Linseed oil: the benefits and harm, the rules of admission

Flaxseed oil is considered one of the most useful among vegetable oils. It contains an enormous amount of micronutrients and vitamins valuable for the human body, therefore it is often used in dietology, aesthetic and alternative medicine. The unique properties of flaxseed oil will be discussed further.

Flaxseed squeeze is a type of vegetable oil that is classified as fast drying, due to its ability to polymerize (dry) to form a dense transparent film on the surface. This property is due to the high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in its composition.

Phytoestrogens, which are also part of the product, have an antioxidant effect (neutralization of free radicals), inhibit the growth and development of tumor formations, and also stabilize the hormones of women.

Flaxseed oil is also produced in capsule form. Reviews of this tool are mostly positive: it is quite effective although it is a dietary supplement, not a drug, and it is quite easy to use. According to the same reviews, the capsules are tasteless and odorless, so they are great for people who want to benefit from this product, but cannot appreciate its taste.

Capsules will not deteriorate, even if you do not store them in the refrigerator. To their effect was most effective, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• capsules can not drink hot drinks or seize hot food;
• taking capsules cannot be combined with the use of laxatives;
• it is necessary to take capsules in the morning on an empty stomach and at night;
• Experts do not recommend consuming more than 17 g of a substance per day.

Flax oil contains a lot of valuable substances for the human body.

• Unsaturated fatty acids. Take part in the metabolism, while not being developed independently by the cells of the human body.
• Saturated fatty acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are necessary for regulating body temperature. However, in large doses can cause significant harm to health.
• Macroelements. Phosphorus, calcium play an important role in the formation of the musculoskeletal system, as well as teeth and nails.
• Trace element - zinc.
• Sterols. High molecular weight alcohols, which belong to the class of lipids. From these biologically active substances depends on many processes in the body. One of the most important functions of sterols is participation in the formation of cell membranes.
• Vitamin E It has a strengthening effect on the immune, cardiovascular and reproductive systems.

If flaxseed oil is produced using cold-pressed technology, it fully retains all the beneficial substances. In addition, it does not contain cholesterol.

Flaxseed oil has a number of useful properties. Consider a few basic ones.

• Treatment of atherosclerosis and preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels. A positive effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels, which has flaxseed oil, confirmed by clinical data. Also known is the effect of flaxseed oil on blood clotting factors. The active ingredients of this product interfere with increased platelet aggregation, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots.
• Positive action in relation to the central nervous system. Fatty acids protect neurons, as well as stimulate the formation of connections between them.Due to this, a person who regularly receives flax oil improves memory and concentration of attention. A deficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet leads to the development of mental disorders, including depressive states, schizophrenia, etc.
• Interferes with the formation of malignant neoplasms. Flaxseed oil has an anti-oncogenic effect in the development of oncological processes in the breast and prostate. This is due to the fact that these types of cancer are hormone-dependent forms, that is, the growth rate of malignant tumors depends on the concentration of certain hormones. Due to the valuable microelements contained in this product, with prolonged use the hormonal balance is restored again.

• Promotes the removal of some toxic substances.than significantly reduces the load on the liver.
• Accelerates biochemical processes in the body. Due to this property, flaxseed oil is very popular among nutritionists.
• Known therapeutic properties of flax oil for the problem of chronic constipation and hemorrhoids. Here, the principle of the oil is to provide a laxative effect, which ensures regular discharge of fecal masses (which in itself is a kind of prevention of hemorrhoids), as well as healing of damaged or inflamed areas of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
• Therapy for skin diseases. Flaxseed oil is effective for skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, acne. In addition, it reduces the intensity of production of sebaceous glands that can clog pores.
• Slows down aging. This applies not only to the improvement of the structure of skin, hair and nails. Influencing many biological processes, flaxseed oil rejuvenates the body as a whole.

• Treatment of dyspeptic disorders and diseases of the digestive tract. This product can have a therapeutic effect in many types of pathological processes, such as inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, parasitic infections, disturbances in the mechanism of normal outflow of bile, etc. Proven beneficial effects of flax oil in diverticular disease the intestinal wall of the protrusion areas, the formation of which is accompanied by the appearance of a number of symptoms). Due to the high content of fiber, flax oil significantly reduces the severity of the main manifestations of this disease.

• It has a healing effect on the respiratory system. The human respiratory apparatus has two main components - the respiratory tract (pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi) and lungs, where gas exchange is actually carried out (blood oxygenation and carbon dioxide release). Inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system - in our time is very common. In the chronic form of the course of such diseases, the immune cells of the respiratory mucosa provide a much weaker protection of the body.
• It is used as an additional method in the treatment of infertility. This refers to infertility due to a violation in the endocrine system of a woman. Female sex hormones are a kind of regulator of all processes occurring in the reproductive system of the fair sex. Even with minimal disruption of hormonal balance, a woman may have difficulty conceiving for a long time. Phytoestrogens - herbal analogues of sex hormones, are found in considerable concentration in flax oil.

• With regular intake of flax oil, men improve semen characteristics (the number of active sperm cells increases and their mobility improves). Thus, flaxseed oil fights not only against the factors contributing to the development of female infertility, but can also have a healing effect on the male reproductive system. However, before using the tool, you should consult with a specialist to clarify the dosage and mode of administration. Neglecting the rules of dose calculation can not only not achieve the desired effect, but also harm their health.

• Reduces the duration of the rehabilitation period after surgery. To maintain the immune system in the most active state, doctors advise taking inside linseed oil.
• Strengthens the immune system in children. Immunity of a young child is an imperfect biological mechanism. Especially in children who receive milk formula as the main food. After all, maternal breast milk is not only food for an infant, but also its immunity. If a child is bottle-fed, then he does not receive a lot of nutrients that play an important role in the development of his immune system. In this case, flaxseed oil can stimulate the activity of the main factors of immunity, both general and local.
• Reduces the intensity of the main manifestations of menopause. Thanks to the flax oil, in the female body the hormonal background approaches the physiological balance, and therefore the intensity of the manifestations of the main signs of menopause decreases (hot flashes, excessive sweating, emotional lability, dry mucous membranes).
• Promotes weight loss. In addition, this product is simply indispensable for vegetarians who refuse to eat fish and seafood.
• Used when treatment of inflammatory diseases of the joints.

Flaxseed oil can be used in the treatment of diabetes. The essence of this disease lies in the fact that a person's blood glucose level rises above normal levels. This can occur in two cases:

1. if Langerhans cells that are in the pancreatic tail produce an insufficient amount of insulin (type 1 diabetes);
2. if the receptors of the body cells lose insulin sensitivity (type 2 diabetes).

With persistent insulin deficiency in the human body, a number of pathological changes occur due to the disruption of the normal course of metabolic reactions. This can lead to the appearance of all sorts of symptoms (coma, damage to blood vessels, kidney structure (nephropathy), impaired microcirculation of the fundus vessels (angiopathy), etc.

To avoid the appearance or reduce the severity of the pathological signs of diabetes, you need to constantly monitor the concentration of sugar in the blood. To this end, flax oil can be taken as an additional therapy. It has a significant effect in the treatment of polyneuropathy (one of the manifestations is considered “diabetic foot”) and obesity. Polyneuropathy is a multiple lesion of peripheral nerves, which is manifested by paresis, paralysis, sensitivity disorder, trophic disorders mainly in the distal parts of the limbs.

The following factors are considered to be contraindications for receiving flax oil.

• Treatment with anticoagulants. Flax oil has a similar mechanism of action with this group of drugs. Therefore, the combination of these funds can lead to the development of bleeding.
• Individual intolerance. Hypersensitivity to flax oil is caused by the appearance of varying degrees of severity of an allergic reaction: urticaria, pruritus, allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and also life-threatening conditions such as angioedema and anaphylactic shock. If you experience these symptoms, you should stop using this product.
• Development of the oncological process. Flax oil affects the intensity of estrogen production; therefore, if a person has a hormone-dependent malignant neoplasm, this type of vegetable oil is contraindicated.
• Endocrine imbalance. This primarily applies to diseases associated with the violation of the normal ratio of androgens (male sex hormones) and estrogens (female sex hormones). Phytoestrogens, which abound in the composition of flax oil, will aggravate this situation, as a result of which men will more clearly show signs of hyperestrogenia (elevated estrogen content).

• Urolithiasis disease.
• Pregnancy and lactation. Reception of flax oil during these periods is possible only after consulting a doctor. At this time in the woman's body there are major changes associated with the restructuring of hormonal levels. According to the results of some clinical studies, the pregnancy of women taking flax oil was spontaneously interrupted much more often than among women who excluded this product from their diet.
• Caution should be used in chronic inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. (gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, pancreatitis, duodenitis, enterocolitis, etc.). Before using the product, it is necessary to consult a doctor, as if the rules of dosing are violated, an exacerbation of the disease may develop.

Flaxseed oil is widely used as a medicinal additive in the development of a variety of somatic diseases. For each of them shows a specific mode of reception of the product and dosage.

• For diseases of the heart and blood vessels, linseed oil is taken 1 teaspoon per day. You should not wait for a quick effect and independently increase the dosage, hoping to speed up the result. Oil must be taken on an empty stomach, preferably two hours before meals.
• To stabilize the hormonal background, you need to take daily for 1 st. l oil on an empty stomach in the morning. If it is difficult for you to use it in its pure form, you can add it to food, only you cannot heat it.
• With diabetes, experts advise you to drink linseed oil tincture. It is quite possible to cook it yourself, for this you need 1 tablespoon of oil, pour 1 cup of cold water. Let the mixture brew for at least 3 hours. Take the tincture daily once a day: either in the morning before meals, or before bedtime.
• In the treatment of constipation is recommended to mix 1 tbsp. l oils with natural yogurt or honey. Take this mixture should be an hour before bedtime.
• For diseases of the digestive tract, flaxseed oil should be taken in 1 tbsp. l per day half an hour before meals. On average, a course of treatment lasts for 30 days or until a stable therapeutic effect is achieved. When taking any medication on the feasibility of using flax oil, you must ask your doctor.
• When losing weight, flaxseed oil should be taken according to the following scheme: twice a day every day - on an empty stomach before breakfast and one hour before the last meal. Single dose funds - 1 tsp. This method is considered quite gentle, but in this case the weight decreases gradually. A diet using flax oil is suitable for those who want to achieve lasting results in the fight against excess weight.

After purchase, flax oil is stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of about 5-7 ° C. The container in which there is a product, should be from dark glass and tight.Such requirements are associated with certain features of this type of oil.

Dishes flavored with dressing with linseed oil should be consumed immediately, since irreversible changes occur in the product structure under the influence of light and oxygen, and it begins to rapidly lose its valuable properties.

Flaxseed oil is used not only for the treatment and prevention of various somatic diseases, but also in aesthetic medicine. This product contains a lot of valuable elements that help women extend their youth. However, it should be understood that, for all its merits, flax oil must be properly metered and adhere to the recommended regimen. No need to overdo it, otherwise the result will not please you.

The oil can be applied in its pure form to the skin and hair, used as a massage grease or added to the cream. First of all, the widespread use of flax oil in cosmetology due to a very positive effect on the skin of the face. It promotes cell renewal, reduces wrinkles, and besides, after a course of applying linseed oil, a person gets a healthy shade. Also, due to the high content of folic acid, the oil has a protective effect, protecting the skin from aggressive external factors.

The essence of flax oil has a calming effect on the problem skin of the face, saving its owner from dryness and irritation. The virtual space is replete with a list of recipes for wellness masks made at home on the basis of flax oil. The feedback from both specialists and ordinary fans of natural cosmetology is overwhelmingly positive.

• There is a simple recipe for facial masks for dry skin. It compensates for the volume of moisture lost by the cells and saturates them with useful nutrients. In order to prepare it, it is necessary to mix sour cream, grated cucumber and flax oil in equal proportions. Apply the mixture on face for 15 minutes.
• Recipe for facial masks from oily sheen: 1 tbsp. l low-fat cottage cheese mix with 2 tsp. flax oil. To the mixture, you can add a spoonful of low-fat sour cream or mushy boiled egg white. The mask should be applied to the cleansed face for 15-20 minutes.

• Purifying mask: take 3 tbsp. l kefir and add there 2 tbsp. l lemon juice and flaxseed oil. Apply mask to face. After 15 minutes, wash off. This cosmetic is recommended to use 3-4 times a month.
• Also, flax oil can act as the main ingredient in home scrub. For its preparation it is necessary to mix in equal amounts oatmeal with flax seed oil. Apply the scrub to a clean face with gentle massaging movements. After this means you need to hold on the face for another 10 minutes. Then remove the scrub with warm water.

As already mentioned, flaxseed oil can have a stimulating effect on the process of cell self-renewal, so that it can prevent the early formation of wrinkles. High efficiency shows flaxseed oil in combination with the seeds of milk thistle: if they are crushed, pour 3-4 tbsp. l squeeze flax seeds and insist for 10 days, then you will get miraculous anti-aging serum. Before use, it should be filtered through cheesecloth.

Flaxseed oil has healing properties not only in relation to the skin of the face. In aesthetic and alternative medicine, this product is used as a component of tools aimed at strengthening the structure and stimulating the growth of eyelashes and hair.Flax seed oil envelops the hair and thus creates on its surface a kind of protective layer that can hold protein.

Also, flaxseed oil is an effective way to care for the delicate skin around the eyes. This is pleased with the delicate area of ​​the face, and therefore requires particularly intensive care. In this case, experts recommend applying oil not on the skin of the eyelids, but on a napkin, which can, in turn, be applied to problem areas. Keep it on the skin should be no more than 30 minutes.

As a general ointment, flaxseed oil can be taken orally. It is best done on an empty stomach before breakfast. The optimal single dose - 1 tsp. A systematic intake of this tool will provide a visible improvement in the characteristics of the skin, strengthening the walls of blood vessels and more effective removal of toxins.

Doctors, as well as experts in the field of alternative medicine, for the most part unequivocally recognize the therapeutic properties of flax oil. However, the appropriateness of its use in each case should be considered by a specialist, taking into account the nature of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient. This is due to the fact that this product has in its composition a high concentration of various biologically active substances, the excess of which in the human body can lead to the appearance of certain pathological conditions.

Also, uncontrolled intake of flaxseed oil can lead to a number of adverse reactions in the presence of contraindications. As a prophylactic and component in the composition of various cosmetics, flaxseed oil can be used without consulting a doctor.

As for the reviews of people who have tested the effect of this product on themselves, most of them note a fairly quick and sustained effect when applying oil for cosmetic purposes to stimulate hair growth, nourish the skin, strengthen the nails. The use of linseed oil for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes also has a positive effect on the general condition of the body.

See more on the benefits of linseed oil in the next video.