Flaxseed oil is produced from flax seeds and it is one of the best sources of essential fatty acids. The oil contains about 50-60% of the omega-3 fatty acids known as alpha-linolenic acid and about 18-20% of the omega-6 essential fatty acids known as linoleic acid.
Flaxseed oil is the richest natural source of linolenic acid, which is often lacking in our diet. It contains substances that help maintain the health of the body. The oil is also rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is very beneficial in cases of cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, arthritis and a variety of other diseases. In addition, it contains a group of chemicals called lignans, which help prevent the development of cancer.
Essential fatty acids perform several important functions in the body. First, they are necessary components for the formation of cell walls and membranes. They help in the production of energy, and participate in the regulation of the disintegration of cholesterol and triglycerides. Flaxseed oil is a very useful food additive, which is the best natural source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Benefits of Flaxseed oil:
- It helps regulate the level of triglycerides in the body.
- It helps significantly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
- It reduces the risk of heart disease.
- It helps relieve symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- It helps reduce painfulness in the joints, morning stiffness, and the amount of meds needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- When taken along with other nutrients (namely, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, selenium and coenzyme Q10), flaxseed oil can help in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
- It may be useful in the treatment of acne.
- It may reduce inflammation and improve lung function in case of asthma.
- It reduces symptoms related to the menstrual cycle.