Is flaxseed oil good or bad? Is the same question on your mind? If yes, then let me tell you that you have come to the right place. Just scroll down and learn if it is good for you.
The flax plant, which is scientifically known as Linum usitatissimum, is popular for its seeds – flaxseeds. Fully ripe flaxseeds are dried and used for incurring flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil. This oil is a type of drying oil, which means it gets solid film on its surface when it is exposed to atmospheric elements like air. It is infused with several other types of oils and compounds like resin, for various industrial purposes. However, the most popular use of flaxseed oil is as an edible oil with numerous health benefits. Marketed as a thoroughly nutritious supplement for a healthy human body, it contains nutrients like protein, essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, fibers, potassium and beta-carotene. As a result, flaxseed oil is commonly used for numerous medicinal purposes. Before one starts using it as a natural remedy; it is always important to find out about the benefits and possible side effects of the same.
Benefits
According to most manufacturers, there are numerous benefits of flaxseed oil that are evident due to its dense nutritional value and calories. It has a lot of healing properties, and hence, the massage of flaxseed oil is found useful for the treatment of bruises, strains and sprains. This oil also contains various essential fatty acids that are effective for lowering blood cholesterol levels, and improving the health of the cardiovascular system. It is also helpful for the treatment of osteosclerosis, angina, hypertension, various types of arthritis, etc. It is also found useful for digestive health. It is used as a cure or home remedy for digestive system problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflamed intestine, intestinal swelling, constipation, etc. Flaxseed oil is also beneficial for various skin problems like eczema, dry eyes, acne, psoriasis and rosacea. It is also found effective in the treatment of Sjogren’s syndrome, which is a type of autoimmune disorder. Apart from all the above mentioned health benefits, this oil is also helpful for various problems related to women’s health, like pre menopause and post menopause syndrome.
Side Effects
Learning about its various side effects is extremely important. The side effects of flaxseed oil are evident in case of its overdose (more than 2 tbsp a day) and long term usage. A few experts also claim that this oil may cause problems for people who are suffering with food allergies and those who are allergic to flaxseed. Cooking with flaxseed oil is also not promoted, since it destabilizes various nutrients that are present in it. Due to the aforementioned causes, it may cause several digestive problems like bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, severe headaches, numbness of organs like arms, fingers, legs, blurred vision, allergic reactions like hives, and swelling, wheezing, breathing difficulties, swallowing difficulties, etc. may also be experienced with people who are allergic to flaxseed. However, it is important to keep in mind that most of the side effects that are mentioned above are the possible side effects. If you are allergic to flaxseed or are not sure about using it, then it is always advisable for you to consult with a professional health care provider first.
Good or Bad?
Now we have finally reached the conclusive point of the uncertainty about flaxseed oil. Well, despite being cited as the richest plant source of various nutrients, flaxseed and its oil has numerous side effects. Although rich in fatty acids, they are not enough to provide you all the health and healing properties that you need. In fact, various scientific studies have proven in the past that most of the so-called benefits of flaxseed oil are nothing but a marketing extravaganza. In order to boost up their sales and market value of their products, many manufacturers have started to attract support for a few false health effects. It is true that this oil contains various essential nutrients, but their amount is not enough to provide major health benefits! Hence, according to scientists, claims of flaxseed oil being effective against various types of cancer like prostate cancer, breast cancer, inflammation and various inflammatory diseases and various autoimmune diseases, are not so true. In fact, experts claim that increased intake of this oil may rather worsen certain medical conditions like diabetes and digestive diseases.
As a parting note, I would like to advise you to consult your health care provider before using flaxseed oil.
(Disclaimer: The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to discourage or encourage the readers from using this product.)
