Flaxseed Oil (Ayurvedic Medicine): Uses, Side Effects, and More

What is Flaxseed Oil?

Flaxseed oil, also called Flax oil, is created from the flaxseed plant by cold pressing. The oil is extracted from the plant and has various active compounds such as Oleic acid, Lignans, Linoleic acid and more. Not just this, it also has polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that are important for human beings but not generated by our bodies.

Because of its benefits, flaxseed oil has many uses, which we will discuss later in this blog.

Properties of Flaxseed Oil

There are several properties of Flaxseed oil, which are listed below:
 

• Flaxseed oil is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, polyphenols, and flavonoids.
• Further, flaxseed oil also helps in maintaining bone health.
• Moreover, flaxseed oil has been assessed for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties because of n-3 PUFAs (polyunsaturated fat).

Flaxseed Oil Nutrition Facts

Let's learn about flaxseed oil nutrition facts. In various studies, it has been concluded that 100 gm of flaxseed oil's nutritional value is as follows:

Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is rich in nutritional value, and that's why it has several health benefits; let's discuss it in detail.
 

• Promote Heart Health - The very first flaxseed oil benefit is it prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases like irregular heartbeat, heart attacks and more. A moderate intake of flaxseed oil enhances the eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and omega-3 fatty acids in the body, which promote heart health and mitigate the risk of any heart disease.
• Better Gut Health - Another health benefit of flaxseed oil is it improves gut health because of its laxative properties. It has been found that flaxseed oil helps in alleviating the constipation symptoms. It acts as a lubricant in the colon, promoting regular and easy bowel motions. The oil relieves constipation-related suffering and promotes healthy digestion due to its high fibre content.
• Weight Loss Management - One of the significant health benefits of flaxseed oil is for individuals trying to reduce weight. As mentioned earlier, flaxseed oil is a natural laxative that lubricates the colon. Because of this, food passes quickly through the digestive tract. Not just this, the regular consumption of flaxseed oil also reduces hunger. Additionally, it aids in the cleansing process, improving the way your body eliminates waste and food and aids in the loss of extra weight.
• Reduces Eczema - Another Flax seed benefit for the skin is it helps reduce the eczema skin condition. It is a skin disease where the skin becomes itchy, dry and red. This generally happens when our body is allergic to certain foods and other substances, such as soaps and perfumes. Flaxseed oil has essential fatty acids that improve skin elasticity and texture.
• Maintain Hormonal Balance - Flaxseed oil is beneficial in maintaining hormonal balance, especially for postmenopausal women. After menopause, women's bodies shift into different phases, which causes their bodies to have hot flashes due to hormonal imbalance. The high levels of secoisolariciresinol, lignans and more found in flaxseed oil profoundly impact the equilibrium of hormones in the body. It helps manage their body's oestrogen fluctuations and helps them work effectively.
• Reduce Inflammation - Flaxseed oil has omega-3 fatty acids, which helps in reducing inflammation. Further, it also helps in reducing C-reactive protein in individuals with obesity problems. Further, flaxseed oil also helps reduce inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and malondialdehyde (MDA). One of the benefits of consuming flaxseed oil is that it increases iodine absorption, which helps reduce inflammation-related joint or body pain.
• Prevent Cancers - Another significant flaxseed oil supplement benefit is that it helps prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body. The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds have properties that prevent the growth of cancerous cells. It also contains lignans, which inhibit hormone metabolism-related enzymes and stop the growth of new blood vessels, hence slowing the growth of tumours.
   

While you can manage the risk of having such a disease by making flax seeds a part of your life, treating critical illnesses like cancer and heart disease can be prolonged and financially burdening; hence, having health insurance is a suitable choice.

Flaxseed Oil Uses

Often, people wonder about the quantity of consumption of flaxseed oil. The consumption of flaxseed depends on a person's dietary requirements. Consuming 1 to 4 tbsp of flaxseed in any form throughout the day is best. Below are some of the flaxseed oil uses:
 

• One of the primary uses of flaxseed oil is as a culinary oil. It is best used for salad dressings, drizzling over cooked dishes, or added to smoothies and other cold foods.
• Further, it can also be incorporated with cookies and cake mixture.
• Flaxseed oil is also available in capsules, making it convenient for those who prefer not to consume liquid oil. 

Side Effects of Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is a natural and plant-based substance that doesn't usually have any side effects, but sometimes its intake quantity plus the individual's health leads to some side effects. Below are some common side effects of flaxseed oil.
 

• A large intake of flaxseed oil may sometimes lead to diarrhoea.
• Sometimes, it may also cause vomiting and blood in stools.
• In some rare cases, flaxseed consumption can also lead to headaches.
• Sometimes, it can also cause difficulty in breathing and wheezing.
• Usually, flaxseed, when consumed if an individual has ongoing medication, can cause swelling in various parts of the body.
• One side effect of flaxseed oil on the skin is rashes and itching.
   

If you notice any side effects while consuming flaxseed oil, it is best to contact a health practitioner. 

Considerations to Keep in Mind Regarding Flaxseed Oil

Following are some considerations that need to be followed while using flaxseed oil.
 

• Quality - If you buy flaxseed oil, ensure it is of top-notch quality. It is best to ensure that it is free from contaminants and has a good shelf life.
• Storage - Flaxseed oil is sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen, which can cause it to become rancid. It is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator, and keep the bottle tightly sealed.
• Intake - Like all oils, flaxseed oil is calorie-dense, so consuming it in moderate quantities is essential, especially if you're watching your caloric intake.
• Medications - Flaxseed oil may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or anticoagulants. If you are taking medication, consult your healthcare provider before adding flaxseed oil to your diet.
• Pregnancy - Pregnant and lactating women should be cautious with flaxseed oil due to its potential effects on hormone levels. It's best to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Conclusion

Health is wealth, and to maintain the balance, individuals should know the difference between healthy and unhealthy food. Our overall health can improve by cutting down on unhealthy eating habits like junk food and including superfoods like flaxseed oil in our daily routine. It has various health benefits, such as good heart health, better gut condition, etc.

Further, flaxseed oil benefits for skin include improved skin, prevention of eczema, and more, making it a suitable choice. However, before consuming flaxseed oil, discussing its usage with a healthcare provider is best to ensure you are using it safely.