Nutrition

10 Flaxseed Oil Benefits And Uses

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Flaxseed is amongst the most demanded foods for its health benefits and nutritional contents. People these days have become more health-conscious. This has raised the demand for foods with great nutritional value.

Flaxseed oil is extracted by pressing the flaxseeds. The oil serves a medicinal purpose too. As a whole food, flaxseed benefits are remarkable. Similarly, the oil is also rich in nutrients, giving various health benefits. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, linoleic, lignans, and other nutrients. Today, let's explore the benefits and uses of flaxseed oil here.

1. Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is the reason for various health conditions. To prevent unwanted health conditions, having a healthy diet along with supplements is essential. One of the healthy supplements to add to your diet is flaxseed oil.

The omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients in flaxseed oil help reduce inflammation. Studies have found that having flaxseed oil significantly reduces the levels of C-reactive protein in obese people. Additionally, the oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. This helps reduce inflammation and saves individuals from chronic illness. However, it is advised to consult the doctor for the proper treatment rather than self-medication.

2. Helps Treat Diarrhea and Constipation

With unhealthy eating habits, our body is prone to various health conditions. Lack of fiber and other nutrients leads to bowel irregularity and issues in the digestive tract. Thus, add high-fiber vegetables and fruits to the diet and avoid constipation.

Moreover, flaxseed oil's to the rescue. It has been used since ancient times for its laxative properties. This acts as an antidiarrheal agent promoting bowel regularity. Consumption of flaxseed also helps improve stool consistency. This helps treat the issues such as diarrhea and constipation. Flaxseed oil has been studied to be as effective as olive oil and mineral oil.

3. Aids Skin Health

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Flaxseed oil has various molecules essential for our skin. Molecules such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, and different linolenic acids are essential in the diet for healthy skin. The deficiency of these molecules leads to skin problems.

A proper consultation with the nutritionist and adequate intake of flaxseed oil with foods for healthier skin help fix the deficiency. Different skin-related issues as psoriasis and sunburn can also be treated with the oil. Similarly. the smoothness and hydration of the skin can also be improved with flax oil.

4. Reduces Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a gateway to heart disease. Reducing the 'bad' cholesterol levels is essential for a healthy heart and preventing heart attack.

One such nutritious food you can add to your diet to reduce cholesterol is flaxseed oil. It contains a type of omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid. This plays a vital role in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the liver. Flaxseed oil also known as linseed oil is a heart-healthy food as it reduces cholesterol levels.

5. Useful For Treating Gout

Source : paincarecenter

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes pain and swelling in the joints. Gout symptoms include redness, tenderness, pain, and swelling of one or more joints. Gout flares can be witnessed in big toes.

Flaxseed oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Likewise, it contains a type of omega-3 fatty acid such as alpha-linolenic acid. It helps reduce the inflammation in the joints. It also aids in the reduction of cholesterol levels raised by gout. Along with foods for joint health, flaxseed oil helps reduce swelling and pain in the joints.

6. Protects Heart Health

Numerous factors lead to a healthy heart. One of them is a healthy diet. Flaxseed oil has been studied to have medicinal properties that help prevent/cure diseases.

Flaxseed oil has alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that lowers the risk of heart disease by maintaining various pathways. It does so by regulating the platelet function, reducing inflammation, maintaining blood vessel health, reducing cholesterol levels, and regulating heartbeat. The circulation issues can be reduced with the help of flaxseed oil. 

7. Helps Manage Diabetes

Source : medical-and-lab-supplies

Flaxseed oil has alpha-linolenic acid and other nutrients that improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. This helps lower the risks of diabetes. According to various studies, having flaxseed oil significantly reduces the insulin levels of people with diabetes and coronary heart disease.

The oil can be consumed in various ways. It can be swapped for any oil used in salad dressing, or dips and sauces. Additionally, flaxseed oil contains lignin. It is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the effects and risks of diabetes. It is also good for a diabetic patient as it falls under the list of low glycemic foods.

8. Assists Hair Growth

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Everyone desires healthy and shiny hair. When natural solutions are available, why waste dollars? One natural solution for healthy hair is flaxseed oil.

Massaging hair with flaxseed oil soothes the scalp and increases the volume of the hair. Flaxseed oil has omega-3 fatty acid and anti-inflammatory properties that assist in hair growth. Along with the oil massage, you can also have foods for hair growth. Flaxseed oil is said to moisturize the damaged hair after its application.

9. Potential Benefit For Cancer

Different nutritional values in flaxseed oil inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This prevents an individual from different cancers. The alpha-linolenic acid in flaxseed oil can control the growth of breast cancer. It helps to lower the estrogen receptor which helps stop the growth of cancer cells in the breast.

The rich source of lignans, flaxseed oil helps improve health. Lignans resemble the effects of the hormone estrogen. These help in estrogen metabolism related to ovarian cancer. It can also be helpful in the prevention of colon and skin cancer. Nonetheless, cancer being a severe case, a doctor's consultation is a must in addition to diet change.

10. Aids Wound Healing

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If you want the skin wound to heal faster, apply flaxseed oil. The deficiency of fatty acids leads to a poor wound-healing process. Flaxseed oil is high in fatty acids and can do wonders in healing.

Flaxseed oil has essential fatty acids such as linolenic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. These components speed up wound healing. The alpha-linolenic acid in flaxseed oil is said to treat autoimmune diseases too. Flaxseed oil helps the fatigued muscle recover faster and heals bruises and sprains. It also increases energy and stamina in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids increase the protein metabolism required for the body for energy and to rebuild the tissue.

Other Benefits and Uses of Flaxseed Oil

On top of the discussed health benefits, flaxseed oil has numerous other health benefits. These additional health benefits include:

  • Management of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Relieve dry eye.
  • Manage menopausal symptoms.
  • Prevent renal anemia in hemodialysis patients.

Though flaxseed oil may have the mentioned benefits, favorable research is yet to be done on humans. Despite this, tests on animals have shown promising results.

Uses of Flaxseed oil

  1. Flaxseed oil can be used to prepare instant breakfast. Do not heat the oil as it has a low smoke point.
  2. You can apply it as a hair oil.
  3. You can apply it as a moisturizer.
  4. You can use it in smoothies or shakes.
  5. You can use it in salad dressing, dips, and sauces instead of other oils.