Vitamins B, F, A, E, K, polyunsaturated Omega-3, -6 and saturated fatty acids – all of these nutrients contains in cold pressed, freshly squeezed flax seed oil. The oil contains Omega-3 acid which in flax seed oil more than in fish oil.
Cold pressed flax seed oil rich in antioxidants and lignin can be called a real elixir of health. Humans have used flax seed oil for thousands of years it helps to improve the functioning of most body systems:
Could benefit heart health
Similar to flax seeds, flax-seed oil may help lower cholesterol levels. The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flax seed oil might play a role in decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol.
In one small study involving 15 adults, the participants consumed either flax-seed oil or corn oil once per day with dinner. Researchers measured the participants’ cholesterol levels at the start of the study and again 12 weeks later.
Those who consumed the corn oil had no change in their cholesterol levels, while those who consumed the flax-seed oil had a significant decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol).
Studies have found cold pressed flax-seed oil can increase omega-3 fatty acids and EPA and DHA levels, all essential compounds for promoting a healthy heart and preventing heart disease. The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the body, while flax seed naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids.
Helps reduce high blood pressure
High blood pressure can harm heart health, as it places extra strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder.
Both aging and increased blood pressure are generally linked to decrease in elasticity of arteries and the cold pressed flax-seed oil may also help improve the elasticity them.
One study in 59 people compared the effects of flax-seed oil to those of safflower oil, a type of oil high in omega-6 fatty acids. In this study, supplementing with one tablespoon (15 ml) of flax-seed oil for 12 weeks led to significantly lower blood pressure levels than supplementing with safflower oil .
May help reduce cancer cell growth
Flax-seed oil may help fight certain types of cancer. Although the current research is limited to test-tube and animal studies, there is some evidence that flax-seed oil may help reduce the growth of cancer cells.
In these studies were found that of constant and long the cold pressed flax-seed oil intake prevented the spread of cancer and the growth of lung tumors, was shown to block the formation of colon cancer, reduced the growth of breast cancer cells.
The fatty acid in the cold pressed flax-seed oil may suppress breast tumor size and growth, as well as promote cancer cell death.
Reducing diabetes risk
In a study of 60 diabetic patients with heart disease, 12 weeks of flax-seed oil supplementation increased the expression of genes related to insulin, inflammation, and fat. It increased PPAR-α levels, which helps with insulin and fat metabolism and maintains fat and glucose balance.
Meanwhile, it reduced inflammation and heart disease risk by decreasing the gene production levels of Lipoprotein, Interleukin 1, TF-a.
Supports gut health
Some animal and human studies have shown that flax-seed oil may help treat both constipation and diarrhea.
Flax-seed oil has laxative properties. In a study of 50 patients, daily supplementation with 4 ml of flax-seed oil helped relieve constipation.
The cold pressed flax-seed oil also relieved Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms by lowering inflammation in a pilot study of 40 IBS patients.
Helps reduce inflammation
Thanks to its omega-3 fatty acid content, some research shows that flax-seed oil may help reduce inflammation in certain populations. It significantly reduced levels of C-reactive protein, a marker used to measure inflammation, in obese people.
Some studies indicate that flax-seed oil’s anti-inflammatory effects are equivalent to those of olive oil.
Supports bone health
The flax-seed is one of the best sources of dietary alpha-linolenic acid. Diets deficient in this acid have been associated with increased bone resorption and osteoporosis in humans. Some researchers have suggested that flax-seed could help maintain bone health.
In mice that consumed a diet high in flax-seed oil, the oil appeared to help maintain bone strength. It prevented bone loss caused by drug treatment.
Reduces menopause symptoms
There has been some evidence flax-seed oil may help with menopause symptoms. One 2015 study of 140 menopausal women using cold pressed flax-seed oil supplements showed decreased hot flashes and increased life quality.
Improves skin health
Flax-seed oil may also help enhance skin health. Animal and human studies show that supplementing with flax-seed oil could help improve skin smoothness and hydration.
One small study had 13 women supplement with flax-seed oil for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, they experienced improvements in skin smoothness and hydration, while skin sensitivity to irritation and roughness had decreased.
How to Use Flax-seed Oil?
Flax-seed oil can be used as a salad oil, in cold sauces, and added to juice, shakes, or smoothies. However, this oil should not be used in recipes that require heating, such as stir-fries or baking. It does not have a high smoke point (107С) and can form harmful compounds when exposed to high heat.
In addition to using in food, cold pressed flax-seed oil can be applied to the skin or added to your favorite skin cream to increase moisture in the skin and improve skin health.