What is Flaxseed Oil?
Flaxseed oil is derived from the flax plant. Flax is a blue flowering plant, local to the location spanning from east of the Mediterranean to India. It’s also found on the Western Prairies of Canada. Flaxseed oil is also identified as linseed oil, which is used to produce prevalent household items which include linoleum, wood finish, chalk and paints. With that, it’s amazing that this same product is one of the most beneficial supplements for your health. Flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, both essential for good health. However, the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil are in the preliminary kind of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Our body then converts this to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are the same omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. The difference is that fish oil contains them in the EPA and DHA form. The conversion from the ALA in flaxseed oil to the beneficial forms of EPA and DHA is actually a complicated metabolic conversion and may not at all times complete. Metabolism to EPA and DHA is also hindered by trans-fatty acids. These are identified in foods which include cookies, margarine and chips. Due to this, there is debate as to whether or not flaxseed oil can produce the same benefits as fish oil. Even so, flaxseed oil continues to be considered an essential oil for its plentiful omega fatty acids. It boasts a big list of other health benefits, too. Information might also be located under the name flax oil.
How is Flaxseed Oil Manufactured?
Like all polyunsaturated oils, flaxseed oil needs to be treated carefully in manufacturing. Ideally, mechanical expeller presses needs to be employed and the oil must be extracted at temperatures below 96 degrees Fahrenheit. Polyunsaturated oils have a limited shelf life and will go rancid quicker than other oils. Therefore, when looking for flaxseed oil, there are several factors to consider:
- First, flaxseed oil needs to be located in the refrigerated area of the local health store or specialty market.
- It needs to also be in an opaque container as it is light sensitive.
- Search for flaxseed oil which is certified organic for optimal quality.
The Benefits of Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil provides a wide range of health advantages. There are some studies showing that flaxseed oil can reduce total cholesterol and LDL (low density lipoprotien also known as bad cholesterol). This, however, is dependent on how well the alpha-linolenic acid is broken down into EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil is likely to make platelets less sticky, which could help to reduce the risk of heart attack. It may also lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels (fat in the blood). Flaxseed oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has been demonstrated to regulate the heartbeat, further supporting good cardiovascular health. In addition, the flax seed contains compounds called lignans. Study shows that individuals taking lignans had a 75% lowering of atherosclerotic plaque buildup.
Flax seed itself is recommended for people who suffer from Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome because it’s considered able to heal the lining of the stomach and minimize inflammation.
The ALA found in flaxseed inhibited tumor growth and incidence in animal research. Moreover, the lignans in flaxseed are viewed to bind to estrogen receptors, lowering the risk of estrogen driven breast cancer.
Overall, flaxseed is an anti-oxidant, which contributes to its cancer fighting abilities.
One study shows that taking flaxseed every day improves the dry eye condition that occurs with Sjogren ’s syndrome. This issue is an autoimmune disorder where the immune systems attacks salivary glands and tear producing glands.
Flaxseed is also believed to marginally improve blood sugar, helping in the treatment of diabetes. Also, it helps with general digestion since it has both soluble and insoluble fiber.
The ALA and lignans found in flaxseed block pro-flammatory agents in the body. This action provides relief for most conditions. For instance, this could improve conditions for those who have asthma. It can help with the recuperation of sprains and other injuries where inflammation exists.
For ladies in the menopausal stage, one study reports that 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed twice per day reduced the amount of hot flashes by 50% and the intensity by 57%. This is most likely due to the estrogenic properties of the lignans. For that reason, flaxseed is an effective health supplement to treat some symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome.
Even animals can benefit from flaxseed oil and there are brands that offer formulations just for them!
Some lesser known benefits of flaxseed oil include:
- Can treat limited cases of depression – Aids in calcium absorption – Improved mental function in aging population – Enhanced recovery for muscle fatigue after exercise – Improved energy and stamina – Strengthens fingernails – Helps with weight loss when combined with healthy diet and exercise – Increases metabolism – Improved liver function
Who Shouldn’t Take Flaxseed Oil?
Currently, not enough is known in regards to the results of flaxseed in pregnancy. If pregnant or nursing, it is actually ideal not to take any health supplement that has not been proven safe during pregnancy.
Always check with your physician if you are taking any other medicines. Health supplements could interfere with the metabolic action of your recommended drugs. Flaxseed in particular might decrease absorption of drugs if taken simultaneously.
Those with diabetes or schizophrenia should consider fish or fish oil supplements for their EPA and DHA as their bodies may not readily convert the ALA to these omega-3 fatty acids. Likewise, individuals with macular degeneration should consider fish or fish oil health supplements simply because diet plans full of ALA’s may actually contribute to the disease. Lastly, males with cancer of the prostate must avoid flaxseed as a few research has shown that a diet program rich in ALAs is associated to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Side Effects
Due to the limited number of studies done for flaxseed oil, there is not a defined list of side effects. However, individuals may experience an allergic reaction to flax products. Furthermore, because of its blood thinning properties, people who are about to undergo surgery should not take flaxseed oil. Doing so could increase the risk of bleeding. Also, large doses (>30 grams) could cause diarrhea.
Detrimental Drug Interactions
Individuals using the following sorts of drugs should consult with their doctor prior to continuing with a flaxseed or flaxseed oil dietary supplement:
- Anticoagulants (blood thinning medications) – Omega-3 fatty acids might increase the blood thinning activity of these drugs.
- Medications to lower blood sugar – Omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements might raise blood sugar levels, counteracting the effects of the medicine.
Beneficial Drug Interactions
- Cyclosporine – Omega-3 fatty acids could mitigate some of the side effects of cyclosporine therapy in transplant patients including kidney damage and high blood pressure. – Topical steroids utilized for psoriasis – Omega-3 fatty acids may improve efficacy of these drugs. – Cholesterol lowering medications – Omega-3 fatty acids may improve efficacy of these drugs. – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) – Omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of ulcers from NSAIDS in animal research.
Flalseed Oil Dosage
Youth: Talk to a physician before giving flaxseed oil to children under 18
Adults: Follow directions on label if available. Or else, take 1-2 tablespoons daily or 1-2 capsules daily.
The health advantages of flaxseed oil stand to offer vary greatly depending on where you look. While some claims may be substantiated and others, less, this plant has been used for increased health for centuries. It is also telling that it contains the two most prominent components of the Mediterranean diet regime, recognized for supporting the longest, most healthy life span of anywhere in the world. One should always assess health supplements meticulously to find out if they’re right for them. You should always research possible interactions, not only with medicine, but with other health supplements that you might be taking. Hopefully, you will experience better health and better wellness from a natural source of these essential oils.
The author has dedicated a webpage to the benefits of fish oil. The site can help you obtain information about fish oil and related supplements like this article. Also look at coconut oil benefits for additional facts.