Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

Bottles of Flaxseed Oil

What are the benefits of flaxseed oil and why would you want to take it?

Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of the omega 3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid (ALA).

What are omega 3 fatty acids?

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fats that play an important role in brain function and cellular development. Your body can't produce them so you need to get them from your diet.

Why should you include this healthy oil in your diet?

Well, studies show omega 3 fatty acids can lower your risk for heart disease and reduce inflammation. These special fats are also highly concentrated in our brains and can affect brain function and mood.

Flaxseed oil not only contains a healthy source of omega 3 fatty acids, you also get a rich source of plant proteins and vitamins and minerals, including thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

One of the benefits of flaxseed oil is how easily it can be added to your diet; simply mix it into your protein and fruit smoothies or drizzle it on some fresh salads. Flaxseed oil adds a delicious, nutty taste to your foods and you're giving your body the essential fats it needs to grow and stay healthy.

Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is derived from pressing flax seeds. The flax seed contains about 42% oil and more than 70% of that oil is polyunsaturated fat in the form of omega 3 fatty acids.

Here is a list of different health conditions and how the omega 3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil may help your health.

Please remember that some dietary supplements may affect certain medications. Consult with your doctor before beginning any new nutritional supplement or making changes in your diet/exercise program.

Please click each Specific Category for more info:

1. Is flaxseed oil good for your heart? Yes!

Studies show a diet high in ALA may reduce your risk for heart disease. Research shows omega 3's can lower cholesterol and may help reduce plaque build-up in your arteries.

One study found women who ate 1.5 grams of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) every day had a 46% lower risk for sudden cardiac death than those who ate lower amounts of ALA (~ 1/2 gram a day).

2. Can flaxseed oil lower high blood pressure? Yes!

Scientists believe that eating a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids (including ALA) can reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.

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3. Is flaxseed oil great for your skin? - Yes!

One of the health benefits of flaxseed oil is it may give you healthier skin. A study published in the July 2010 issue of Clinic of Dermatology found alpha linolenic acid may help treat skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus and melanoma.

Why your skin may love omega 3 fatty acids:

• they help maintain the integrity of your skin.

• inhibits inflammation.

• raises your threshold for getting a sunburn.

• helps your skin heal faster.

• may promote cell death of malignant skin cells such as melanoma.

I think flaxseed oil can be very helpful for certain skin conditions. For years, my son had a mild case of keratosis pilaris. It's a common skin condition where you get small rough bumps on the back of the upper arms and legs.

I gave him a daily dose of 2 tablespoons of organic flaxseed oil and noticed a dramatic improvement within 3 days. His skin became smoother and healthier-looking following the flaxseed oil treatment.

One of the most popular benefits of flaxseed oil is for using it for treating acne. While there are limited research studies on this topic, many people have found a daily dose of flaxseed oil lead to softer, smoother-looking skin with less breakouts and inflammation.

If you're looking for a natural treatment for acne without the harsh, drying effects of some topical medications, this may be the healthy oil for you.

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4. Flaxseed Oil and Cancer

Can you use flaxseed oil to cure cancer? You may have come across a controversial cancer treatment called The Budwig Diet that's rumored to cure cancer. Before you jump the gun and try this diet make sure your read this information in this eye-opening report.

Recent media reports claim that flaxseed oil can increase your risk for prostate cancer. However, the National Cancer Institute believes they've found the real reason for a rise in prostate cancer...and it's not from flaxseed oil.

Flax seed is an excellent plant source of lignans. What are lignans? They are phytoestrogens - compounds shown in animal studies to help protect against certain kinds of cancer (colon & breast) by blocking tumors from forming. Here's more research looking at flax seed and cancer.

5. Can flaxseed oil lower your cholesterol? Maybe...

Studies on flaxseed oil and cholesterol found milled or ground flaxseeds may perform better at lowering cholesterol than the oil. While flaxseed oil may boost your ALA levels, researchers believe it's the lignans and fiber in flaxseed that may have a cholesterol lowering effect.

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6. Can flaxseed oil cure constipation? Not really....

Many people think flaxseed oil can treat irregularity. This idea may have come from the use of taking mineral oil to help provide lubrication for slow moving stools; or that old wives' tale of taking cod liver oil for constipation.

Doctors believe constipation is caused from eating a poor diet, lack of exercise and not eating enough fiber. The daily recommended dose of fiber is about 20 - 25 grams.

So while flaxseed oil may not be effective for constipation, you can use ground flaxseeds because it contains fiber. One tablespoon of ground or milled flaxseed provides 2.2 grams of fiber.

What are other food sources of fiber? You can use dried beans, whole wheat bran cereals, and dried fruit (figs & apricots). If you're interested, here's a great article on bowel function & fiber from Dr. Warren Encker, Director of GastroIntestinal Institute for Cancer and Continuum Cancer Centers of New York.

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7. Flaxseed Oil and Arthritis

One of the main benefits of flaxseed oil is the omega 3 fatty acids you get. Research shows omega 3's can exert an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. This effect may help reduce morning stiffness, joint tenderness and improve your mobility.

The research on flaxseed oil and arthritis may be inconclusive, but there are published reports of arthritis patients getting good results from using fish oils.

Thinking of Buying Flaxseed Oil? Use these Insider's Tips to getting the Best Products!

If you're looking to buy this healthy oil, you may have questions on how to choose the right product. Here's the information you need to find the best product, avoiding side effects and more.

Side Effects from Flaxseed Oil - Can you use this product if you're pregnant? Is it safe to give to your child? While this is a natural whole food supplement there are some guidelines you should follow to get the most from it. Get all your questions answered here.

While you may be convince on the benefits of flaxseed oil, you may be asking, "Which is better, flaxseed oil or fish oil?" Here's the info you need to help you choose the right healthy oil for your individual needs.

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If you're buying flaxseed oil you can find it in Capsules and Soft gels. Here's more detailed information on the pros and cons of soft gels and capsules.

How to Choose the Right Oil - Do you know the secrets to getting the highest quality flaxseed oil? One of the most important things to look for is the purity of the oil and how it's package. Find out what else you need to know to getting the best flaxseed oil for your buck! Learn exactly what to look for and avoid buying low-quality oils.

Buy the Best Oils Here! - Looking for the highest quality oils? Check out my favorite selection of flaxseed oils from some of the best nutritional supplement companies.

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Research References