Flax, also known as common flax or Linseed is a member of Linum family. It was traditionally cultivated in the Mediterranean stretch from Egypt to India. Flax seed oil is popularly known as a lifestyle enhancement substance in modern times. It has a number of health benefits and is used in various medicines to fight several diseases.
Flax Seed: There are two types of flax seeds – brown and yellow or golden. They have similar nutritional values and equal amounts of short – chain omega -3 fatty acids. These seeds produce oil which is popularly known as flax oil or linseed oil and is one of the oldest commercial oils of the world. The solvent – processed linseed oil has been extensively used for centuries as a drying oil in varnishes and paintings.
Characteristics: Linseed oil is a yellowish colored drying oil which is extracted from the dried ripe seeds of flax. It is obtained by a process of pressing followed by an optional level of solvent extraction.
Nutritional Supplement: Flax seed oil is a popular nutritional supplement in its fresh, refrigerated and unprocessed form. It is considered to be nature’s richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the process of growth and development. It has exceptional quantities of alpha-linolenic acid, which is supposed to play a beneficial role in preventing heart disease and arrhythmia.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is present along with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) belonging to omega-3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA are found primarily in fish and ALA is found in abundance in flax seed oil.
Linseed oil is also known to reduce inflammation leading to atherosclerosis and is essential for the development and growth of infants. Certain studies have also indicated that regular ingestion of linseed oil may or may not reduce the risk of stroke disease or cancer. More research is required to be conducted on the substance to determine the facts.
Normal Linseed oil contains Alpha-linolenic acid between the ranges of 52-63%. It has a shelf life limited to a few weeks and needs to be refrigerated if it becomes unpleasant in odor it needs to be discarded.
Flax seed oil and health: Linseed oil is regarded as a great source of bringing about complete wellness and is highly recommended for enhancing the general well being of the whole body. It is comprised of Omega 6 and Omega 9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, Lecithin magnesium, fiber, protein, zinc and also provides 50% more Omega 3 oils than what can be obtained from fish oil.
Consuming Linseed oil in the daily dietary intake can have a number of benefits. It is supposed to be a health promoting supplement regarded next only to multi-vitamin. Almost all the systems of the body tend to benefit from the oil’s natural properties such as cardio vascular system, nervous system, reproductive system, circulatory system and joints.
Benefits:
It helps control cancer as it is rich in ligan content which is known to aid in the reduction of breast and colon cancer.
Omega 3 fatty acids found in flax seed oil help reduce the cholesterol levels in the body.
It helps fight a number of diseases such as strokes and heart attacks by preventing clots in the arteries.
It protects the body against high blood pressure and inflammation.
It enhances the immune system of the body.
It is known to increase energy and stamina and is good for strength training.
It fastens the healing process of wounds, sprains and muscle pulls.
It helps reduce body weight thereby, fighting obesity.
It can also help relieve pre menstrual syndrome.
It also aids in rheumatoid arthritis and reduces tenderness in the joints.
It also fights depression and hypertension, migraine, premature labor, lyme disease, lupus and panic attacks.
Dosage: The recommended dosage is thousand mg per day taken 1-3 times regularly. However, this can differ from person to person based on the body requirements.
For this, you must consult your general physician and make a note of your present medical condition. You must discontinue the usage of the supplement in case of any signs of allergy or side affects.
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