Indian cuisine is known all over the world for its diversity. There is a plethora of spices and ingredients to choose from for cooking. If we talk about the oil used in food, then there are many healthy options available in India, we will talk about linseed oil. Flaxseed oil can be used not only as a diet, but also in the form of capsules considering its health benefits. Come, let us know in this article what is linseed oil and what are its benefits. Apart from this, in the article we will also explain how linseed oil can be used and what can be the disadvantages of linseed oil.
What is flaxseed oil?
Linseed oil is extracted from the seeds of the linseed plant. It is known in English as flax seed oil. The botanical name of this plant is Linum usitatissimum L. Its seeds are of two types, brown and yellow and the same nutrients are found in both. Flaxseed contains beneficial bioactive compounds. It contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), lignans and fiber. These elements can benefit the human body, which we will discuss in detail in this article.
Benefits of Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil can protect against many diseases and is helpful in nourishing the body. Therefore, its consumption can have a positive effect on health. Let us know how flaxseed oil is beneficial.
1. Benefits of Flaxseed Oil to Reduce Inflammation
The benefits of linseed oil include reducing inflammation. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is found in this oil, which is one of the omega-3 fatty acids. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) may show anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body. In scientific research, the effect of anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseed has been seen on arthritis (joint pain problem) and joint edema. Flaxseed has anti-arthritic properties. Therefore, it can be said that flaxseed can prove to be a great option to avoid inflammation.
2. Benefits of Flaxseed Oil to Prevent Cholesterol and Heart Disease
linseed oil can be effective in preventing heart-related problems. Scientists also confirm that consuming flaxseed oil can improve cardiovascular health. linseed oil can reduce the unnecessary load on the heart by controlling blood pressure. Also, due to the anti-inflammatory properties present in it, it can also prove beneficial for the heart. In addition, linseed contains zero cholesterol, due to which linseed oil may be safe for patients suffering from cholesterol.
3. Use of linseed oil in vision impairment
Linseed is also a boon of nature for the eyes. Due to being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it can be consider beneficial for the eyes. The benefits of flaxseed oil have been seen in problems like dryness in the eyes. Eye dryness is a type of disorder in which the eyes are dry, red and swollen. The essential fatty acids (EFA) present in flaxseed can relieve this eye problem due to its anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, eye experts recommend including flaxseed oil in the diet as a nutritional supplement.
4. Flaxseed Oil for Women’s Health
Consumption of flaxseed oil can also be good for women’s health. Especially positive effects of supplements made from flaxseed oil have been seen during menopause. The reason for this can be attributed to the estrogenic effect found in flaxseed. Scientific research says that flaxseed supplementation can increase the quality of treatment along with estrogen therapy in the diagnosis of menstrual problems in women. The risk of osteoporosis (weakness of bones) increases after menopause, so flaxseed nutrients may come in handy.
According to another research, due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, consumption of flaxseed diet may also be beneficial in some symptoms that appear before the onset of menstruation (premenstrual syndrome). It can reduce cyclic mastalgia (chest pain and heaviness).
5. Anticancer Properties of Flaxseed
Cancer is a life-threatening disease that requires extensive medical treatment. At the same time, it is easy to avoid this dangerous disease through diet and good routine. In such a situation, the consumption of linseed oil can reduce the risk of cancer to some extent. In particular, flaxseed and its compounds have been found to be beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer.
According to a research published on the NCBI website, linseed oil containing phytoestrogen lignans and α-linolenic acid may show anticancer effects. Consumption of these elements can hinder the growth of cancer cells. It can also increase the process of making new blood cells (angiogenesis). Research done on humans has also confirmed that flaxseed can prevent the growth of tumors that cause breast cancer.
6. Benefits of Flaxseed Oil for Constipation and Diarrhea
Flaxseed oil can also be use in stomach related problems. Scientific studies say that linseed oil has laxative and antidiarrheal properties. Due to its laxative properties, it can be beneficial in constipation. At the same time, the antidiarrheal effect is found in the potassium present in it.
7. Benefits of Flaxseed Oil for Skin
Linseed oil can also be use to beautify the skin. Regular use of linseed oil can lead to an increase in plasma fatty acids, which makes the skin appear hydrated and soft. In addition, the alpha-linolenic acid present in linseed oil may help keep the skin young by reducing its sensitivity.
Nutritional Elements of Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is rich in a variety of nutrients, which we are talking about through a table below.
| NUTRIENTS | QUANTITY PER 100 |
| water | 0.12 grams |
| energy | 884 calories |
| protein | 0.11 grams |
| calcium | 1 mg |
| Fat | 99.98 grams |
| fatty acids | 8.976 grams |
| Vitamin E | 0.47 mg |
| Vitamin K | 9.3 micrograms |
| Fatty Acids, Total Monounsaturated | 18.438 grams |
| Fatty Acids, Total Polyunsaturated | 67.849 grams |
How to Use Flaxseed Oil
Before consuming linseed oil, it is important to know how to consume it. In this part of the article, we are giving some guidelines related to this.
When to consume linseed oil: Linseed oil can be consumed at any time. Still, it is a better option to consult a doctor before consuming it.
How much to consume flaxseed oil: The amount to be consumed also depends on the age and health of the person. Hence, it would be right to ask a dietician in this regard.
How to consume linseed oil:
- Flaxseed oil can be use in salad dressings.
- It can be used while making muffins or cakes.
- Flaxseed oil can be used to make smoothies or shakes.
- It can also be taken in the form of capsules on the recommendation of the doctor.
Let us now know what are the disadvantages of linseed oil.
Disadvantages of Flaxseed Oil
If flaxseed oil is not consumed in moderation, it can also cause harm. Come let’s know how?
- Avoid flaxseed and flaxseed oil during pregnancy, as these can have hormonal effects. Breastfeeding women should also ask a doctor before consuming it.
- Like any fiber supplement, flaxseed should be taken with water, as it can cause constipation. At the same time, in rare cases, there may be a blockage in the intestines. In addition, both flaxseed and flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea.
- Flaxseed oil should not be used for cooking as it may lose its nutritional value on overheating
In this article, you learned how beneficial the consumption of linseed oil can be and what can be its disadvantages. linseed oil is undoubtedly beneficial for health, but to avoid any ill effects of it, do consult a doctor once. Only the doctor can be sure whether you should consume linseed oil or not. We hope that you will like the information given in this article. Do share this article to increase awareness about linseed oil.
