The oil extracted from flax seeds will retain all their useful properties and is rightfully considered one of the most valuable vegetable oils. However, there is one "but": only fresh, technologically correctly manufactured and stored oil can be useful. Namely, unrefined oil obtained by prolonged cold pressing of the crushed seeds of specially grown flax is useful.
An external sign of the product obtained in this way is the presence of a cloudy sediment, as well as its distinct taste and aroma. Store this oil in a dark, tightly closed container of glass in a cool place without lighting for not more than a year, and after uncorking - no more than a month.
In addition, those who want to take oil from flax seeds, especially for medicinal purposes, it is necessary to take into account that linseed oil has not only useful properties, but also contraindications and can have side effects. Therefore, it is not necessary to be treated by this medication alone, without consulting a specialist. Consider what are the medicinal properties, benefits, contraindications and side effects of flaxseed oil.
Useful properties of linseed oil
Flax oil is unique in that it is one of the few vegetable oils in which the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids is optimal for digestion by the body. Thus, the content of linolenic acid (omega-3) in it can reach 60%, linoleic (omega-6) - 30%, oleic - 29%. In this case, the content of saturated acids (stearic, myristic and palmitic) in oil from flax seeds does not exceed 11%. Other useful components of the product in question are:
- folic acid;
- vitamins A, E, F, K;
- estrogen-like phytohormones;
- macro and microelements;
- lecithin;
- squalene, etc.
Such a set of components determines the following therapeutic effects of linseed oil:
- decrease in the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood;
- decrease in blood viscosity ;
- increased elasticity of the vascular walls;
- improving the functioning of the liver and other digestive organs;
- antiparasitic action;
- strengthening of the body's immune defense;
- normalization of the hormonal background;
- an obstacle to the growth and spread of cancer cells throughout the body;
- normalization of metabolic processes;
- reduction of inflammatory processes in the joints;
- suppression of infectious processes in the body, etc.
The above effects are provided by the internal intake of flax oil according to certain schemes, but it can also be applied externally to improve the condition of the skin and hair, treat dermatological pathologies, burns, wounds.
Contraindications to the treatment and use of linseed oil
Treatment with flax oil and its internal use for preventive purposes is not recommended in such cases:
- bleeding disorders;
- cholelithiasis;
- diseases of the digestive system in the acute stage;
- hypertensive disease ;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- propensity to diarrhea;
- individual intolerance.
For women, pregnancy (II and III trimesters) and the period of breastfeeding, as well as the presence of polyps and cysts in the appendages and uterus, are added to the contraindications of flaxseed oil. Also, to stop using flax oil should be during the reception of anticoagulants, antidepressants, antiviral drugs and hormonal contraceptives.
Side effects of linseed oil
If this product is used improperly, the following side effects may occur:
- bleeding;
- premature delivery;
- allergic reactions;
- diarrhea;
- flatulence;
- hormonal failures.