Oil obtained from flax seed is increasingly used as a dietary supplement. Many people have heard or read about its beneficial properties. But not everyone knows how to drink flaxseed oil in the morning or at other times of the day. By learning this, you can improve your health and maintain beauty and youth for many years.
Beneficial properties of flaxseed oil
As the name implies, this product is made from flax. It is obtained by cold pressing flax seeds under pressure and is considered necessary for the health of the body. What are the benefits of flaxseed oil? Let's look at its beneficial properties.
- A lack of fatty acids in the body leads to dry, dull, brittle hair and nails. With regular use of flaxseed oil, the condition of the skin, hair and nails significantly improves. To enrich the body with vitamins and achieve visible results, flaxseed oil is used internally; a couple of drops are also added to shampoos, shower gels or washes, creams and masks. The oil nourishes, softens and vitaminizes the skin, makes hair and nails elastic, moisturizes, relieves inflammation and irritation. It is often used in the treatment of all kinds of skin diseases: acne and post-acne, allergic inflammatory reactions, eczema, psoriasis.
- Flaxseed oil contains a large amount of vitamin E, which helps maintain youth and support the protective and regenerative functions of the body. If you want to radiate health and youth both outside and inside, flaxseed oil is exactly what you need.
- Flaxseed oil is an effective means of weight loss. It normalizes metabolism, is not deposited in the body, but on the contrary, it helps to break down fats into ordinary water and glycerin, which, not being decay products, are excreted naturally. Also, by stimulating the saturation center, flaxseed oil reduces appetite and absorption rate in the intestines, and increases the speed of food passage. To reduce weight, a teaspoon of flaxseed oil is taken orally every morning, 15–20 minutes on an empty stomach, and in the evening, 20–30 minutes after dinner.
- Regular consumption of flaxseed oil internally helps normalize the functioning of the digestive system. By drinking flaxseed oil on an empty stomach, you cleanse the intestines of toxins, waste, and even parasites. You also stimulate the regeneration of the gastrointestinal tract, which promotes better digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. Polysaccharides contained in flaxseed oil coat the gastric mucosa, have a softening and anti-inflammatory effect, promote tissue regeneration and restoration, and also normalize stomach acidity.
- Flaxseed oil has a positive effect on the nervous system. Thanks to its vitamin and mineral composition, it has a beneficial effect on the body as a whole, in particular, it helps fight nervous disorders, vitamin deficiency, and seasonal blues. Regular use of flaxseed oil increases stress resistance and activity.
- It is believed that flax oil has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system of women. It is recommended to take it during pregnancy (in small doses and in consultation with a doctor), as well as during menopause. The oil contains a natural analogue of estrogen, thanks to which you can delay the period of withering, reduce the number of hot flashes, and normalize blood pressure. Flaxseed oil will also be useful for men: it can improve sperm quality, increase the speed and number of sperm, thereby increasing reproductive function.
- Flax seed oil is also recommended for those who have problems with the cardiovascular system. Its unique composition makes it possible to prevent cardiovascular diseases, regulate blood pressure, and prevent thrombosis. Flax oil is a favorite among women who want to keep their legs beautiful and prevent varicose veins. Its proper use helps thin the blood, reduce cholesterol and restore the walls of blood vessels. It is believed that if you add flax seed oil to your food daily, you can prevent the development of some very serious diseases: atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack, etc.
- The omega-3 content in flaxseed oil determines another important property of this product. Its use allows you to stimulate brain function, improve memory, hearing, and vision. A tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains up to 8 g of omega-3 fatty acids! In other words, in this indicator it is second only to fish oil, but the taste is much more pleasant.
Compound
Flax seeds contain 45–50% oil, which is extracted by cold pressing. This method allows you to preserve all the benefits of flax and use it for medicinal purposes. The color of the oil varies from light to yellow-brown. It depends on the level of oil purification. The benefits of flaxseed oil are explained by the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in it.
The chemical composition of the product can be clearly seen in the table:
| Substance | Content, % |
| Alpha-linoleic acid (Omega-3) | 11 — 20 |
| Linoleic acid (Omega-6) | 30 — 40 |
| Oleic acid (Omega-9) | 15 — 20 |
| Saturated fatty acids | 10 — 15 |
In terms of Omega-3 and Omega-6 content, the drug can only be compared with fish oil. It also contains valuable minerals (potassium, zinc, selenium, phosphorus), B vitamins, as well as vitamins A, E, K, F, which have an antioxidant effect.
Can flaxseed oil be harmful?
It is recommended to talk with your doctor about the benefits and harms of flaxseed oil. The product is completely natural, but in large quantities even medicine can become poisonous. Therefore, the use of flaxseed oil should be approached wisely and without fanaticism.
Important to know: The balance of benefit and harm depends very much on the state of health. Nutritionists advise completely avoiding this product during pregnancy.
It is recommended to learn more about the possible harm of flaxseed oil from specialists.
How to take flaxseed oil correctly
It is advisable to take flaxseed oil orally in the morning, on an empty stomach, 15–20 minutes before breakfast. It is not recommended to heat flax oil before use, since the benefits from a cold product will be much greater than after heat treatment. You can either drink flaxseed oil in pure or diluted form, or add it to all kinds of dishes: salads, meat or fish, side dishes, sauces. The main thing is to observe moderation. It is not recommended to take more than two tablespoons of flaxseed oil per day. It is better to start taking the product with 2-3 teaspoons, gradually increasing the dosage. You may not immediately see the benefits of flax oil: like most natural remedies, flax seed oil acts according to a cumulative system. The result of using the product will be visible when a sufficient amount of certain beneficial substances accumulates in the body. On average, the course of taking flaxseed oil is 2–3 months. Then a two-week break is required, after which you can continue to use the product.
For children
Flaxseed oil in capsules, reviews of the benefits for children are left by pediatricians, and are recommended for use by children who often suffer from colds. The oil improves weakened immunity, which allows you to avoid catching a cold during the flu period.
The drug affects the child's nervous system. It must be taken by capricious and developmentally delayed children, as well as those suffering from nervous disorders. The oil has a beneficial effect on brain activity. The baby's concentration improves, intelligence and perseverance develop.
This remedy also helps with digestive disorders and relieves constipation. The drug in capsules can be given to a child from 14 years of age. At an earlier age, flaxseed oil is used in liquid form in an amount of 5 to 15 g.
Popular recipes in wellness
Flaxseed oil is primarily a food product. The beneficial properties of flaxseed oil allow you to actively take it orally with food, before and after it, in different dosages and different numbers of times a day. The cycle of application and dosage depend on the result to be achieved. Below we have collected simple tips on how to take flaxseed oil for certain problems.
Help with constipation. The recipe for such a failure is quite simple: take a tablespoon of flaxseed oil on an empty stomach and wash it down with a glass of warm water. You can also stir this spoon in a glass of water - whichever is more convenient.
Help with poor immunity. The same recipe is used if there is a need to cleanse blood vessels and get rid of “bad” cholesterol. Should be taken 1 tbsp. spoon of oil 2 times a day with meals. The general course of treatment lasts 3 months. If the use of flaxseed oil is due to the prevention of the problem, then the period can be reduced to 30 days.
Help with poor metabolism. A certain course of taking flax seed oil can help improve metabolism, cleanse the body, and prevent certain diseases of the cardiovascular system. How to drink flaxseed oil correctly in this case? The product should be taken in gradually increasing dosages: in the first week, 1 tsp. once a day, the second time - 1 tsp. twice a day, etc. And so on for three months.
Help during the rehabilitation period. After long-term illnesses or operations, our body needs support so that it recovers quickly and starts working like a clock again. Flaxseed oil is great for this task. You need to take it 3 times a day, a tablespoon for 2-3 months.
Popular recipes in cosmetology
The properties of linseed oil allow it to be used in the field of external beauty. It is not necessary to take flaxseed oil internally; it can be used as a cosmetic product, added to masks and shampoos. Let's see which recipes are widely used in cosmetology and in what cases.
Help with dry skin. For this problem, it is recommended to make a mask from the oil. The recipe is simple: 2 tbsp. l. product, 1 tbsp. l. thick sour cream and 20 g chopped cucumber. All components are mixed until smooth and applied to the face for 15–20 minutes, after which they are washed off with warm water. This mask can tone, nourish and deeply moisturize the skin.
Help for oily skin. Flaxseed oil can be a component of a mask that allows you to remove oily shine, cleanse clogged pores, and reduce the intensity of the sebaceous glands. The recipe in this case will be as follows: 1 tbsp. l. butter, 1 tbsp. l. flour, 1 tsp. lemon juice and 3 tbsp. l. low-fat kefir. It is recommended to keep the mask on your face for at least 15–20 minutes, and wash it off with warm water.
Help with hair problems. Dry, brittle, split ends, lifeless hair is a problem that many struggle with. And flax seed oil has found its application in this fight. It is slightly heated in a water bath, and then carefully applied to the scalp and along the entire length of the hair. To maintain the thermal effect, it is better to wear a special cap. If you don’t have one, you can use cling film: it gives a similar result. The oil should be kept on the hair for 6–8 hours, then washed off with shampoo.
Indications for use
Flaxseed oil in capsules, which even doctors leave reviews of, has a beneficial effect on all organs and systems of the human body.
Thanks to its rich and unique composition, the drug is used for many diseases:
- The product is used to normalize blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, thin the blood and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. It cleanses arteries and veins, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and serious diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
- Diseases of the liver and digestive system. The elements included in the composition regulate the functioning of the digestive tract and restore damaged liver cells. The oil eliminates heartburn and has a laxative effect, which helps you forget about constipation. In addition, it is an effective antiparasitic agent.
- Thyroid. The drug affects the functioning of the thyroid gland, promoting its proper functioning.
- Depression and other nervous system disorders. Thanks to polyunsaturated fatty acids, a person feels a surge of strength and vigor, and his mood improves. The drug helps in the fight against nervous tension and insomnia.
- Skin diseases. The oil helps renew the skin and improve its condition, normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands. The product is used for dermatitis and juvenile rashes.
- The immune system. The oil increases the body's endurance and activates its internal potential, which is so necessary during the flu and cold season.
- Reproductive system. The components of the drug affect sex hormones and contribute to their normal balance. Women observe a restoration of the cycle and a decrease in pain during menstrual periods, and men experience improved erections.
- Diabetes. The oil has cleansing properties and normalizes metabolic processes. It is recommended for use by people who are overweight.
Interaction of flax oil with medications
Since flaxseed oil is often drunk for certain health problems, a reasonable question arises whether it can be taken together with medications. The product has a fairly strong effect, so there are a number of products with which it cannot be used.
- Avoid taking flax seed oil and blood thinning medications at the same time. The fact is that flaxseed oil has a similar effect. Taking both the product and medications together may lead to bleeding.
- It is recommended to choose only one option for reducing blood pressure in case of hypertension: either oil or appropriate medications.
- It is prohibited to take flaxseed oil while on hormonal therapy or taking contraceptives.
Contraindications
Flax seed oil has a number of contraindications. This product is contraindicated for use in case of liver disease - it is highly undesirable to use it in combination with antidepressants or antiviral drugs, and it is prohibited to use it if you have hepatitis.
Also, the use of the drug is not recommended in the presence of chronic pancreatitis or gallstones. You should avoid using the drug if you have pancreatic disorders. Before taking a weight loss drug, consult a specialist.
How to use in cooking
We mentioned earlier that flax seed oil can be consumed by adding it to various dishes. Let's now take a closer look at how to cook with it. It is important to know that flaxseed oil cannot be heated too much, because the polyunsaturated acids for which it is valuable are destroyed under the influence of high temperatures and turn into carcinogens hazardous to health. Accordingly, the product is not suitable for frying and baking. But it can be added to salads, porridges, and made into dish dressings.
Storage rules
Sun rays negatively affect the composition of this product. For protection, manufacturers bottle it in dark glass containers. If you purchased a product packaged in plastic bottles, you must pour it into a glass container. The oil should be stored in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator.
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