25/09/2014
Importance and Health Benefits Of Flax Seed Oil for Human Body
Flax seed oil is a type of oil derived from the golden / brown seeds of flax plants. It contains high levels of fiber, protein and unsaturated fats.
About 40% of each seed is oil. Of this 40%, around half is actually composed of omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seed oil is an excellent source of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) which is an important precursor to Omega 3 fatty acids that are later converted into EPA and DHA.
Omega 3 fatty acids are very important to the human body, bring a lot of health benefits and may relief a wide range of bodily conditions. Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial in reducing inflammation, depression and cholesterol level in the body.
Flax seed oil is also a top source of essential nutrients like Vitamin B6, lecithin, Omega-6, zinc, copper, folate, magnesium and manganese.
Top Health Benefits of Flax Seed Oil
Regular intake of this oil is reported to improve liver function, enhanced stamina, increased calcium absorption, and improved mental functions among the elderly. Furthermore, researches have indicated that flax seed oil helps in treating some cases of depression, and in relieving the symptoms of diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis. It also is said to be beneficial towards colon cancer, breast cancer, acne, eczema, asthma, sprains, bruises, obesity and dandruff.
The high mucilage content in flax makes it an effective, gentle natural laxative. Aside from its ability to promote joints health, flax seed oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Flax seed oil is also believed to be important in dealing with menopausal symptoms. Apart from easing constipation, flax seed also helps in reducing night sweats and hot flushes. It is thought capable of protecting the body against sticky platelets, water retention, inflammation, lowered immune function and high blood pressure.
Flaxseed Promotes Heart Health
Apart from its ability to help people who suffer from Colitis and Crohns diseases, some researchers concluded that this type of oil is useful in lowering the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body as well as in reducing one’s risk for heart diseases.
Its high level of Omega 3 fatty acid content helps in reducing the level of bad cholesterol increasing good cholesterol in the body. In effect, it reduces a persons susceptibility to thromboses, strokes and heart attacks.
Flax Seed Oil for Weight Loss
Flax seed oil is also a good source of potassium and fiber which is why it is often used by people who are searching for a slimming diet. According to surveys, many people incorporate the intake of flax seed oil into their lifestyle in order to assist with losing weight. There are several suggested mechanisms for how flax seed oil promotes weight loss:
It increases the bodys metabolic rate to enhance its ability to burn more fats.
It enhances the energy-production ability of the body.
It reduces the bodys water retention ability significantly.
It promotes better liver function.
Calories from flax seed oil are not stored as body fats.
Furthermore, studies show that this vital oil possesses natural properties that are beneficial for almost every system of the body. Flax seed oil brings about lots of benefits to the circulatory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, reproductive system and immune system of the body.
Quite the list of benefits, isnt it?
A couple of tips: 1) Flaxseed oil should be kept refrigerated for best preservation. 2) If you eat whole flax seeds, you may not get the benefits as they pass right through untouched! So if you are eating flax seed, the best way is often considered to be to get a seed grinder (maybe a coffee grinder would work?) and grind em up fresh right before you use them.
