Flaxseed Oil

October 3, 2020

Overview

Flaxseed is the seed from the plant Linum usitatissimum. Flaxseed oil and linseed oil are the oils that come from flaxseed. Linseed oil is usually used in manufacturing, while flaxseed oil is used for nutrition. Flaxseed oil contains the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). In foods, flaxseed oil is used in salad dressings and in margarines. Flaxseed oil is also used as a medicine.

Flaxseed oil is used for carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetic foot ulcers, and dry eye. It is also used for heart disease, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Seed

Primary Functions:

Carpal tunnel

Also Known As:

Aceite de Linaza, Acide Alpha-Linolénique, Acide Gras Oméga 3,

How Does It Work?

Flaxseed oil is a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid. The alpha-linolenic acid and related chemicals in flaxseed oil seem to decrease inflammation. That is why flaxseed oil is thought to be useful for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory (swelling) diseases.

Uses

Foot sores in people with diabetes. Research shows that taking flaxseed oil twice daily for 12 weeks may help foot ulcers to heal faster in people with diabetes.
Dry eye. Early research shows that taking flaxseed oil by mouth might reduce irritation and symptoms of dry eyes in people with a condition called Sjögren syndrome. Taking a specific product containing fish oil plus flaxseed oil by mouth might reduce symptoms of dry eye and increase tear production. Using eye drops that contain flaxseed oil may help reduce certain symptoms of dry eye in some, but not all, people.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

For foot sores in people with diabetes: 1 gram of flaxseed oil twice daily for 12 weeks has been used.
For dry eye: 1-2 grams flaxseed oil daily for up to 6 months has been used.

APPLIED INTO THE EYE:

For dry eye: Eye drops containing flaxseed oil have been applied into the eye twice daily for 90 days.

Flaxseed Oil Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of flaxseed oil?

Side effects of flaxseed include:

allergic reactions.
diarrhea(oil)
intestinal obstruction.
stomach ache.
gas (flatulence)

Is it safe to take flaxseed oil capsules?

When taken in recommended amounts, flaxseed and flaxseed oil are generally safe to use. However, when taken in large amounts and with too little water, flaxseed can cause: Bloating.

What is better flaxseed oil or fish oil?

Fish oil and flaxseed oil each provide omega-3 fatty acids, but only fish oil contains the omega-3s EPA and DHA, and has been shown to be helpful for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and depression. High-dose fish oil may help to lower very high triglyceride levels.

Does flaxseed oil help you lose weight?

Just like flaxseeds, flaxseed oil may also do wonders for weight loss; this is primarily because of its ability to boost your digestive health. Flaxseed oil lubricates the colon and works as a natural laxative and soothes constipation too. Smoother outflow of toxins and waste facilitates weight loss.

How long does it take for flaxseed oil to work?

Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, so it might protect against breast cancer. Burns. Early research shows that taking flaxseed oil with isolated soy protein might improve the healing of mild to moderate burns. But it might take at least 3 weeks before benefit is seen.

Does flaxseed cause weight gain?

Inflammation can induce weight gain as it can increase oxidative stress. Flaxseeds are rich in proteins. So, when you consume a teaspoon of flaxseeds, along with dietary fiber, the protein content suppresses your appetite. This prevents you from overeating, thereby helping you in losing weight.

What does flaxseed do to your body?

Though tiny, they are rich in the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, lignans and fiber, all of which have been shown to have many potential health benefits. They can be used to improve digestive health, lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, reduce the risk of cancer and may benefit people with diabetes.

Is flaxseed oil good for hair growth?

When applied to your hair, any type of plant-based oil may help seal the cuticle, which helps prevent breakage and frizz for optimal growth. Flaxseed oil offers even more specific benefits based on its overall nutritional profile. The following ingredients can offer specific benefits for your hair: Omega-3 fatty acids.

Does flaxseed stop periods?

As per a report, lignans present in flaxseeds help in balancing the hormones. The report also mentions that consuming flaxseed supplements lowered the levels of androgen in PCOS patients. PCOS is a medical condition that can cause irregular periods.

Is flaxseed bad for men?

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is packed with heart-healthy fats, fiber and various important vitamins and minerals. In addition, some research shows that it may cause a decrease in testosterone levels. Summary Flaxseed is high in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which may be associated with reduced testosterone levels.

Does flaxseed increase estrogen?

Flaxseed and phytoestrogens

Flaxseed is the richest dietary source of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen. A phytoestrogen is a plant nutrient that is somewhat similar to the female hormone estrogen. Due to this similarity, lignans may have estrogenic and/or anti-estrogenic effects in the body.

How much flaxseed should I take daily?

How Much Do You Need? The health benefits noted in the studies above were observed with just 1 tablespoon (10 grams) of ground flax seeds per day. However, it's recommended to keep serving sizes to less than 5 tablespoons (50 grams) of flax seeds per day.

Can flaxseed oil and fish oil be taken together?

12, 2008 -- Flaxseed oil pills, taken at the right dose, may equal fish oil pills in terms of their net effect from certain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. That's according to a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Is flaxseed oil good for inflammation?

Does flaxseed oil make you poop?

Flaxseeds

Not only that, but flaxseeds also have natural laxative properties and are an effective treatment for both constipation and diarrhea. A 2015 animal study showed that flaxseed oil increased stool frequency in guinea pigs. It also had an anti-diarrheal effect and was able to reduce diarrhea by up to 84% ( 21 ).

Can you take too much flax oil?

Large doses of 30 grams per day and higher can cause loose stools and diarrhea. Some people have experienced allergic reactions while taking flaxseed oil. When applied to the skin: Flaxseed oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in the short-term. Flaxseed oil has been used safely on the wrist for up to 4 weeks.

Can you take flaxseed oil before bed?

Flax seeds are great for increasing levels of sleep-regulating substance serotonin in the body due to their high levels of both tryptophan and omega-3 fatty acids. Magnesium has also been shown to help prevent restless leg syndrome and night terrors; both of which can affect sleep.

How much flaxseed should I take daily for weight loss?

Thus, ground flaxseeds are more effective for complete nutrient absorption,” suggests Chitalia. Experts recommend about 2-4 tablespoons of flaxseeds per day for effective weight loss.

What is the right time to eat flax seeds?

Flaxseed is a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. The fiber in flaxseed is found primarily in the seed coat. Taken before a meal, flaxseed fiber seems to make people feel less hungry, so that they might eat less food.

Is it good to have flaxseed everyday?

Eating flaxseed daily may also help your cholesterol levels. The level of LDL or "bad" cholesterol in the bloodstream has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.