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By: Renata Kos |
The healing power of flaxseed oil |
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Flaxseed oil is highly valued in folk medicine and flax is considered as one of the oldest cultivated plants on our planet.
At the time of our grandmothers, blues flax plantations were a common sight.
This plant was widely used in the past for making fabrics with simple tools in the home industry.
The healing properties of small seeds were used for alleviating many health problems and for maintaining good health.
Today, flax is actually neglected and exceptional value of its seeds is known only to people interested in knowledge on healthy dieting.
Wealth of valuable ingredients
Flax is a natural plant source of high concentrations of essential fatty acids (of which most are polyunsaturated), dietary fibers, essential amino acids, and many other valuable nutrients.
Flax seeds contain vitamins B, C, E, phytosterols and minerals, calcium, selenium, copper, iron, zinc, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
Flax contains linoleic (omega-6), oleic (omega-9) and palmitic fatty acids, and more than half of the fat contained in flax is comprised of alpha linolenic acid (omega-3), which makes flax seeds the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids (more than twice as fish oil).
Seeds are also the richest plant source of lignans - important antioxidants.
Flax can be consumed in the form of seeds (they have to be grinded in order for our body to receive the full benefit of their nutrients) or you could simply consume flax in the form of oil.
Flaxseed oil is available as liquid oil in bottles and capsules for easy intake.
We do not recommend to use it for cooking because it does not remain stable at high temperatures and its beneficial fatty acids dissolve into harmful substances.
Healing effect
Regular consumption of raw linseed oil has a wide range of medicinal effects. Some of them include effects on:
- cancer cells, especially breast, ovarian and prostate
- brain and prevention of stroke
- atherosclerosis
- heart diseases, in particular the occurrence of myocardial infarction and arrhythmia
- hypertrophy of the prostate
- inflammation of the bladder
- formation of gallstones
- digestion (mild laxative properties, the seeds have a more powerful effect than the oil)
- arthritis and joint pain
- fat metabolism in the body
- symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin smoothness and radiance
- symptoms of menopause
- immunity and free radicals
Flaxseed oil is very effective if when applied externally, applied to the skin. It is used for healing scars (do not apply it to open wounds), burns, inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, skin rash.
It is very useful for interior use is a case of dry and scaly skin.
This oil is simple and tasty, and extremely healthy meal can be prepared by mixing linseed oil with cottage cheese and you can add a bit of chili peppers. It is necessary to mix all the ingredients into one integrated mass. This recipe is recommended for maintaining ideal body weight and good health.
Recommended intake and storage
It is best to use flax seed oil from organic farming.
High quality flaxseed oil is almost without a scent and has very mild, slightly nutty, flavor.
In order to fully utilize all the benefits of flaxseed oil, the recommended daily dosage is 1-3 tablespoons. This amount should not be exceeded.
If you are taking medication for blood clotting, or are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking flaxseed oil.
When storing this oil you should take into account its sensitivity to light, temperature and the tendency towards oxidation. When flaxseed goes bad it starts to release harmful molecules of lipid peroxides, and it develops an unpleasant taste and pungent scent.
Therefore, it is necessary to keep it tightly closed in the refrigerator, which also applies to the flaxseed oil in the form of capsules.
About the author: Renata Kos is a teacher who works with Divine Energy Park, an organization to education of society and the development of health, nature and peace. You can learn more about their courses by visiting [url=http://www.divineenergypark.org]http://www.divineenergypark.org[/url].
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