The shelves of supermarkets and drugstores are full of bottles with oils. The most famous, in addition to olive and sunflower, can be called flaxseed oil. Flax is a plant widely known, in the old days it was used for food, as a material for tissue, with the help of which some diseases were treated. Let's try to understand the true benefits and possible harm of flaxseed oil.
Composition and use of flax oil
This oil is obtained as a result of processing flax seeds and contains in its composition a large number of unsaturated acids:
- oleic;
- linoleic;
- linolenic.
These acids are most commonly known under the popular names Omega-9 (oleic), Omega-6 (linoleic) and Omega-3 (linolenic). You can talk about the benefits of Omega acids for a long time. It should be noted that these acids are not produced by the body itself, but their participation in the processes of human life is very important. Oils are the only vegetable products with Omega 6 and 9 content. But flaxseed oil is unique in that, unlike others, it is saturated with a large amount of Omega-3.
These acids are simply irreplaceable for women's health. They have a beneficial effect on the reproductive system, play a role in the proper formation of the fetus during pregnancy. And the use of linseed oil for hair, nails and skin was noticed by our ancestors.
Vitamins contained in linseed oil have antioxidant properties, help effectively protect the body from external environmental influences and prolong youth.
In addition to the above, there is a large list of what benefits the body receives from the intake of flaxseed oil:
- decreased cholesterol ;
- the work of the gastrointestinal tract is normalized;
- increases physical endurance of the organism;
- in men, the potency and blood supply of the pelvis improves;
- improves metabolic processes of the body;
- the hormonal background is regulated, unpleasant sensations in the climacteric period decrease;
- stimulates tissue regeneration and renewal.
The benefit of taking linseed oil in the morning on an empty stomach will affect the condition of the biliary system and will be an excellent prevention of the formation of gallstones.
Harm to flaxseed oil
Harm this natural product can cause in several cases:
- Individual intolerance to flax oil. It can manifest itself in violation of the digestive process, the appearance of unpleasant sensations, as well as in the form of allergic skin reactions. In these cases it is recommended to stop receiving it and contact a specialist.
- Violation of the storage rules. The greatest harm flaxseed oil acquires when improper storage or when the expiration date. The maximum allowable shelf life of this oil is twelve months. But since it is rapidly oxidized in the air, it should be used within the first months after opening the bottle. Open the bottle should be stored in a dark place at a temperature of not more than 10 degrees.
- Violation of the rules of use. Since when heated in oil, carcinogens are formed which, when accumulated in the body, can lead to oncological diseases, linseed oil can only be used in a cold form without heating.
Also, when taking an empty stomach, flaxseed oil can be harmful if there are such factors as:
- inflammation or stones in the gallbladder or ducts;
- pregnancy or period of feeding;
- taking hormonal drugs;
- hypertension;
- pancreatitis;
- bleeding;
- the presence of neoplasms.
Based on the foregoing, it can be concluded that with proper intake of quality flaxseed oil as an additive to meals or on an empty stomach, the benefits to the body will be significant.