Flaxseed oil: benefits and properties. Video
The healing properties of flaxseed oil have been known for centuries. Even Hippocrates described it in his writings as a remedy for pain, as well as a medicine for stomach diseases, burns and wounds. Ancient Egyptian women used the oil for cosmetic purposes for skin and hair care. Now it has been replaced by cheaper sunflower, corn and olive oil. And yet, this does not detract from the beneficial properties of flaxseed oil.
Today in the store you can find many different vegetable oils: corn, sunflower, olive, rapeseed, camelina, grape seed oil. However, nutritionists distinguish flaxseed especially due to its unique composition.
The main value of flaxseed oil is that it contains a large amount of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own.
When ingested, these acids are incorporated into the cellular structure, increasing the rate of transmission of nerve impulses. About 60% of this is Omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, which is found only in fish oil among other foods. It is she who gives linseed oil a specific fishy smell and taste, which testifies to the quality of the product. It also contains Omega-6 linoleic acid, Omega-9 oleic acid and some others in smaller quantities, vitamins A, E, B, K, F.
This oil is obtained from flax seeds by the method of cold pressing, due to which it retains the maximum amount of useful substances and healing properties. Its color can vary from light brown to brown (depending on the cleaning technology) and does not affect the quality of the final product.
Flaxseed oil owes almost all of its healing properties to its high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The presence of flaxseed oil in the diet helps to lower cholesterol levels, thin the blood and makes blood vessels more elastic. As a result, it is an excellent prevention of heart attack and stroke, ischemia, thrombus formation, atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Thanks to the lignans contained in the oil, flaxseed oil is an excellent means of preventing cancer, in particular, of the breast. Lingnans also have antifungal and antibacterial properties. They also neutralize excess estrogen.
Doctors note the positive effect of this product on the digestive system.
It can be used to treat colitis, gastritis, heartburn and constipation, functional disorders of the liver.
In addition, this oil is an excellent immunomodulatory agent. It is also recommended to be taken in the postoperative period and in patients with a weakened body.
Pediatricians advise including flaxseed oil in the diet of young children for the normal development of the body. And its use during pregnancy has a beneficial effect on the development of the fetus, helps to facilitate the course of pregnancy and childbirth.
The positive effect of this product on the female body was also noted. With its help, you can normalize hormonal levels, reduce the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome and improve well-being during menopause. Doctors widely use flaxseed to treat diseases of the respiratory system, nervous and genitourinary systems, thyroid gland, and sexual dysfunction in men.
Flax oil has found application in cosmetology: it is added to medical masks for hair and skin, and is also used in its pure form as a source of vitamins, bactericidal, emollient and regenerating agent.
For everyone who wants to lose weight, nutritionists advise partially replacing animal fats with flaxseed oil. It is also indispensable in the diet of vegetarians and fasting people.
Daily consumption of flaxseed oil lowers blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. In addition, this product helps in the treatment of various diseases associated with metabolic disorders and inflammatory processes. Also, flaxseed oil promotes muscle recovery after physical exertion, accelerates wound healing, improves vision, and helps with depression.
Flaxseed oil is contraindicated in acute cholecystitis, inflammation of the cornea of the eyes, pancreatitis, gallstone disease, stomach and duodenal ulcers
Since linseed oil is produced by cold pressing and is not refined, it cannot be heated, since it loses all its beneficial properties.
The benefits of flaxseed oil
To satisfy the body’s daily need for fatty acids, you need to eat 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil per day, dressing salads with it or adding it to ready-made meals. It goes well with cereals, vegetables and dairy products.
Store linseed oil tightly with a lid in a cool, dark place. Cloudy, darkened or bitter oil should not be eaten or for cosmetic purposes
You can improve metabolism, improve the functioning of the circulatory system, the condition of hair and nails, and also remove toxins from the body by taking pure flaxseed oil twice a day. You need to start with one teaspoon on an empty stomach half an hour before meals. In case of unpleasant sensations, you can first seize it with a lemon wedge. A week later, you need to add an evening spoon to the morning spoon, an hour after dinner. This portion can be consumed by adding to kefir. After another week, you need to start increasing the dose, gradually bring each serving to a tablespoon, and then drink in this amount for three months.
Linseed oil can be used in place of a cream by applying to the face and neck with a cotton swab. And to moisturize and soften the skin on the hands and feet at home, you can make a compress: lubricate the skin with oil, then put on plastic bags and keep it that way for about half an hour.