Flaxseed oil - benefits and harm: advice from Vladimir Yaroslavsky

The flax plant has been revered since ancient times for its many uses and healing properties. Flaxseed oil is made from flax seeds. The scope of its use is very wide. Flaxseed oil is used in cooking, in the form of additives, for medicinal purposes, in pure form or as a main component, in cosmetology and for dietary purposes. It is useful for both adults and children.

In this article we will look at all the benefits of using flaxseed oil, what benefits it brings, possible harm and methods of use.

Composition and nutritional value

Flaxseed oil has a rich nutritional composition due to the content of fatty acids - Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9.
In addition, it contains lignans, which are strong antioxidants and natural hormones. Flaxseed oil contains a lot of oleic and linoleic acid. The content of other acids is insignificant. There is a lot of controversy about the harmfulness of the presence of palmitic acid, which is found in flaxseed oil. It is believed that in large quantities this acid increases the risk of heart disease, however, in small quantities it acts as a weak antioxidant that is beneficial for the body.

In addition to acids, flaxseed oil also contains a lot of vitamins (E, A, K, group B) and microelements (magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc).

Compound

Flaxseed oil is made from flax seeds and has a yellow, tan or greenish-yellow hue and a slightly bitter aroma.

Useful substances present in the product:

1. Unsaturated fatty acids - up to 60% linolenic, linoleic and oleic - omega 3, 6 and 9, respectively (these and some other acids together make up vitamin F);
2. Retinol and tocopherol (vitamins A and E);
3. Lignin-active polysaccharides;
4. Minerals;
5. Saturated acids – up to 10%.

The value of flaxseed oil lies in its high level of omega acids - they are not produced in the body, but are necessary for it. In terms of their content, the product is inferior to nuts, soy and seafood, including fish oil.

Flaxseed oil - beneficial properties for the body

Flaxseed oil is taken orally both with food and in its pure form. It can be used for external use for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Due to its rich composition, linseed oil:

• has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• prevents aging;
• reduces cholesterol levels;
• has an antioxidant effect;
• has a very mild laxative effect;
• excellent antiseptic and analgesic;
• cleanses the body of toxins and parasites;
• normalizes metabolism and heart function;
• breaks down fats;
• cleanses blood vessels.

Benefits of flaxseed oil for women

Flaxseed oil contains many phytoestrogens, which have a positive effect on the female body, normalize hormonal levels, alleviate the symptoms of menopause and stabilize reproductive function, improve the condition of hair, skin and nails.

Flax oil has a general strengthening effect, improves metabolism, and also prolongs youth. For psychological disorders, flaxseed oil helps cope with stress and depression. Women use flax oil for weight loss.

During pregnancy, the use of flaxseed oil is allowed. Besides the fact that it helps:

• cope with constipation;
• promotes metabolism;
• replenishes the deficiency of essential acids;
• promotes the formation of important fetal brain cells;
• prevents the occurrence of stretch marks.

Flaxseed oil for men

The oil contains all the necessary substances and microelements that are so necessary for the male body, which can increase potency. Omega-3 acid, which is part of the oil, strengthens memory and affects all brain functions. An element such as Retinol improves vision and blood vessels.

Flaxseed oil has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, stimulates brain function, activates the immune system, and accelerates cell growth.

The benefits of flaxseed oil for children

Flaxseed oil is often easier to give to a child than fish oil. Omega-3,6, 9 acids are very necessary for children during growth. Flaxseed oil is suitable for the prevention and treatment of colds, normalization of the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.

• A small amount of oil for a child has a calming effect, improves the functioning of the body as a whole, and helps to navigate in space.
• For school-age children, flaxseed oil has a beneficial effect on memory and attention.
• During puberty, oil helps with painful menstruation, reduces the possibility of developing depression and aggression.

For infants (from 6 months), it is allowed to use flaxseed oil a few drops per day, but do not exceed the dosage of more than 3 g. By the age of 10, the dosage is gradually increased to 20 grams (1 tbsp). Before use, consult your pediatrician.

It is recommended that children consume flaxseed oil with their main meal. For example, add to porridge, salads, purees.

If you are prone to allergic diseases, have poor blood clotting, have hepatitis, or cholelithiasis, you should not give the oil to your child.

Consumption of flaxseed during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Due to the most complex processes occurring in the body of a woman who is carrying a child, a responsible mother will never refuse to use flaxseed oil. It allows you to stabilize hormonal levels, strengthen the immune system and prevent infection with fungal diseases.

Flaxseed oil improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, prevents constipation and has a positive effect on the general condition of the body. Helps stabilize the circulatory system and prevent oxygen starvation of the fetus. In addition, the oil prevents you from gaining extra pounds.

However, despite such enormous benefits for the expectant mother’s body, it is still not recommended to use it without consulting a doctor. Under any circumstances, the daily dose should not exceed two tablespoons.

During lactation, oil is no less useful. It will saturate mother's milk with useful substances that will enter the baby's body.

Oil dosage for adults and children

Flax oil is consumed in different ways: as a course or regularly, but in small quantities. Only the dosage differs:

• Adults: 1-2 tablespoons per day;
• Children, depending on age: up to 1 year - no more than 3-5 grams; from 1-3 years - 9 grams; from 3 - 9 years - 1 tsp., from 9 - 14 years - 2 tsp.

How to select and store

In order to make an accurate choice, you need to remember a couple of simple rules:

1. The packaging should be made of dark material and small in volume so that you have time to use it before oxidation.
2. You need to carefully read the composition on the label; it should not contain anything except flax itself.
3. The ether should be golden with minimal sediment.
4. The shelf life of a natural product is 6 months; if the information on the box says 12-24 months, then you should refrain from purchasing it.

If you compare the benefits and harms of flaxseed oil in capsules and in liquid form, then you should give preference to the second. But in the case where a person is intolerant to natural taste, capsules will be a good solution.

Flax seed oil is a good solution for the treatment and prevention of many disorders of the body, as well as for rehabilitation after various types of operations. It is important to listen to the advice and recommendations of your doctor and not self-medicate. After all, incorrect use or dosage can cause harm. Only a serious approach to your body will make a person healthy for many years.

Can I take the oil on an empty stomach?

Consuming flaxseed oil on an empty stomach has a beneficial effect on the body. This technique helps achieve the following effect:

• improvement of skin and hair condition;
• stabilization of hormonal levels;
• relief from constipation;
• lowering cholesterol levels;
• strengthening the immune system;
• improving the flow of bile.

But you don’t have to drink the daily dose at once; you can divide the dosage into several meals.

Take 1 tsp in the morning. 20 minutes before meals, and in the evening after dinner 20 minutes (1 tsp). Then after 2-3 days the dosage is increased to a tablespoon. The course of admission is 1 month.

Flax oil has a not very pleasant taste, so not everyone can take it on an empty stomach. In this case, it is recommended to drink it with a glass of warm water or eat it with a piece of black bread or a spoonful of honey.

How to use the oil

In order for the product to be as useful as possible, it is necessary to observe the specifics of its use. At the initial stage, you can resort to the classic method of use. So, drink flaxseed oil on an empty stomach, no more than one tbsp. l. It is recommended to do this before each meal.

You need to start with a minimum amount, namely one tbsp. l. Gradually the dosage can be increased to three tbsp. l. for an adult. Please pay attention to the following rules for using the product:

• if a child or adult is not able to consume oil in the usual way, it is allowed to be added to some dishes, for example, vegetable salads, side dishes or meat soups;
• exposure to high temperatures is eliminated, because this destroys the structural structure of fatty acids, which become much less useful;
• Using the composition on an empty stomach improves the functioning of the digestive and cardiovascular systems.

If the taste of the product is completely unpleasant, you can improve it. To do this, add a little honey or sugar to the composition. Subsequently, it is advisable to abandon this measure so that the beneficial properties of the product are fully manifested.

The use of flaxseed oil for medicinal purposes

For cardiovascular diseases

To cleanse blood vessels, flaxseed oil is consumed in the morning before meals (half an hour before breakfast), or in the evening (30 minutes after dinner) with one glass of boiled water. The daily dose is 1 tablespoon. When using the oil as a course (2 weeks), the one-time dose is reduced to 1 teaspoon.

For the digestive system

Flaxseed oil is used to prevent exacerbation of gastritis . To do this, drink 1 teaspoon of oil twice a day before meals. The course lasts 1 month. The break is also 1 month.

For gastroduodenitis, take 1 teaspoon of oil in the morning and evening half an hour before meals. The duration of treatment is a month. You can also drink decoctions and jelly made from flax seeds.

For stomach ulcers, take flaxseed oil in a course for a month on an empty stomach, twice a day (1 teaspoon each). Break for a month.

An infusion of flaxseed (50 ml), sea buckthorn (70 ml) and St. John's wort (30 ml) oils also helps well. Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl and place in a cool, dark place for 2 days. Take the infusion one teaspoon in the morning and evening for a month (gradually increasing the dosage to a tablespoon).

To treat constipation, it is enough to add flax oil to regular food or vegetable salads.

In order to get rid of parasites, take flax oil with meals two to three times a day, a teaspoon.

For oral health and teeth cleaning

You should rinse your mouth with 1 spoon of flaxseed oil, pass it between your teeth for about 10 minutes, spit it out, and rinse with running water. Then you can brush your teeth. The course is unlimited.

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For diseases of the respiratory system

If you have a strong cough, suck on a teaspoon of flax oil for 3 to 4 minutes, then spit it out. Or you can rinse: dilute a tablespoon of flax oil in 1/2 cup warm water.

You can also use flax seed oil in capsules during the period of recovery of the body after illness.

To prevent diseases of the respiratory system, you need to drip oil into your nose before going outside, 1 drop in each nostril.

For the treatment of burns

First option: flaxseed oil (1 tablespoon), sour cream 20% fat (1 tablespoon), 1 egg yolk. Mix and lubricate the affected areas twice a day for a week.

Second option: mix 100 ml of linseed oil and 30 g of plantain juice. Apply bandages, soaking a sterile bandage with the mixture, once a day.

Third option: mix 100 ml of flax seed oil and 50 g of sea buckthorn oil. Moisten a sterile bandage in the mixture and secure well with a bandage.

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Recipe for youth

A mixture of honey, garlic and flaxseed oil improves immunity and cleanses the circulatory system, strengthens hair, nails, and blood vessels.

To prepare the mixture you need to take:

• 4 lemons;
• honey (1 tbsp);
• 4 heads of garlic;
• flaxseed oil (1 tbsp.).

Preparation:

1. Peel the garlic, cut the lemon (2 peeled and 2 with zest) into slices and pass through a meat grinder.
2. Add honey and flaxseed oil.
3. Dilute the mixture with warm boiled water (3 liters).
4. Mix and place in a glass or ceramic container for 10 days in a dry place, protected from sunlight, covered with gauze.

The mixture is used in a course for 10-20 days. The first week - 1/4 glass on an empty stomach. Gradually increase the dose to 1/2 cup.

Flaxseed oil benefits and harms how to take

With regular use of flax seed oil, you can not only improve your health, but also avoid the occurrence of many diseases. The beneficial properties of the product include the following:

• normalization of metabolism;
• strengthening the immune system;
• giving energy and strength;
• preventing the formation of gallstones;
• antitumor effect;
• fight against excess weight;
• ensuring hormonal balance;
• wound healing effect;
• assistance in removing parasites;
• beneficial effect on the blood vessels of the eyes.

The product is suitable for vegetarian and dietary nutrition. Thanks to the high content of polyunsaturated acids, the oil quickly restores strength and normalizes metabolic processes. For prevention, you can consume it after sleep, 1 tablespoon for 10 days. Then you should definitely take a break of 14 days. For medicinal purposes, the product should be eaten in the morning with warm water and before bed (1 teaspoon). The permissible dose for treatment is no more than 40 g.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6HrJNz0DCI

Flaxseed oil is an indispensable product for blood vessels. It makes them more elastic, thins the blood, and reduces the level of bad cholesterol due to the high content of lignans. The positive effect has been proven more than once by Western scientists.

The product is used to prevent varicose veins, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. In addition, it reduces the likelihood of blood clots. With regular use, a person is less susceptible to the development of ischemia, heart attack, arrhythmia, stroke and other cardiac pathologies.

Flaxseed oil is an excellent product for reducing painful symptoms in women during menstruation, as well as for enhancing sexual function in men. It is recommended as a preventive and therapeutic agent for renal pathologies.

The product is no less useful for digestion. It eliminates colic and constipation, normalizes intestinal function. It can be used for heartburn and various forms of gastritis.

Flaxseed oil helps cope with severe headaches, and also eliminates fatigue and relieves stress. The ability to normalize the psyche is due to the high content of vitamin B4, which is called choline. The product helps the proper development of nervous tissue and promotes the normal functioning of the fetal brain during pregnancy.

Flaxseed oil helps get rid of extra pounds when consumed in moderation. To avoid gaining weight, you need to drink 2 teaspoons a day, morning and evening. The first dose should be half an hour before breakfast, the second - 30 minutes after dinner. If there are problems with the digestive process, the product should be washed down with warm water.

Regular use is the main key to the success of getting rid of unnecessary pounds. You should not think that oil will help you lose weight if you eat sweets, fatty foods, and ignore basic physical activity. Improvements will be noticeable with proper nutrition and monthly intake of oil.

Flax seed oil is a useful product for pregnant women. If during the entire period of bearing a child the expectant mother added this product to her daily diet, childbirth will be easier. In addition, a positive effect on the development of the baby’s brain and vision was noted. The oil's ability to soften the skin and make it more elastic helps prevent stretch marks.

It is best to consume flaxseed oil with food and not on an empty stomach. Contraindications for use during pregnancy are the threat of miscarriage (due to the contained estrogen hormone analogue) and individual intolerance to the product. During lactation, it should be carefully introduced into the diet, as an allergic reaction in the baby is possible.

Due to its valuable properties and the presence of a whole complex of useful substances, flax seed oil is used to make various cosmetics. In combination with ground coffee (in the form of peelings and scrubs), it helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, reducing the appearance of the “orange peel”. The product has bactericidal properties, due to which it is used as an ingredient for masks and face creams.

An analog of estrogen of natural origin, which is part of flaxseed oil, helps slow down the natural aging of the skin of the hands and face. To rejuvenate and get rid of wrinkles, you can buy ready-made products or make them yourself. If you mix the oil with flower honey, you get an excellent composition for combating acne. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and a number of vitamins help make the skin fresh, smooth and moisturized.

Flax oil can be applied to nails and hair. It solves problems such as split ends, hair loss, dandruff, and excessive dryness. The positive thing is that it can be used by owners of any hair type. The result of regular use is healthy, beautiful hair with a radiant shine.

Starting to talk about the benefits and harms of flaxseed oil and how to take it for treatment, it is worth noting that in Antiquity such a product was often used by many peoples. It has found application both in cooking and in medicine itself. Therefore, we can safely say that the benefits of the product are confirmed by the experience of our ancestors.

Most often, the beneficial properties of the oil were used for cooking. Our grandmothers added the product to ready-made dishes. At holidays it was used as a seasoning for more refined dishes.

The product itself was of no small importance in the treatment of ailments. We'll talk about this later. After all, the benefits of such a remedy have been confirmed not only by people, but also by scientific research.

What are the benefits of flaxseed oil for the body? And the benefit here is due to the presence of essential unsaturated fatty acids Omega 3.

By essential it is meant that the human body does not produce such acids. Therefore, they can only come with food.

Omega-3 is part of cell membranes. They are especially needed by brain cells, the retina of the eyes and male reproductive cells.

Without Omega 3, it is impossible to produce special substances, eicosanoids, which prevent blood from thickening, prevent the formation of blood clots and the development of atherosclerosis and hypertension.

The risk of strokes and heart attacks is reduced. Cholesterol disappears and metabolic processes are restored. All this leads to weight loss.

Additionally, all blood vessels are maintained in normal condition. The work of the heart, rhythm, as well as the condition of hair and skin improves.

Let's talk about how flaxseed oil is used in medicine. After all, it is recommended to be used by many doctors, nutritionists and ordinary people. Often recommended for those with metabolic disorders. For example, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes or hypertension.

That is, from a medical point of view, the product is used for a huge list of various pathologies of the body. Here are some of them:

• cardiovascular diseases
• pressure
• migraine
• atherosclerosis
• multiple sclerosis (oil is used both internally and externally as a massage)
• gastritis and stomach ulcers (very well cured with oil) - take 1 tbsp. l. in the morning on an empty stomach. It is advisable to take a decoction of St. John's wort because the oil has very pronounced anti-inflammatory and healing effects.

As for liver diseases and cholecystitis (if these are chronic forms without exacerbations), the oil can also be used.

However, in case of acute cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, it is better to avoid taking the oil. Or take it, but only under the special supervision of a doctor.

It is also very good to use the product for eczema, psoriasis and hemorrhoids. It is also widely used in gynecology in the form of tampons moistened with linseed oil.

It also helps with constipation. Such ailments themselves lead to various cracks and inflammation of the intestines.

As a result, constipation can even lead to cancer. To avoid this, use a simple technique - use flaxseed oil on an empty stomach. It is possible in the morning and in the evening.

How to take flaxseed oil for medicinal purposes? And you need to take it gradually, while increasing the dose. If you have never used such a product, then start with small doses. This is necessary so that the body can get used to the oil.

In the first week, it is better to start using 1 teaspoon per day in the morning 20 - 30 minutes before meals.

I warn you right away that without the habit and in the first couple of days, the stomach may react negatively. For example, slight nausea. Then I recommend snacking on the butter with a slice of lemon or a piece of bread.

In the second week, an additional evening dose can be added to the morning dose. Here, too, 1 teaspoon, but take it 30-60 minutes after dinner.

In the evening, you can take flaxseed oil in combination with kefir (I recommend) or with cottage cheese.

At 3-4 weeks, gradually increase the single dose to 1 tablespoon. When you reach this optimal dosage (1 tablespoon in the morning and 1 tablespoon in the evening), then the recommended course should be completed for 3 months.

During this time, your metabolism, blood and vascular function will greatly improve. The condition of hair and nails will also improve. The body itself will cleanse itself. You can even lose weight. We'll talk more about this below.

I really liked it

recipe for diseases of the mouth and throat

. For example, when there is stomatitis, tonsillitis or tonsillitis. Place the oil in your mouth and slowly dissolve it for 5 minutes. But the most important thing here is not to swallow the oil. Then at the end of the procedure the oil must be spat out.

You can carry out 2 - 3 procedures per day. And of course, you should separately take flaxseed oil internally to support the immune system and against inflammation.

The daily norm of Omega 3 for adults is 0.8 - 1.6 g. This is according to Russian standards. And Swiss doctors recommend using 3 grams. Omega-3 per day. Safe daily dose is 7 - 8 g. This is approximately 1 tablespoon.

For children, the Omega-3 norm is calculated from the calorie content of the daily diet in accordance with the norms of physiological needs for energy and nutrients for various population groups.

For children from 1 to 14 years old it is 0.8 - 1%. And for children from 10 to 18 years old 1 - 2%. Below is a table of the daily requirement for flaxseed oil to provide children with Omega-3. Average values ​​were used in the calculations. Therefore, if you make a mistake by 20 - 30%, you will still be within the norm.

Flaxseed oil in cosmetology

For body

A mixture of flaxseed oil in equal proportions with ground coffee is an excellent body exfoliant that also reduces cellulite and tightens the skin.

For hand skin

For soft and smooth hand skin you need to:

1. Prepare a mixture of egg yolk and flax oil (1 tablespoon).
2. Apply the resulting mixture to your hands and put on cellophane gloves on top.
3. After 30 minutes, wash off the mask with running water (do not use soap) and wipe with a paper napkin.
4. The same mixture is also suitable for treating cracked heels.
5. The mixture is applied to the feet before going to bed, plastic bags are put on, and warm socks are placed on top.
6. In the morning, remove everything and rinse with running water.

For hair

Getting your hair in order using linseed oil is quite easy at home. You can apply masks 2-3 times a week.

There are several recipes for hair and scalp products in which linseed oil is the main component:

1. Pour linseed oil into a container and steam it to 25 degrees. Apply to hair and scalp, wrap and leave for 2 hours. Rinse with water with the addition of vinegar (at the rate of 100 ml of vinegar per 1 liter of water) or infusions of medicinal herbs.
2. Finely chopped onions (3 tablespoons), add honey (1 tablespoon) and linseed oil (2 tablespoons). Mix all the ingredients and apply with rubbing movements to the entire length of the hair and to the roots. Keep the mask on for half an hour.
3. Mix 1 chicken yolk, flax seed oil (2 tablespoons) and 5 tablespoons of cognac. Apply to damp hair, wrap and hold for 20 minutes.
4. Add lemon juice (3 tablespoons) to flaxseed oil (1 tablespoon). Apply to dry hair. Keep the mask on for 30 minutes.
5. Make a mask containing fresh cucumber, 1 tablespoon of sour cream and 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil. For best effect, apply the mask at night.
6. Mix 50 ml flax seed oil and 40 ml glycerin in a glass container. Apply the composition over the entire length. Keep the mask on for 60 minutes. Rinse with warm water and lather your hair with shampoo.

To strengthen nails

To improve the appearance and strengthen the nails, the following products are used:

1. Heat linseed oil in a water bath to a temperature of 20-25 degrees. Immerse your hands in warm oil for 15 minutes. Wash your hands under warm running water. For the best effect, after the bath, wear cellophane gloves and warm mittens for 30 minutes.
2. Mix lemon and flaxseed oil. Rub into nails daily using a cotton pad.
3. Drink 1 teaspoon of flaxseed oil daily.
4. Lightly heat flaxseed oil with the addition of a few drops of any other oil: chamomile, lavender, rosemary. Apply the mixture with massage movements on your hands and nails. The same mixture is used as baths. Immerse hands for 10 minutes. Blot the oil with a towel and do not wash it off for a while.
5. Add the same amount of lemon juice and 1 chicken yolk to flax oil (1 tbsp). Apply to hands and nails at night, wear cellophane gloves and warm mittens.
6. Mix flax oil (1 tbsp) and a few drops of iodine. Massage onto nails daily for a week.
7. The next mask is multi-component. Mix in equal proportions flaxseed, sea buckthorn, castor, peach, almond, apricot, avocado and jojoba oils, vitamins A and E in the form of oils. Apply periodically to hands and nails. Store the mixture in a place protected from sunlight.

Hair health

Another area of ​​application of oil in the beauty industry is its use in the form of hair masks. When ingested regularly, the oil also has a long-term positive effect on hair. They will not split at the ends and will gain shine along the entire length. Hair also begins to grow faster.

To enhance this effect and see the first results much faster, you can make a hair mask with this product. Just treat your curls with oil. After this, wrap your hair for half an hour. Next, wash off the oil with warm water and shampoo. Experiment by adding different ingredients to the oil, such as eggs, herbal infusions, etc.

If the oil is used correctly, it will only bring benefits. Therefore, follow the established recommendations to get a lot of positive effects on your body.

Source

How to take for weight loss

Dietary recipes with flaxseed oil

No diet prohibits the use of flaxseed oil. Possible ways to use flaxseed oil for weight loss:

1. Drink 1 teaspoon of oil on an empty stomach. After 30 minutes you can have breakfast.
2. Half an hour after dinner, drink 1-1.5 teaspoons of oil.
3. As a dressing for dishes, replacing vegetable oil, mayonnaise, sour cream.

Medicinal properties

Flaxseed oil has found wide application in various areas of our lives. Today you can see a product of different colors on sale on store shelves. The shade can vary from dark orange (brown) to light yellow. This is due to the varying degrees of its purification. The lighter the oil, the better the filtration was performed.

How is this useful product made? First of all, the flax seed must undergo a complex and step-by-step process of cold pressing. The oil obtained in this way is considered the most valuable, since it retains all its beneficial properties and can be included in the human diet. In particular, it contains a huge amount of various polyunsaturated fatty acids.

It is believed that this product, in its composition and properties, occupies a leading place among other well-known vegetable oils used in food. In addition, it contains many useful substances, in particular vitamins A, B, F (more than 40%), E, ​​K.

The product is rightfully considered a supplier of valuable Omega-3 acid to the body, which has a beneficial effect on the vital activity of cells. As a result of regular consumption of this oil, you can achieve the desired beauty and health.

In general, medicinal flaxseed oil is best consumed only in its natural form and not subjected to heat treatment. The fact is that when exposed to high temperatures, it not only loses beneficial substances, but even becomes harmful to health.

Flaxseed oil is a triglyceride, like many other fats. Flaxseed oil is special in the fatty acids that make up the triglycerides, which contain unusually high amounts of alpha-linoleic acid. The fatty acid composition of a typical flaxseed oil is as follows: triple unsaturated alpha-linoleic acid (51.9%-55.2%);

Flaxseed oil is particularly susceptible to polymerization when exposed to oxygen. The polymerization process can be so exothermic that it poses a fire hazard under certain circumstances.

Use of flaxseed oil in cooking

In cooking, flaxseed oil is used fresh, mainly for dressing vegetable salads.
Add butter to porridge, baked goods, and cottage cheese. But it should be borne in mind that such a product, when thermally processed, loses all its beneficial properties and can change the taste of the dish and add bitterness to it. Salad

Finely chop 2 onions, fresh herbs, and 1 bunch of radishes into slices. Add salt and pepper to taste, flaxseed oil (2 tablespoons) and lemon juice (2 tablespoons), then mix the ingredients. The salad goes well with mashed potatoes and red fish.

Mayonnaise

Mix 3 yolks, 1 tablespoon of mustard, salt and add a little sugar. Beat the mixture with a mixer. Stirring constantly, pour in 1/3 cup of flaxseed oil and the same amount of vegetable oil. When the mixture thickens, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of sour cream and mix thoroughly.

Cottage cheese snack

Mix cottage cheese, finely chopped fresh herbs and flaxseed oil. The mixture can be spread on bread. The mixture goes well with red fish and lettuce.

Vitamin juice

Peel and wash 500 g beets, 400 g carrots and 400 g apples. Pass vegetables and fruit through a juicer, add flax oil (1 tablespoon) and a small amount of water.

Contraindications

Unfortunately, in addition to its beneficial properties, flaxseed oil also has contraindications. This is where I want to start the conversation. A diet that contains significantly more Omega-6 than Omega-3 can cause heart disease, cancer, asthma and depression. In addition, such a large imbalance interferes with the body's recovery and growth.

Spoiled oil causes great harm. This is usually caused by improper production and storage. There are also contraindications in special cases:

• high acidity
• pregnant and nursing mothers (take on the advice of a doctor)
• when using hormonal contraceptives
• hepatitis
• diarrhea
• diarrhea
• when using antiviral drugs
• cholelithiasis
• cholecystitis (as recommended by a doctor)
• pancreatitis
• volvulus
• poor blood clotting
• allergy

Some of you will say, is it possible to fry in linseed oil? I’ll answer right away that this is strictly prohibited. What is this connected with?

The fact is that oil is subject to rapid and severe oxidation. At the same time, it loses its beneficial properties and becomes harmful.

Oxidation occurs when the oil interacts with the surrounding air, when heated, as well as from exposure to direct and indirect sunlight.

Fortunately, harmful flaxseed oil is very easy to identify. It becomes bitter. Therefore, a product with such a taste should not be consumed. Only a very slight bitterness is allowed.

It is precisely because of oxidation during heat treatment that the oil is prohibited from frying or adding to hot dishes.

Can only be used separately or added to salads and cereals. If you add it to porridge, it should under no circumstances be hot (warm at most).

The main contraindications to taking flax oil include the following:

• peptic ulcer,
• hepatitis,
• the presence of stones in the gall bladder,
• cholecystitis (acute or chronic),
• pancreatitis,
• taking hormonal contraceptives, antidepressants,
• a large amount of triglycerides in the blood,
• adnexal cyst, polyps.

To obtain a therapeutic effect, it is enough to consume 2 tablespoons per day. If this dose is exceeded, negative consequences cannot be ruled out, including indigestion and allergies. Women who are pregnant and at risk of miscarriage should be especially careful when taking the product.

Selection and storage of flaxseed oil

1. When choosing an oil, you need to pay attention to its color. Basically, flaxseed oil is sold in transparent glass bottles. Should be golden or greenish-yellow in color.
2. You should also read the information on the label. The spin method should be cold. Flaxseed oil is extremely vulnerable to rancidity, meaning it has a poor shelf life. The oil should be stored in a cool place, away from sunlight.
3. High quality oil has a slightly bitter taste.
4. Flaxseed oil is also spontaneously flammable. Therefore, it is necessary to keep it away from hot temperatures.
5. Flaxseed oil is extremely vulnerable to rancidity, meaning it has a poor shelf life. The oil should be stored in a cool place, away from sunlight.

What to look for when choosing?

Proper flaxseed oil should be in a dark glass container and not have a sharp, bitter odor. The maximum useful compounds are found in the product obtained by cold pressing. This oil tastes fresher and has less bitterness compared to that obtained by hot pressing.

Pay attention to the expiration date - it is better if no more than 2 months have passed from the date of production to the time of purchase. Choose products from proven companies, “Kronos oil”, “Sabo”, “Health Compass”.

The optimal volume is 200-250 ml; oil in such containers is used faster and the risk of it going rancid is less than that of a product in large containers (0.5 liters or more).

Possible harm and contraindications

• Flaxseed oil is not safe for people with poor blood clotting. It should not be taken if you are seriously injured as there is a risk of bleeding.
• Also, 2 weeks before any operations, flax and flaxseed oil should be excluded from the diet.
• Always check oil for rancidity before use. Rancid oils are very harmful and can immediately increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Do not use flaxseed oil during heat treatment, as all the nutritional properties found in the oil are lost.
• Flaxseed oil enhances the effect of medications (aspirin and drugs that lower blood sugar). Therefore, you need to be very careful not to harm yourself.
• It is forbidden to use flaxseed oil for gastritis, ulcers, diarrhea, and for people with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Benefits of flaxseed for men

Flaxseed oil is especially beneficial for men who have crossed the 50-year mark. It helps not only strengthen the immune system, but also improve physical and emotional well-being. Helps prevent the development of liver cirrhosis and removes toxins from the body.

But this is not the only benefit of oil. It promotes the production of testosterone, which means a man’s libido increases. The oil helps prevent premature ejaculation and stimulates blood flow to the pelvic organs. With regular consumption of oil, the risk of developing inflammation of the prostate gland is reduced.

But you should always remember that too much flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea, cause poor blood clotting and contribute to the appearance of extra pounds.

If you have prostate cancer or problems with your gallbladder or pancreas, it is best not to use this product.