What is Flax and Flaxseed
Oil?
Flaxseed oil comes from the
seeds of the flax plant. According to the Thomas Jefferson Agricultural
Institute, a flax seed is about 40% oil by weight. Of this oil, 55% of it is
omega-3 fatty acid.Flax is unique because, traditionally, the oil hasn’t been used much. The seed, however, has been used whole, cracked, or ground into flour then used in baked products. Flax has attracted nutritionists and those seeking a healthier diet because it has a high fiber content and it is rich in potassium. Flax is often sprinkled on breakfast cereals and salads and is found in some fruit juice drinks.
After the oil is extracted from the flax seed, the “leftovers” are often fed to livestock. An interesting side note is that the use of whole flax seed as food for chickens has increased in recent years because of the omega-3 properties.
Is Flaxseed Oil the Same as Linseed Oil?
There has been some confusion between these. Flax oil is also called linseed oil which is sold in hardware stores as varnish. Flaxseed and linseed are often used interchangeably but there is an important difference. North Americans use flaxseed to describe flax when used for human consumption and linseed to describe when it has been processed for industrial purposes.
Importance of Omega-3
The “3″ in Omega-3 refers to the major types of fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by our body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the human body converts ALA to EPA and DHA which are more readily used by the body. Omega-3 is an important component of almost all cell membranes; therefore, sufficient amounts of these fatty acids are necessary and need to be balanced to maintain good health.
Should you add flax seed oil to your diet?
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.
AND..........
- 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.
Flaxseed Oil Benefits
According to the Flax Council of Canada, there are numerous benefits of which omega-3 is at the top of the list. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) constitutes 57% of the total fatty acids in flax, making flax the richest source of ALA in the North American diet. Every tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains 8 grams of ALA, and this is a polyunsaturated fatty acid.
Flaxseed oil has been found to be beneficial for those who suffer from Crohn’s Disease and Colitis. Several studies have found that this oil seems to be able to calm the inner lining of the inflamed intestines. Another benefit exists as there is a high content of mucilage in flax and this is an effective natural laxative.
Flaxseed oil is beneficial in helping to reduce high cholesterol. It’s important to keep in mind however, that this alone cannot be totally effective in reducing cholesterol levels, an overhaul of overall diet must work in conjunction with flaxseed oil.
The risk of heart disease is lower in individuals who take flaxseed oil. Evidence indicates that those who eat a lot of ALA are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack and it reduces high blood pressure.
Some people are afflicted with Sjogren’s syndrome, which is a dryness of the eyes. Flaxseed oil helps to improve this condition.
Flaxseed oil also helps to:
- Reduce the risk of cancer.
- Aid in the growth of healthy
hair and nails.
- Promote healthy skin.
- Reduce menopause
symptoms.
- Play a role in burning body fat.
A rich source of healing compounds, flaxseed has
been cultivated for more than 7000 years. First cultivated in Europe, the
plant's brown seeds were regularly used to prepare balms for inflamed skin and
healing slurries for constipation. Rich in essential fatty acids, or EFAs,
flaxseed oil is used to prevent and treat heart disease and to relieve a
variety of inflammatory disorders and hormone-related problems, including
infertility.
A source of
fiber for linen fabric since ancient times, the slender flax plant also boasts
a long history as a healing herb. First cultivated in Europe, the plant's brown
seeds were regularly used to prepare balms for inflamed skin and healing
slurries for constipation. Today, flaxseeds (also called linseeds) are best
known for the therapeutic oil that is derived by pressing them. Rich in
essential fatty acids, or EFAs, flaxseed oil has earned a solid reputation for
treating a range of ailments, from heart disease to lupus.
The essential
fatty acids in flaxseed oil are one of its key healing components. EFAs are
particularly valuable because the body needs them to function properly, but
can't manufacture them on its own. Essential fatty acids work throughout the
body to protect cell membranes, keeping them efficient at admitting healthy
substances while barring damaging ones.
One of the EFAs
in flaxseed oil, alpha-linolenic acid, is known as an omega-3 fatty acid. Like
the omega-3s found in fish, it appears to reduce the risk of heart disease and
numerous other ailments.
Flaxseed oil is
an excellent source of omega-3s: Just 1 teaspoon contains about 2.5 grams,
equivalent to more than twice the amount most people get through their diets.
Flaxseeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids in the form of linoleic acid;
omega-6s are the same healthy fats found in vegetable oils.
Flaxseed oil
only contains these alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3 oils), and not the fiber or
lignan components. Therefore, flaxseed oil provides the Omega 3 benefits, such
as lipid-lowering properties, but not the laxative or anti-cancer properties.
Whole flaxseeds
(not the extracted oil) are a rich source of lignans (phytoestrogens),
substances that appear to positively affect hormone-related problems. Lignans
may also be useful in preventing certain cancers and combating specific
bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including those that cause cold sores and
shingles.
Flaxseed may
help to:
Lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure:
Several studies indicate that flaxseed oil, as well as ground flaxseeds, can lower cholesterol, thereby significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. Taking flaxseed oil may also protect against angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure. In addition, a five-year study done recently at Boston's Simmons College found that flaxseed oil may be useful in preventing a second heart attack. It may also help prevent elevated blood pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause artery-hardening plaque and poor circulation.
Counter inflammation associated with gout, lupus and fibrocystic breasts:
Omega-3 fatty acids appear to limit the inflammatory reaction associated with these conditions. In cases of lupus, flaxseed oil not only reduces inflammation in the joints, skin and kidneys, but also lowers cholesterol levels that may be elevated by the disease. Taking flaxseed oil for gout may lessen the often sudden and severe joint pain or swelling that is a symptom of this condition. In addition, the ability of omega-3 fatty acids to boost the absorption of iodine (a mineral often found in low levels in women suffering from fibrocystic breasts) makes flaxseed oil potentially valuable for treating this often painful condition.
Control
constipation, haemorrhoids, diverticular disorders and gallstones:
As they are high
in dietary fibre, ground flaxseeds can help ease the passage of stools and thus
relieve constipation, haemorrhoids and diverticular disease. In those with
diverticular disease, flaxseeds may also keep intestinal pouches free of waste
and thus keep potential infection at bay. Taken for inflammatory bowel disease,
flaxseed oil can help to calm inflammation and repair any intestinal tract
damage. In addition, the oil may prevent painful gallstones from developing and
even dissolve existing stones.
Treat acne,
eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea:
The essential fatty
acids in flaxseed oil are largely responsible for its skin-healing powers. Red,
itchy patches of eczema, psoriasis and rosacea often respond to the EFA's
anti-inflammatory actions and overall skin-soothing properties. Sunburned skin
may heal faster when treated with the oil as well. In cases of acne, the EFAs
encourage thinning of the oily sebum that clogs pores.
Promote
healthy hair and nails:
The abundant omega-3
fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to contribute to healthy hair
growth (in fact, low levels of these acids may cause dry and lackluster locks).
Hair problems exacerbated by psoriasis or eczema of the scalp may respond to the
skin-revitalizing and anti-inflammatory actions of flaxseed oil as well.
Similarly, the oil's EFAs work to nourish dry or brittle nails, stopping them
from cracking or splitting.
Minimise
nerve damage that causes numbness and tingling as well as other disorders:
The EFAs in flaxseed
oil assist in the transmission of nerve impulses, making the oil potentially
valuable in treating conditions of numbness and tingling. The oil's
nerve-nourishing actions may also help in the treatment of Parkinson's disease,
a degenerative disorder of the nervous system, and protect against the nerve
damage associated with diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Reduce
cancer risk and guard against the effects of ageing:
The lignans in
flaxseed appear to play a role in protecting against breast, colon, prostate,
and perhaps skin cancer. Although further studies are needed, research
undertaken at the University of Toronto indicates that women with breast
cancer, regardless of the degree of cancer invasiveness, may benefit from
treatment with flaxseed. Interestingly, the lignans may protect against various
effects of ageing as well.
Treat
menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility and endometriosis:
Because the
hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) in flaxseed help
stabilise a woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial
effects on the menstrual cycle, and relieve the hot flashes of perimenopause
and menopause. Flaxseed may also improve uterine function and thus treat
fertility problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in flaxseed have
been shown to block production of prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that,
when released in excess amounts during menstruation, can cause the heavy
bleeding associated with endometriosis.
Fight
prostate problems, male infertility and impotence:
The EFAs in flaxseed
oil may help to prevent swelling and inflammation of the prostate, the small
gland located below the bladder in males that tends to enlarge with age.
Symptoms of such enlargement, such as urgency to urinate, may lessen as a
result. The EFAs also play a role in keeping sperm healthy, which may be of
value in treating male infertility, and they can improve blood flow to the
penis, a boon for those suffering from impotence.
