Flax Oil
Species Name: L. usitatissimum.
Also known as: Flaxseed Oil, Flaxoil, Linseed oil.
Flax oil is second only to hemp oil in nutritional value.
It is one of the most nutritious oils in the world and contains a generous amount of two of the most essential fatty acids our bodies need.
What is Flax Oil? The flax plant is an annual plant that grows to approximately 120 cm tall with slender stems.
The leaves are green, and the flowers are pure pale blue and contain five petals.
The fruit consists of a round, dry capsule that contains several glossy brown seeds that are shape like an apple.
Archaeological digs show evidence that flax was used in Babylon as far back as 5,000 BC.
Greek and Roman writings dating back to 650 BC describe its healing properties.
In Europe, the tiny brown seeds were used hundreds of years ago for their nutritional and medical qualities.
Flax seeds have a tough outer coat to protect the oils that are inside.
For that reason, if you were to eat flax seeds whole, your body would not receive any of the nutrients that live within the seeds.
It is necessary to cold-press the seeds or grind them fresh in order for a person to receive the benefits of the nutrients inside.
Home Remedies Using Flax Oil:
Benefits and Uses of Flax Oil:
Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha linolenic acid, a precursor to EPA Omega-3 Fatty Acid that is found in fish oil that is produced by the seeds of the flax plant.
In attention to alpha linolenic acid, flax oil also contains carotene and Vitamin E, both essential antioxidants.
Both brown and golden flax are similar in nutritional values, containing equal amounts of short-chain Omega-3 fatty acids.
Although flaxseed oil is a concentrated source of ALA, it does not contain other beneficial ingredients that are found in the actual seed of the flax plant.
On the negative side, however, studies have shown that people do not absorb the Omega-3 from flaxseed oil as well as that of oily fish.
Flax seed oil lignins possesses anti-cancer properties according to recent studies from the national library of medicine, preventing and curing the onset of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer.
Researchers believe it works because lignin metabolites bind to estrogen receptors.
- Omega-3 fats help reduce the inflammation from conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and migraines.
- The flax plant contains an abundant supply of essential Omega-3 fatty acids
- Studies are inconclusive, but recent research indicates that flaxseed oil may be beneficial for those who suffer from arthritis and lupus because of its ability to reduce inflammation
- Grinding the seeds of the flax plant to remove the oil
- As a herbal supplement in liquid or capsule form
- Consumption of flaxseed oil as a replacement in salads and other food items
Side Effects of Flax Oil:
When taken in a reasonable dose it is unlikely to cause side effects.
Some side effects may be diarrhea and loose stools.
If you are taking other medications, check with you doctor before taking flax oil.
