Flax Seed Oil

Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and other conditions.

Flaxseed also contains a group of chemicals called lignans that may play a role in the prevention of cancer. Flaxseed oil is derived from the seeds of Linum usitatissimum, L (flaxseed).

Benefits of Flaxseed oil

Omega-3 fatty acids in flax oil shown to reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. Essential fatty acids appear to be important for cognitive & behavioral function as well as normal growth and development.

Clinical studies suggest strong evidence for preventing heart disease and problems that contribute to heart disease, but the range of possible uses for flaxseed oil include:

High cholesterol, Heart diseases, autism, ulcers, migraine headaches, preterm labor, emphysema, psoriasis, glaucoma, Lyme disease, systemic lupus erythmatosus (lupus), irregular heart beats (arrhythmias), multiple sclerosis, and panic attacks.

High cholesterol & flaxseed - human study

A human study shows that dietary flaxseed can significantly improved lipid profile in patients with high cholesterol, and may even reduce cardiovascular risk factors.

Flaxseed oil side effects

Flaxseed oil supplements do appear to be well tolerated by most of the people, and there is long standing historical use of flaxseed products without many reported side effects. It is not advisable to apply flaxseed oil to wound or broken skin. Based on animal studies, overdose of flaxseed may cause shortening of breath or rapid breathing, weakness, walking difficulty, and may cause seizures.

Use of flaxseed oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended. Flaxseed may stimulate menstruation and other hormonal changes that could be harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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