Flax Seed Oil
Botanical Name: Linum usitatissimum
Common Method of Extraction: Pressing
Parts Used: Seed
Note Classification: NA
Aroma: Crisp, mild nutty aroma
Largest Producing Countries: China, Belgium, United States of America, Turkey, Germany, India, Ethiopia, Canada, Italy and Poland.
Traditional Use: Flax seed oil is known for its many health benefits and provides a good dose of protein and fibre, it reduce appetite and helps in weight control. Flaxseed oil which is also known as flax oil or linseed oil is extracted from flax seeds which is ground and pressed to release their natural oil. Flax seed oil is a health promoting oil is used for skin care and cooking. The oil is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids. It contain alpha-linolenic acid which is a form of omega 3 fatty acid which is converted in small amounts to active forms of amega3 like EPA and DHA. Health experts recommend minimum 1.600 mg of ALA for men and 1,100 mg for women. Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for health and it helps in reducing inflammation, improve heart health and protect the brain against aging. Flax seed oil help reduce cancer cell growth. The oil may benefit heart health according to studies. It also helps to lower blood pressure levels. Flaxseed oil improves the elasticity of the arteries. It helps treating constipation and diarrhoea and acts as a laxative to promote regularity. Flaxseed oil help to boosts skin health and reduce inflammation. The oil is widely used in salad dressing, dips and sauces. Flaxseed oil is not used for cooking because of its low smoke point and when exposed to high heat harmful compounds may form which can be dangerous for the human body. Flaxseed oil can be applied to the skin to boost skin health and increase skin moisture. The oil can also be used as hair mask to promote hair health and shine.
Blends Well With: Essential oils like rose otto and roman chamomile oils
Of Interest: Flaxseed is one of the oldest crops and has been cultivated since the beginning of civilization. The Latin name for flaxseed means “very useful,” and that is because every portion of the flaxseed plant is used. Research proposes that flaxseed oil has potential health benefits related to cardiovascular disease, cancer, prostate problems, inflammation, digestive issues and osteoporosis.
Safety Data:
Flaxseed oil, in normal case, is safe for most adults when taken by mouth correctly and in the short-term. Extra doses of the oil can cause diarrhoea and loose stools and allergic reactions. There are chances that ALA can increase the risk of prostate cancer or promote tumour growth. It is always better to consult a doctor before adding flaxseed oil to their diet and using it on the skin. Do a patch test before using it on the skin. Pregnant women should not use flaxseed oil because it may pose contrary effects on pregnancy like premature birth. Children should consume oil in small amounts and breastfeeding mothers should avoid the use of the oil. People with bleeding disorders should avoid the use of the oil and the oil should not be used before surgery. The use of oil should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery and after surgery to avoid the risk of bleeding.