by the body, but are excreted without being deposited in the fatty tissue. To give the figure the desired outlines, you need to monitor nutrition, make changes in your lifestyle.

The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).