Linseed Oil And Flax Oil Health Benefits

Linseed oil is also referred to as flaxseed oil; the oil is extracted or derived from he dried ripe seeds of linseed. Linseed benefits are due to the presence of omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids which makes it an ideal alternative to fish oil for vegetarians. Raw linseed oil is obtained by pressing and crushing the linseeds followed by solvent extraction. Raw linseed oil which is cold pressed oil is the best form of linseed oil that holds maximum medicinal properties.

Health Benefits Of Linseed And Linseed Supplements

Some herbalists use boiled linseed oil that has been blended with other herbal actives and cooled to form an external poultice or compress for external injuries.

What is Linseed oil?

Linseed oil refers to the liquid extract that is derived from linseeds, also known as flaxseeds. Linseeds are very popular, mainly for the different health benefits that have been associated with them. Even though linseeds and flax seeds have been around for decades, people have only recently realized that there are several benefits of linseed on the health. This is probably the reason that the consumption of linseed and linseed oil has gone up to a great extent in the past few years, according to various studies conducted. One of the main advantages of linseed oil on health is that it is very high in natural fiber, lignans and omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients are an integral part of the health benefits of linseed and linseed oil, since they can boost a person’s immunity and restorative abilities, if consumed regularly.

There are two types of linseeds. The first type is the oil seed variety, which is mainly grown for its seed use. The second type is used for the production of fiber. There are many commercial food manufacturers that use linseed in their products, to increase the nutritional value and fiber content, especially since the awareness of linseed benefits has increased considerably in the last few years. Commercial foods that include linseed are breakfast cereals, whole grain breads and other baked items. Health and fitness experts too advise people to increase their consumption of this product, after touting the various health benefits of linseed oil. 

What are the various linseed health benefits?

There are several linseed oil benefits that people should be made aware of, so that they can cure various ailments and conditions with the help of this seed. Some of the most common linseed health benefits include:

•    Regulating weight:  Many weight watchers are asked to include a small amount of linseed to their daily diets, in order to lose weight naturally. Apart from all the nutrients that are present in linseed, this seed expands in bulk, when it is ingested. Therefore, if a person eats a small amount of linseed around half an hour before mealtimes, they end up eating less than what they normally would, which helps them lose a significant amount of weight.
•    Maintaining a balance in hormonal levels: Several health experts advise women to include some amount of linseed in their diet, in order to stabilize their hormonal imbalances. One of most important benefits of linseed seeds is a decrease in ovarian dysfunction in women. Linseeds also help reduce the changes and fluctuations that take place in menstrual cycles.
•    Higher immunity: Several health experts believe that an increase in the consumption of linseeds can boost the immune system to a great extent, thereby allowing the body to fight off various diseases. This is possible because of the lignans as well as the alpha linolenic acid present in the seed, as these nutrients enable immune system to work in the right manner and reduce the risks of inflammation. Some of the diseases that can be avoided by consuming linseeds are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, cardiovascular disorders & cholesterol problems and renal disease. The benefits of linseed tea include prevention of breast cancer, colon cancer and liver cancer.
•    Improving bone health: Consuming a moderate quantity of linseed on a regular basis is one of the best ways of preventing bone loss, as this seed is known for increasing bone density. Therefore, linseed health benefits also reduce the risks of osteoporosis in a person.
•    Stabilizing the digestive system: Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems affection thousands or even millions of people across the globe. Although it is a minor ailment, it can lead to a lot of discomfort, which is why many people resort to the use of laxatives. However, these laxatives can have an adverse effect on the body, if they are consumed regularly. Therefore, health experts often advise people to consume linseed which acts as a natural laxative. Linseed benefits constipation to a great extent, without most of the negative side effects that a laxative might have. Linseed benefits IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) too by relieving the symptoms, as the oils form a lining on the intestines that have been inflamed.

There are several more linseed health benefits for people and its side effects are virtually negligible. However, an excessive intake of any food product could be harmful and could lead to undesirable side effects. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor, before adding linseed to a regular diet, to find out what the daily recommended dosage is. This is especially important in the case of those people who are suffering from any preexisting medical condition.

Apart from the health benefits of linseed mentioned above, there are several other uses of linseed too, like the linseed benefits for hair. However, it is not just the humans that benefit from this seed, but horses too.

Linseed benefits for horses

Linseed meal is a byproduct of the extraction of oil from flax seeds. It is a great protein supplement for several animals including horses. One of the main benefits of linseed meal is that it is a good source of selenium, as well as other essential nutrients. Moreover, linseed meal is quite palatable, making it easier to digest

Industrial benefits of linseed oil

Linseed oil uses extend to commercial and industrial applications too. Linseed oil is used very commonly for various purposes. Linseed oil and turpentine mixtures are generally used by people who use oil colors for painting. Linseed oil painting is another popular technique.

The linseed oil finish is excellent on wood, as compared to other products. Most experts claim that the linseed oil wood finish helps to bring out the natural beauty of the wooden furniture it is used on. However, using a linseed oil finish on wood can be a bit time consuming as well as messy. However, linseed oil scratches much less than varnish.

People using linseed for industrial purposes can get detailed information about linseed oil MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from the manufacturers of the oil.