Flaxseed oil can provide an excellent source of omega-3 and can have a positive effect on a variety of health concerns. What are the benefits of flaxseed oil?
What is Flaxseed Oil?
Flaxseed comes from the Linum usitatissimum plant. Flax seeds can be ground and used in cooking or as a supplement. Oil is extracted from the seeds to make flaxseed oil. It is typically available in capsule or liquid form.
Benefits of flaxseed oil supplement
There are many health benefits to supplementing our diets with a good source of omega-3, -6, and -9. Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of these nutrients and is comparable to fish oil. Although fish oil and flaxseed oil are similar, the increased amount of alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA, found in flaxseed oil makes it a better choice for omega-3.
Many studies have been done on the health benefits of flaxseed oil. The positive results of flaxseed oil have been shown in a wide variety of medical conditions such as:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder effecting both children and adults that causes hyperactivity and impulsivity with an inability to focus or concentrate. Adults suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may see a reduction in their systems with daily flaxseed oil use. The are mixed study results for the use of flaxseed oil in children with ADHD and should not be given without the consent of a physician.
Sjogren’s syndrome
The autoimmune disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, has also been shown to benefit from the use of flaxseed oil. People suffering from this disease have white blood cells that attack their moisture-producing glands causing dry mouth and eyes. In studies, patients who had taken supplements regularly had seen a reduction in their symptoms.
Heart Disease
In other studies, flaxseed oil was shown to have positive effects on the treatment of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.
Menopause
Mild menopausal symptoms have also been proven to be reduced with the use of flaxseed oil supplementation.
Flaxseed oil contraindications
Anyone that has an allergy to Linaceae plant should avoid flaxseed oil.
Flaxseed oil can interact with some medications and consultation with a physician is suggested before starting flaxseed oil supplements. If you are taking blood thinners, cholesterol lowering medications, NSAIDs, or blood sugar, lowering medications you should not take flaxseed oil.
Supplementing your diet with flaxseed oil is a great way of getting the omega-3 to meet your nutritional needs. A daily dose of the oil can put you on the way to heart healthy living and so much more!
