What Are the Benefits of Taking Flaxseed Oil?

Flaxseed oil comes from the flax plant called linum usitatissimum. It is believed that flaxseed oil and the flax plant was first used in Egypt. Flaxseed oil is made up of several substances promote good health. Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is an acid that is part of the omega-3 fatty acid family. Flaxseed oil also contains lignans that promote good heart health and a healthy immune system.

Benefits

• Flaxseed oil is a great way to add in omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. The omega-3 acids are critical in cognitive and behavioral function in adults and children. Omega-3 acids are also great tools for promoting normal growth and development for people of all ages.

High Cholesterol

• Studies show evidence of omega-3 acids from flaxseed oil can upgrade the cholesterol production in people with high cholesterol. Due to the omega-3 acids found in flaxseed oil, daily intake can increase good cholesterol levels in people.

Heart Disease

• ALA can reduce the risks of heart disease in many people. ALA can make blood platelets less sticky and control arrhythmia. ALA also promotes good blood vessel health and reduces inflation in the heart. Omega-3 acids are proven to lower blood pressure.

Cancer

• Consuming flaxseed oil may reduce the growth of tumors in women with breast cancer. Along with omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil contains chemicals called lignans that help prevent cancer. Lignans act as antioxidants that are known decrease the development of cancer.

Dry Eyes

• Flaxseed oil is a great way to stop dry eyes. Dry eyes occur when you have too little an outer layer of oil in the tear film of your eye. When you have a shortage of oil in your eye, water evaporates from your eye. Omega-3 fatty acids can combat dry eyes by making the oil glands produce enough oil to coat your eye when you consume flaxseed oil.