The benefits and harms of linseed oil, how to take?

This unique product, used for a long time in folk medicine, is a real treasure in terms of the content of biologically active substances.

Its main benefit lies in the unique combination of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, lecithin and beta-carotene, which are rarely found together in products from the usual human diet.

Composition and calorie content

Benefits of flaxseed oil

Taking this remedy, which is useful in all respects, you can improve your health, normalize fat metabolism, and prevent cardiovascular diseases, pathologies of the digestive system and metabolic processes.

Useful properties of linseed oil:

• Increases the elasticity of blood vessels, reduces the likelihood of stroke and heart attack, hypertension;

• Serves for the prevention of atherosclerosis and thrombosis;

• Normalizes fat metabolism, promotes weight loss;

• Improves the functioning of the digestive tract;

• Acts as a prophylactic against the formation of stones in the gallbladder, normalizes the work of the biliary system;

• Increases immunity;

• It is a good source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for vegetarians.

Do not use flaxseed oil for self-treatment and at the same time cancel the drugs prescribed by your doctor. Before using the oil, you should get the advice of a qualified specialist on the profile of your disease and take into account all contraindications.

Omega-3 in flaxseed oil

Flaxseed oil is the champion in omega-3 content, second only to fish oil. The concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in linseed oil reaches, according to various sources, from 44% to 60%.

These beneficial lipids enter the body through the small intestine after being pre-treated with bile enzymes in the duodenum. A certain amount of omega-12 enters the liver, where it becomes a full-fledged participant in metabolic processes. A tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains up to 3 g of omega-8 fatty acids, while the remaining acids, omega-3 and omega-6, are represented by 9 and 2 grams, respectively.

Enriching the diet with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to positive changes:

• The heart rhythm is normalized;

• Indicators of blood pressure and biochemical composition of the blood are approaching normal;

• The functioning of the glands of the endocrine system is restored;

• The metabolism is normalized, the risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus disappears;

• Reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood and the risk of blood clots;

• Reduces blood viscosity, which is very useful for the prevention of varicose veins;

• Constipation disappears;

• Significantly improves the condition of the skin and hair;

• The hormonal background is restored in women and men;

• The blood supply to the brain and the condition of the vessels improve.

How to choose flaxseed oil?

The therapeutic effect has unrefined linseed oil, obtained by cold pressing. The oil should be clear, ranging in color from golden to brown.

Its aroma should not have an unpleasant connotation. A spoiled product usually smells like fish oil or has a taste of burnt seeds. Any impurities in linseed oil will not give it much benefit, so it is advisable to exclude varieties with additives.

You can choose any manufacturer of linseed oil, the main thing is that the path from production to consumer should be as short as possible. After a month from the date of manufacture, it is already starting to go rancid, but this period may vary. If you have already bought linseed oil, be guided by the fact that there is no bitterness.

Linseed oil is purchased in the supermarket, and in the organic food store, and in the pharmacy chain. It is important that the seller observes the storage conditions of the product, keeping it in a cool, dark place. The price of linseed oil varies from 100 to 600 rubles, depending on the volume of containers.