Flax Seed Oil benefits

Flax seed oil, also known as linseed oil, is derived from the seed of the flax plant. Flax is an annual plant that grows to a height 100 cms. The oil is obtained by pressing the plant seed and capturing the oil. Flax seed oil is used in many industrial products such as paint, varnish, and linoleum.

Flax seed can easily be added to your health smoothies and your juicer recipes.

The most beneficial application of flax seed oil is in herbal supplements. Flax seed oil contains three essential fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid, omega 3 and 6) plus fiber, protein, and lignans. It is important to know that flax seed oil contains little dietary fiber. The flax seed contains fiber which is where the cancer fighting properties are stored. When the seed is pressed, most of the fiber is eliminated as waste. Many manufacturers add the fiber back to the product.

Lignans are a class of compounds found in higher order plants and some mammals. Lignans contain antioxidants which have anticancer, antiviral and antibacterial properties. This means they significantly reduce the activeness of free radicals. Excess lignans are excreted through the urine and bile.

Omega 3 fatty acids are composed of long chains of unbranched carbon atoms with a carboxyl group attached to one end of the backbone. The number of carbon atoms on the backbone determines the type of fatty acid. Between 4 and 24 carbon atoms are bonded for most fatty acids. Since our bodies are unable to create Omega 3 it is important to retrieve it from another source. Flax seed oil offers the richest source of Omega 3.

Omega 3 fatty acids benefit almost every cell in the body. Studies indicate that omega 3 helps to protect the cardiovascular system, reduce high blood pressure, improve the quality of hair, nails and skin, helps to lower cholesterol, prevents arthritis, and assists in weight loss.

Several studies indicate that ligans anticancer properties help protect against breast, prostate and colon cancer.

The omega 3 fatty acid in flax oil helps to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the formation of thromboxane A2 and promoting the formation of thromboxane A3. A benefit of its anti-inflammatory property is that flax seed oil can also accelerates the recovery from sprains and bruises.

Another benefit of the omega 3 property in flax oil is it improves cardiovascular health and lowers the risk of heart disease.

Due to its antibacterial-antiviral properties, studies have shown that flax oil boosts the body’s immune system. A recent study indicates that children given one teaspoon of flax oil daily were less susceptible to colds and respiratory illnesses than children who were not supplemented with flax oil.

Increased metabolic rate is another benefit of flax seed oil. The increase in the body’s metabolic rate helps in burning excess fat which accelerates weight loss.

Recent studies indicate flax oil improves brain cognition and possibly alleviates symptoms of depression.

Other benefits of flax seed oil include a decrease in fatigued muscles, increase in energy and stamina, improves calcium absorption and liver functioning, and relieves some of the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome.

Although some authorities recommend using flax seed oil when cooking others recommend the oil not be heated and mix with your food just before serving. Not only does flax seed oil provide numerous healthy benefits, it also adds a pleasant, nutty flavor to your food. The suggested dosage of flax seed oil is 1-2 grams daily divided into three equal doses. Flax oil is available in both capsules and liquid form.