What are benefits of Flaxseed oil?

goochinator

I've been hearing a lot about this lately- what are the benefits and how much should be taken/eaten?

goochinator

I've been hearing a lot about this lately- what are the benefits and how much should be taken/eaten?

icandoit

Written by Gloria Tsang, RD
Published in Nov 2004; Updated in Aug 2006

Benefits of Flax seed Oil - Heart Disease/Cholesterol Lowering
Its high content of alpha linolenic acids has made flax seed oil become our modern miracle food. Alpha linolenic acid is a type of plant-derived omega 3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Benefits of flax seed oil as shown in many studies include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Other benefits of flax seed oil show that flax seed may also help lower blood triglycerides and blood pressure. It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the chance of a heart attack.

Other Benefits of Flax seed Oil
Flax Seed Oil





Aside from alpha linolenic acid, flax seed is rich in lignan. Lignan is a type of phytoestrogen and also provides fiber. Researches reveal that lignan in flax seed shows a lot of promise in fighting disease -- including a possible role in cancer prevention especially breast cancer. It is thought that lignan metabolites can bind to estrogen receptors, hence inhibiting the onset of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer.

Recent studies also showed positive benefits of flax seed oil in IBD (Crohn's Disease and Colitis). Flax seed oil seems to be able to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines.

Moderately include flax seed in your diet. Indeed, a lot of food products contain flax seed such as bread, cereal and bakery goods. Bakers may use flax seed flour or include flax seed in baking.


5 Tips to include flax seed in home cooking:

Sprinkle ground flax seed on your cereal and salads
Substitute flax seed mixture for eggs in home baking such as muffin and pancake (1 tbsp milled flaxseed, plus 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Final products will have less volume and taste gummier
Include flax seed oil in other recipe when nutty flavor is preferred
Substitute flax seed oil for other oils

zenmama

We grind the seeds vs the oil..

Flax Seed Oil is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. This natural oil (also known as Linseed Oil) is highly recommended for the general well being and whole body nutrition and is considered to be nature's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the health of almost all body systems.

essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc and also provides approximately 50% more omega-3 oils than what you could get from taking fish oil, minus that horrible "fishy" after taste.

Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multi-vitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil's natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as joints.


Just look at this list of facts and studies of what Flax Seed Oil can and may accomplish:


- Research shows low incidence of breast cancer and colon cancer in populations that have high amounts of lignan in their diet. Flax is 100 times richer in lignan than most whole grains.

- Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides, and prevent clots in arteries, which may result in strokes, heart attacks and thromboses.

- Helps protect the body against high blood pressure, inflammation, water retention, sticky platelets and lowered immune function.

- Shortens recovery time for fatigued muscles after exertion.

- Increases the body's production of energy and also increases stamina.

- Accelerates the healing of sprains and bruises.

- Eases weight loss in people afflicted with obesity.

- Stimulates brown fat cells and increases the metabolic rate making it easier to burn off fat.

- Improves the absorption of Calcium.

- Strengthens finger and toenails.

- Can improve eyesight and perception of colors.

- Can often improve the function of the liver.

- Can relieve the side effects and stop development of many forms of cancer.

- Can relieve some cases of Asthma.

- Helpful in the treatment of Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dandruff.

- Can relieve the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It can relieve the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus.

- Can alleviate some allergies.

- Helps prevent Atherosclerosis (the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the blood vessels, especially the large and medium-sized arteries, that many people experience during the aging process).

- Lowers high blood pressure in Hypertension sufferers.

- Has been scientifically proven to treat some cases of depression.

- Can improve the mental function of many old age pensioners.

- Can help in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

- Has been proven to improve the behavior of Schizophrenics.

- Can relieve some cases of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in females.

- And more...!
My husband eats it daily! I take it once in a while...

HTH dd

yoginimary

Just a thing I heard and could be based on nothing whatever:

if Flaxseed oil is cooked, it lowers its good properties.

Like I said, I heard it from a friend kinda thing.

GinaB30

I get the ground flaxseed and sprinkle it in my yogurt, or on toast. =o)

lotusfromthemud

Heating most oils changes their health benefits. This is true of olive oil and flaxseed oil.

I use olive oil in salad dressings, and put a tablespoon of flax oil in my morning smoothie.

zenmama

When you grind it you can add to anything...I put it my baked mac and cheese and ziti and no-one knows!

dd

wuzzi

So much awesome information! I eat flax seed and/or oil almost every day. I was aware of some of its beneficial qualities but this makes me feel even better about adding it to my diet. Thanks!

goochinator

Holy Canoli!!
Thank you all so much for the info!! Who needs Google when i've got you guys?!

THANK YOU!!!

wtchywmn

Do you have to buy it in a health food store or can you get it in a grocery store?

rockymtnguy

I pick it up at GNC both pill and oil form.I use the oil in smoothies, I also take it in pill form twice a day, when I don't blend.