Flax seed oil or linseed oil is derived from the seeds of the Flax plant, a flowering plant native to western Canada. Flax seed oil is rich in both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids necessary for a healthy body and well being. The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flax seed oil is converted by the body to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. According to researches, Flax seed oil may offer the same benefits found in fish oil if only the body is very effective in the ALA conversion to EPA and DHA. Fish oil is known to treat heart and inflammatory diseases, flax seed oil’s application in these conditions are still uncertain. However, flax seed oil also offers its own set of healing abilities.
Apart from the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in flax seed oil, it also contains other essential nutrients and minerals. The B-complex vitamins, zinc, potassium, magnesium, lecithin, protein, and fiber are also found in pure flax seed oil. Also, the omega-3 in flax seed oil is almost 50 percent higher than in fish oil. Regular use of flax seed oil in the form of flax seed oil supplements can produce significant health improvement in the major systems of the body including the cardiovascular, nervous, immune, and reproductive systems.
Flax Seed Oil Benefits
- Flax seed oil can lower the bad cholesterol levels in the body and increases the good cholesterol levels. Deposits of bad cholesterols or the Low Density Lipoproteins in the blood vessels lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, and coronary artery disease.
- Because flax seed oil is high in fiber, it can help prevent and treat upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, and heart burn in patients with constipation, gallstones, hemorrhoids, and diverticular diseases.
- Flax seed oil promotes healthy hair and nails. It prevents and fights hair loss and dandruff.
- Flax seed oil possesses skin-healing properties that can help people with acne, eczema, sunburn, psoriasis, and rosacea. It moisturizes the skin and prevents skin drying.
- Lignan and plant estrogents found Flax seed oil is helpful in relieving pre-menstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms.
- For males, flax seed oil can prevent prostate problems.
- Flax seed oil is helpful in combating the inflammation in arthritis. The omega-3 fatty acids in flax seed oil have an anti-inflammatory effect very favourable in people with rheumatoid or gouty arthritis.
Flax Seed Oil Side Effects
Side effects due to taking increased dosage of flax seed oil include allergic reactions, upset stomach, nausea, gas, and diarrhea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not advised to take flax seed oil supplements since the effects of flax seed oil to pregnancy and breastfeeding are still unknown. Patients with known health problems should take special precaution in taking flax seed oil capsules as it may aggravate the present disease and interact with prescribed medications.
