Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed, the ancient little seed that produces an oil long used in industry, has recently been rehabilitated. That is, since its extraordinary virtues for human health have come to light. This alpha-linoleic fatty acid is highly sensitive to heat and light. Once oxidized, it can no longer be consumed, as it becomes toxic.
The best way to enjoy the benefits of flaxseed oil is to buy it in a trusted store or pharmacy, and always in small quantities to be consumed quickly.Want to learn more?
Read on…
Linseed oil: a chequered history!
Prior to its recent recognition, linseed oil was used to protect wood from moisture and mildew, and is an ingredient in many woodworking and industrial products. It’s the same oil, or almost the same oil, which today is considered one of the most interesting in terms of nutrition.
Healthy eating enthusiasts find flaxseed oil to be an important source of Omega 3: it’s the plant element with the highest concentration.
This means we don’t have to eat large quantities of oily fish, for example, which are also an important source of unsaturated fatty acids, but which can concentrate heavy metals and pollutants in their fatty parts.
Linseed Oil Fact Sheet
Common name : linseed, linseed oil, linseed.
Scientific name : Linum Usitatissimum.
Flax is grown in Eastern Europe, Russia, France and China. It has also long been grown in Egypt, where it was used to make bandages for mummification ceremonies.
The oil intended for consumption is cold-pressed to preserve its nutritional qualities, while that intended for industrial use is extracted by hot pressing using solvents that enable a large volume to be harvested.
Benefits of linseed oil
Before listing the nutritional and health benefits of linseed oil, we need to know why it is only authorized for this use under certain conditions.
- In France, flaxseed oil has only recently been approved by health authorities such as AFSSA. This oil is very fragile and oxidizes easily. Its composition changes and becomes unfit for consumption. Rancid linseed oil can be recognized by its smell.
- When oxidation is severe, linseed oil can become toxic. To combat this phenomenon and benefit from the virtues of this oil, certain precautions are necessary:
Linseed oil should be packaged in small quantities, to avoid the risk of having an oil that has been sitting at the bottom of a cupboard for a long time. - Once opened, the bottle should be kept in the fridge.
- To protect from light, the bottle should be dark in color. Linseed oil also behaves strangely: when impregnated into a fabric, it can ignite, giving off heat on contact with air.
Once you’ve taken the necessary precautions for safe consumption, it would be a pity to deprive yourself of linseed oil’s interesting qualities.
Preserves cardiovascular health
Flaxseed oil is a friend of the heart and blood vessels, acting on several fronts to prevent blood clots from forming and clogging the coronary arteries that feed the heart.
Fluidifies blood and fights arterial inflammation
It helps lower bad cholesterol levels and keeps blood vessels healthy, thanks to its high unsaturated fatty acid content. When eaten whole, flaxseed fiber absorbs bad cholesterol, preventing it from accumulating on vessel walls.
Balances blood sugar levels
Flaxseed oil contains magnesium, which is recognized for its role in insulin activity, facilitating its use by cells. This prevents the phenomenon of insulin resistance. This effect effectively prevents the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Laxative effect
Flaxseed oil and flaxseed in general are known for their laxative effect, which simultaneously eliminates toxins accumulated in the colon and cures hemorrhoids.
Flaxseed oil for mental health
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are renowned for their ability to preserve neurons and combat age-related degenerative diseases, as well as enhancing memory and concentration.
Beautifies skin and hair
Although still little-known for its cosmetic virtues, linseed oil offers major benefits for skin health, particularly for those suffering from tightness or irritation, which it calms thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Linseed oil is particularly well-suited to skin with dilated pores, which it smoothes and helps combat dehydration. It also leaves a silky, pleasant feel to the skin.
Hair sensitized by chemical treatments and pollution is revitalized by linseed oil masks.
Linseed oil for weight loss
Science now formally recognizes the contribution of polyunsaturated fatty acids to weight management.
Although these lipids are still calorific, they stimulate metabolism and combat fat storage in adipose tissue.
By balancing cholesterol levels and promoting the evacuation of waste accumulated in the digestive tract, weight loss can be accelerated as part of a balanced diet.
Flaxseed oil also has a slight appetite-suppressant effect, as it rapidly provides a feeling of satiety and prevents sweet cravings.
Composition of linseed oil
Flaxseed oil has an ideal composition of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids: the famous OMEGAs.
These are essential and can only be supplied through the diet, as the body is unable to manufacture them.
Nutritionists consider them to be the best fats for preserving heart health and vessel elasticity, provided you take adequate, balanced doses of the different types of omega:
- Omega 3: also known as alphalinolenic acid, which can account for 60% of the seed’s total fatty acid content! This is the highest proportion of omega 3 among all plant and food oils.
- Omega 6: linoleic acid, with a content of around 15%.
- Omega 9: oleic acid also represents around 18%.
Flaxseed oil therefore offers the immense advantage of being richly dosed in omega 3, whose consumption is often deficient in favour of other fatty acids such as omega 6 or 9.
Doses and side effects
Flaxseed oil can be taken daily in reasonable quantities, such as 2 or 3 tablespoons. However, too much can cause diarrhea, so it’s best to adjust the dose according to needs and digestive tolerance.
It is also possible to follow a detox cure with a product containing flaxseed oil, among other ingredients, to cleanse the body and prepare for a weight-loss diet.
