Flaxseed oil (lat. oleum lini) is a vegetable oil made from flax seeds. This is a herbaceous annual or perennial plant up to 1.5 m high with cornflower blue flowers. Flax is used for the production of clothing and cosmetics, as well as for oil extraction. Its rich and unique composition has made the product in demand in healthy eating, treatment of diseases and weight loss.
KBJU of flaxseed oil:
- Calorie content per 100 g – on average 898 kcal.
- Proteins – 0 g.
- Fats – 99.8 g.
- Carbohydrates – 0 g.
What's included
Flaxseed oil is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, which must be supplied to the body in the correct ratio (approximately 1:3). With a lack of Omega-3, blood viscosity is observed, blood pressure increases, blood vessels lose their elasticity, and active aging processes of the body are launched. With sufficient consumption of Omega-6, normal hormonal levels are maintained and the amount of calcium in the blood increases.
In addition, the composition contains vitamins A and E, which are responsible for youth and beauty. There are also many useful microelements.
Benefits of flax seed oil
Already in ancient times, people grew flax. It was an extremely valuable plant; it was used to make fabrics and eaten.
This is interesting! According to ancient Russian chronicles, flax plantations in Rus' were so large that in 907 they made it possible to equip two thousand ships with sails for the Prophetic Oleg’s campaign against Constantinople (a very large fleet for those times).
In pre-revolutionary Russia, flax crops also occupied impressive areas. It was one of the main agricultural crops and an important source of state income, because our country accounted for up to 80% of the flax produced worldwide.
In pre-revolutionary Russia, flax was one of the main agricultural crops
Unfortunately, in the second half of the twentieth century, the production of flaxseed oil fell, but in recent decades its beneficial properties have been remembered again.
Currently, flax crops in our country are increasing again
Flax seed oil has a unique composition. It contains enzymes, vitamins A, E, K, F, copper, zinc, manganese, folic acid. But the main value is unsaturated fatty acids:
- omega-3 - 44–61%;
- omega-6 - 15–30%;
- omega-9 - 13–29%.
In terms of the content of essential fatty acids, flaxseed oil is almost twice as high as fish.
The further north flax grows, the richer its seeds are in unsaturated fatty acids.
Flaxseed oil is useful for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, respiratory and even nervous systems. When used correctly as part of complex therapy, it promotes:
- reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol;
- normalization of pressure, improvement of vascular elasticity, blood thinning;
- increasing the absorption of calcium and iodine;
- reducing joint pain due to arthritis, arthrosis and osteochondrosis;
- normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
- improvement of the condition of hemorrhoids and diverticular disease;
- reducing the risk of stone formation in various organs, as well as the development of infectious diseases;
- slowing down the aging process, improving the condition of the skin, hair and nails (for this purpose, the oil is used both externally and internally);
- increasing the effectiveness of other drugs, for example, in the treatment of Parkinson's disease;
- improving the passage of nerve impulses;
- reducing the risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer.
For women
Flaxseed oil is a source of health and beauty. It contains lignins that normalize hormonal balance, so its use is useful for preventing negative symptoms during PMS and menopause. The high content of unsaturated fatty acids helps improve reproductive function and stimulates the uterus.
Pregnant women are recommended to use flaxseed oil in the first trimester, as it helps in the formation of the baby's brain cells. But in the second and especially in the third trimesters, the use of flaxseed oil internally, due to its ability to stimulate the uterus, should be limited or stopped altogether in order to avoid miscarriage or premature birth. During this period, the oil can be used externally, rubbing into the skin to prevent stretch marks. After childbirth, during feeding, it is recommended to lubricate the nipples with linseed oil to prevent cracks.
For men
The ability of flaxseed oil to have a beneficial effect on the genitourinary and circulatory systems makes this product useful for men's health. Thus, its regular use helps in the treatment of prostatitis, prostate adenoma, inflammation of the bladder, hemorrhoids, increases potency, improves the composition of sperm.
Men are encouraged to consume flax seed oil as a salad dressing. With it you can prepare a tasty and healthy dish of seasonal vegetables with herbs and quail eggs.
The most suitable salad for men's health: lots of greens, tomatoes, quail eggs and flaxseed oil
For children
Thanks to the fatty acids contained in flaxseed oil, which help improve the absorption of calcium, this product will also be useful for children, helping them in the formation and development of a healthy body.
Positive results of using flaxseed oil as an adjuvant in the treatment of various pulmonary infections have also been proven. To do this, it is enough to give your child up to a tablespoon of oil per day with food (see below for norms for different ages).
Beneficial features
People, in particular women, dream of having an ideal figure and because of this, they exhaust themselves with diets and remove essential fats from their diet. But this is actually bad. The main element of brain cells is saturated fat. For the smooth functioning of the body, a person must consume a sufficient amount of fat. This does not mean that you need to stuff yourself with fast food for prevention purposes. We are talking about the right and healthy fats.
The body is unable to produce them on its own, so they can only come from food. Healthy fats are found in large quantities in flaxseed oil. Due to a lack of fat, a person may experience a deterioration in his condition, frequent dizziness, blurred vision, he becomes depressed, and indifference to what is happening appears.
Using linseed oil allows you to achieve the following positive results:
- the condition of the skin improves. If there is a rash on the skin, it has become dry and withered, then most likely there is a lack of vitamin E. If you take the oil for 2 months, you can completely restore the condition of the skin;
- the stool is normalized. Flaxseed oil has a mild laxative effect. But you don’t need to take it in large quantities, otherwise the effect may be frustrating;
- the functioning of the central nervous system improves. A person copes better with stressful situations, fights laziness and apathy;
- You can lose extra pounds faster. During the breakdown of fats, water and glycerol enter the body, which do not accumulate in the body.
Possible harm, side effects and restrictions on use
The harm of flaxseed oil can occur with regular use of anticoagulants, since they have the exact opposite effect - they thin the blood. Due to its choleretic effect, the product is not recommended for cholecystitis.
Flaxseed oil is not recommended for men with an imbalance of androgens and estrogens, since as a phytoestrogen it can stimulate the growth of the mammary glands. You should not consume a product that has been stored in the sun, as this leads to the appearance of harmful carcinogens and free radicals in the composition. It is also not permissible to take flaxseed oil for kidney stones and for 2 weeks before surgery, as this may increase blood loss.
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How to take flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil belongs to the category of high-calorie foods. There are 850 calories per 100 g of butter. Therefore, you can limit yourself to 2 tbsp per day. l.
The oil can be taken as a separate product or added to other dishes. You cannot add it during frying and steaming, as exposure to high temperatures kills the beneficial properties of the product. Oil not only has no effect, but can also harm the body. The product does not have a characteristic odor, but if it is stored for a long time, an unpleasant aroma will begin to emanate from it, which indicates its unsuitability for consumption.
Useful qualities also disappear during cooking. If you add oil to baked goods, you can greatly harm your body. When exposed to high temperatures, harmful substances are released.
It is best to season salads with it instead of olive or vegetable oil. Oil can also be added to ready-made porridges.
How to choose
You can buy flax seed oil in pharmacies or specialized health food stores. When purchasing, pay attention to the expiration date, manufacturer, integrity of packaging and storage conditions. Choose premium, unrefined products. The composition of dietary supplements should not include preservatives, flavor enhancers and dyes. The optimal shelf life of natural products is no more than one year. The fewer artificial additives in a product, the shorter its shelf life.
Who is contraindicated for
Despite all the benefits of flaxseed oil, it can not be used by everyone. It is strictly forbidden to take the oil during pregnancy. It is also contraindicated for people with low blood pressure.
If your diet contains more Omega-6 than Omega-3, this can lead to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as cause asthma or stress.
It is better to refrain from using it if you have inflammation of the gallbladder and pancreatitis.
If a person is planning an operation, then you need to stop taking it 2 weeks in advance, since the product can negatively affect blood clotting.
Contraindications
In some cases, the use of dietary supplements, even preventative, can be harmful. List of diseases for which taking this product is prohibited:
- Individual intolerance;
- Allergy;
- Cholecystitis;
- Gallstones;
- Hepatitis;
- Pancreatitis;
- Blood clotting disorder;
- Stomach ulcer.
- Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation.
In case of illiterate use or overdose, side effects may occur. If you notice one of these symptoms, you should immediately stop taking the dietary supplement and consult a doctor:
- Nausea;
- Dizziness;
- Darkening in the eyes;
- Pain in the liver area;
- Allergic reactions;
- Loose stools.
Is it possible to take flaxseed oil and fish oil at the same time?
Both products contain large amounts of polyunsaturated fats. Flaxseed oil contains more Omega-3 than fish oil. It's hard to say which one is more useful. But more nutritious omega acids enter the body with fish oil.
If we talk about taste, the oil will be more pleasant and practically odorless. Compared to fish oil, it does not accumulate toxic substances in the body.
It is allowed to take these two products together, but not in large quantities. Flaxseed oil should be taken 25-30 minutes before meals before bed. It is strictly forbidden to take fish oil on an empty stomach. These products will not affect each other in any way.
Instructions for use for medicinal purposes
The instructions for use of the product require you to take it orally and do so gradually so as not to disrupt the functioning of the main organs of the body. Once consuming oil becomes a habit, you can stick to the recommended dosages.
External use
The oil is used externally for hemorrhoids, joint pain, brittle hair and nails, and also to remove shallow wrinkles. When dealing with rough areas of the skin, the product is applied to them in a thin layer. In its pure form, it can also be rubbed in for joint pain.
For minor cosmetic problems, the product is added to masks, creams and shampoos. If your facial skin is too dry and the first wrinkles appear, you can apply the product directly to the skin 2 times a week.
For hemorrhoids, the remedy helps to heal wounds faster and relieve discomfort.
Due to its healing effects, flaxseed oil is used in the treatment and prevention of various diseases
Internal use of oil
Flaxseed oil for diabetes is taken depending on the type of disease. If a type 1 disease is diagnosed, then the product in its pure form is prohibited. It should be added to prepared dishes as a dressing or topping. In this case, it is important to adhere to the following proportion: for 15 g of oil, take 30-40 ml of cold water and a little natural yogurt without additives or sour cream. The mixture is added to the finished dish. It helps increase insulin production and lower blood sugar. When using capsules, it is enough to squeeze the contents out of 2-3 pieces.
For type 2, infusions are used. Take 15-20 g of product per 200 ml of warm water, stir and leave for 2-3 hours. Drink in the morning on an empty stomach. The composition helps remove excess sugar from the body and normalize glucose levels.
If you have diabetes, you should strictly adhere to the daily intake of the product. It is high in calories, and its excess can lead to excess weight gain and aggravation of the disease.
Flaxseed oil is also useful for joints, how to take it: 5 ml 40 minutes before meals. You can use the product in the morning or evening. The result can be seen within half a month.
This oil is also taken for stomach ulcers. The course of treatment should be at least 30 days, then take a break. In combination with other oils, the effect of therapy will come faster. To prepare the composition, mix 25 ml of flaxseed, 35 ml of sea buckthorn and 15 ml of St. John's wort extract. The mixture is infused for 48 hours in a dark place and consumed 15 ml on an empty stomach in the morning or evening.
Oil for gastritis also gives results: it relieves pain and helps neutralize heartburn. For 10 days you need to take 5 ml of the product twice a day: morning and evening. You should only drink the oil on an empty stomach.
Oil against parasites is used together with pumpkin seeds: on an empty stomach in the morning you need to chew 150 seeds, after 20-25 minutes drink 30 ml of oil. Dead parasites will come out naturally without causing discomfort.
Flax oil is also often used against cancer, combining it with buckwheat or homemade cottage cheese. For cancer, the drug is not as effective as for other pathologies. The nutrients in the product simply help support the body during chemotherapy and radiation. Oil is added to buckwheat porridge or cottage cheese, 15 ml per day. You can use it from the first days of cancer treatment.
You can take the oil orally in the form of capsules, which are the most convenient medicinal form of the product
How to take it correctly. How much can you drink
Before starting treatment, you need to determine how and why to drink the oil. If taken uncontrolled, side effects may occur. In addition, each disease has its own dosage and course duration.
1 tablespoon of oil is the daily dose of the product as a preventive measure. If the dosage is exceeded, negative consequences may occur. If there are indications for the use of flaxseed oil, then the daily norm is increased to 30-45 g, depending on the diagnosis.
For children, the dosage is calculated based on age. For children from 6 months to 1 year, 5 g per day is sufficient, but before giving the product to an infant, you should consult a pediatrician. For children from 12 to 18 months, 7-8 g is enough. Up to 8 years old, a child is given 10-12 g of oil per day. In adolescence, it is allowed to consume 15 g of the product daily, if necessary and only with the permission of the attending physician.
The course of taking the product as a prophylactic agent during the period of exacerbation or remission of the disease should not exceed 30 days. After this, a break is required for 1 week. Then the therapy can be repeated.
For medicinal purposes, flaxseed oil should be taken on an empty stomach.
Should it be consumed on an empty stomach or can it be added to salads?
It is better to drink flaxseed oil on an empty stomach in the morning. When consumed on an empty stomach, all biologically active compounds are absorbed faster, and vitamins and microelements enter the body in full.
For preventive purposes, it is allowed to add the product to cold salads. You can drink the oil with freshly squeezed juice, compote or iced tea.
When is it better - morning, afternoon or night?
When using oil as a medicinal component, you should drink it in the morning, immediately after waking up. If this is not possible, you can take the product late in the evening before bed. In this case, at least 4 hours should pass after dinner.
The recommendation for consuming the product early in the morning is based on the therapeutic effect, which lasts throughout the day. At the same time, the gastrointestinal tract is not irritated, as when taking synthetic drugs.
In some cases, the disease worsens at night, then the daily dose should be taken before bed. The medicinal components will act throughout the night, making sleep more restful and relieving the painful manifestations of the pathology.
the product has contraindications for use that must be observed to avoid harm to health
Best before date
18 months
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Description of the vitamin Flaxseed oil is intended for informational purposes only. Before starting to use any drug, it is recommended to consult a doctor and read the instructions for use. For more complete information, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not self-medicate; EUROLAB is not responsible for the consequences caused by the use of information posted on the portal. Any information on the project does not replace consultation with a specialist and cannot be a guarantee of the positive effect of the drug you use. The opinions of EUROLAB portal users may not coincide with the opinions of the site Administration.
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Reviews
- Anna, 26 years old:
“At the time I started using flaxseed oil, I didn’t have any diseases, I just wanted to improve my health and prevent any pathologies in advance. What attracted me most to this product was the price, composition and rave reviews, and, of course, the naturalness of the product. Unlike many oils, including olive oil, the price is quite affordable. And despite the fact that you need to drink it for a long time and regularly, the cost will not hit your wallet too much. Over time, I noticed that I got rid of problems with bowel movements, and my hair began to look better. I think the effect is on the eyes!”
- Yulia, 32 years old:
“I’ve heard about the benefits of flax for a long time, so I finally decided to try it on myself. The main purpose of the intake was weight loss. But over time, I noticed that eating oil became a habit, and my diet changed significantly for the better. I’m pleased with the result, and I recommend it for use to everyone, even those who are not losing weight.”
- Igor, 39 years old:
“I started using flaxseed oil on the advice of a gastroenterologist. There were problems with the intestines and stool. I used it along with complex drug treatment; the doctor prescribed it to me to improve the condition of the intestinal mucosa and to normalize stool. Very unexpectedly for me, the effect was almost a few days after the start of taking it. After the treatment was completed, I continued to use the oil, taking short breaks. I mainly added it to salads. A lot of time has passed since that incident, but I still don’t have any problems with my intestines!”
Negative sides
Despite the storehouse of benefits, flaxseed oil also has some disadvantages. Thus, along with a high concentration of beneficial substances and properties, the seeds contain anti-nutritional components that adversely affect human health.
The main antinutritional components include cyanogenic glycosides. These substances can be fractionated into linustatin, linmarin and neolinustatin. Depending on the variety of seeds and the area where they grow, these substances may be absent or, conversely, contained in large quantities. Mature flax contains less cyanogen than green flax.
When released into the intestinal environment, cyanogens are capable of releasing hydrogen cyanide, and this substance is a powerful inhibitor of cellular respiration. As a result of this process, an obstacle is formed to the absorption of iodine into the thyroid gland. With prolonged exposure, iodine deficiency, cretinism and the development of thyroid goiter are possible. However, these anti-nutrients in the oil can be removed by heating the product.
Another negative side is the presence of an element such as phytic acid. Typically, its concentration in flax seeds is about 23-30 grams per kilogram. This substance prevents the process of adsorption of heavy metals, magnesium and calcium from the intestines. But the content is relatively small. Therefore, when consumed in moderation, it is not dangerous.
And another minus is the content of digestive enzyme inhibitors - trypsin. Under their influence, it is possible to reduce the level of bioavailability of seed nutrients and the phytoestrogens present in its composition.
All these substances in the composition can lead to the appearance of dyspeptic symptoms, which appear after two weeks of constant use of flaxseed oil.
How to store
The composition, rich in useful substances, requires special storage conditions. If stored incorrectly, the product deteriorates significantly: this is an unpleasant difference from olive, sunflower, rapeseed and other familiar dressings. The flaxseed dries, becomes covered with a transparent film, and changes its taste and color. Basic storage rules:
- The bottle should be made of dark glass. This allows you to protect products from exposure to direct sunlight, which has a detrimental effect on the composition. Plastic and cardboard boxes are contraindicated.
- The neck of the bottle should be narrow and the cap should be tightly closed to prevent air from entering and oxidation.
- Don't buy large packages. The product is consumed in small doses and is consumed slowly. Freshness is the key to effectiveness.
- Do not heat. When the temperature rises, fatty acids are destroyed (this can lead to a deterioration in the quality of the product).
- Do not refrigerate (refrigerator is not recommended).
- Place in a dark, cool place (cellar, pantry, closet.)
- Store in a hard-to-reach place, keep away from children.
- The shelf life of dietary supplements is 1 year if all the above rules are observed.
Conclusion
Flaxseed oil is a multifunctional herbal product. Correct conditions of reception and storage make it the first assistant in the fight for health, youth, and beauty. Moderate consumption of the drug can have a beneficial effect on the female and male body, help in the process of losing weight, and serves to prevent many diseases.
We hope. that reading the article was useful and entertaining. And you got the answer to the question of how to take flaxseed oil correctly. We also recommend that you read the article about flaxseed oil.
