About Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil has many beneficial properties. This oil comes from the flax plant that is used to make linen fabric. It is an excellent source of lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Throughout history, flaxseed oil has been held in high regard for treatment of common illnesses and diseases. It is anti-inflammatory, analgesic and laxative. It has been used alone and in combination with other natural remedies to improve overall health and treat specific conditions, from skin problems to infertility.

History

• Flaxseed is native to Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean region of Europe. The plant's seed has been consumed throughout recorded history. Some reports indicate that the Emperor Charlemagne increased its cultivation in Europe during his reign because of its many beneficial uses. It has commonly been used to prepare skin balm and to treat constipation. American colonists brought flaxseed to North America. During the 17th century, Canada began to cultivate the flax crops. It is currently the world's largest producer of flaxseed and flaxseed oil.

Features

• Modern science provides some evidence about the oil's properties, mineral content and benefits. Scientific analysis of flaxseed oil shows that it contains less saturated fat than any other vegetable oil except canola oil. It has far less bad fatty acid, from Omega-6 oils, than most other vegetable oils. Only coconut, olive and palm oil have less. It is higher in Omega-3 fat than all vegetable oils, except olive and canola oil. Some fish, like salmon and halibut, also contain high levels of Omega-3 oils, which modern science has deemed beneficial to health and nutrition. Studies show that the Omega-3 oil content of flaxseed oil is approximately 50 percent--double the amount of fish oil.

Benefits

• The recommendation of flaxseed oil for medicinal use has grown tremendously since its adoption for healing skin problems and digestive ailments. Flaxseed oil is a good source of minerals like manganese, magnesium, folate, phosphorus and copper, along with vitamin E and B6. Many naturopaths and alternative-medicine experts believe that the Omega-3 oils, lignans and minerals in flaxseed oil (or the ground seeds) make it useful for the treatment of asthma, hypertension, COPD, glaucoma, Chrohn's disease, lupus and even menstrual problems. In addition, some medical practitioners suggest that the alpha-linolenic acids in flaxseed can help prevent breast and prostate cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.

Effects

• Controlled studies may help to prove the beneficial effects of flaxseed oils. These studies also help to develop guidelines for safe dosages, as well as determining possible side effects and drug interactions that users should know about. Excessive amounts of flaxseed oil may inhibit blood clotting in some people. The generally recommended maximum daily dose is 1 tbsp. per day. Pregnant and nursing women should not consume flaxseed oil.

Considerations

• Flaxseed oil is highly perishable. Therefore, purchase it from vendors that distribute it in opaque refrigerated containers. Keep your flaxseed oil refrigerated and use it within 2 to 3 weeks. Do not use it for cooking, as heating it destroys some of its beneficial properties. The oil has a pleasant, nutty taste. It can be blended into prepared foods and recipes for salad dressings and marinades to make consumption easy.