4 Major Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

Let’s find out what flaxseed oil is and what the health benefits of flaxseed oil are.

Flaxseed oil composition

Flaxseed oil is derived from a plant with blue flowers (common flax, also known as linseed or Linum usitatissimum) grown for making edible oil from seeds, for the wood finishing industry and for making linen. Accoding to the University of Meriland Medical Center, flaxseed oil contains a high quantity of omega-3 fatty acids, including a large amount of alpha-linolenic acid ALA. ALA is considered a precursor to EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid. It is converted into them in the body. Flaxseed oil is also rich in omega-9 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, vitamins B, lecithin, potassium, magnesium, protein, zinc and fiber.

SEE ALSO:  5 Major Health Uses for Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil benefits

Essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil, especially omega-3 ones, are highly recommended for people’s well-being and for the activity of every system of the body. Scientists call flaxseed oil one of the important supplements to our nutrition. According to Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, it benefits for:

-        Overall health of the organism and its systems: cardiovascular system, circulatory system, immune system,  nervous system, reproductive system and joints;

-        Weight loss;

-        Energy production and it improves stamina as well;

-        Hair and skin;

-        Bodybuilders;

-        Dogs and other.

Let’s consider health benefits of flaxseed oil in more details.

Lowering blood pressure

According to INTERMAP, an International Study of Macro- and Micro-nutrients and Blood Pressure, people consuming 2 g of omega-3 fatty acids daily have notable lowering of blood pressure. However, omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil can’t be the only remedy for high blood pressure.

SEE ALSO: How Much Flaxseed Oil per Day We Need?

Lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases

As Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure and triglycerides level, adding flaxseed oil to your diet can lower the risk of heart diseases and heart attack. ALA in flaxseed oil leads to the reduction in blood clots, the promotion of blood vessel elasticity and even the decreasing of arrhythmia risk.

Reducing inflammation

The body must get the sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids from oils to produce prostaglandins of series 1 and 3. They are small hormone-like substances, which have a strong anti-inflammatory effect at the cells. According to the World’s Healthiest Foods, flaxseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 oil, thus it promotes these prostaglandins production. This lets balance the influence of series 2 prostaglandins that have pro-inflammatory effects and can aid in treating asthma, migraines and osteoarthritis. Therefore, flaxseed oil benefits bone health as well.

Weight loss

Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil have the molecular structure that increases the rate of metabolism in the body. They help speed up the fat oxidation in the liver. It is highly beneficial for overweight and obese people who need to lose weight.

READ MORE: Flaxseed Oil and Weight Loss

Dangers

Notwithstanding health benefits and although it can be called safe, flaxseed oil has some contraindications and possible dangers. It is dangerous for pregnant women and people with bleeding problems. It may interact with medications. So always talk to your doctor before consuming flaxseed oil.