Features of the correct use of linseed oil: instructions

Flaxseed oil - what are its benefits for the body? Like any product with a wide range of active substances, in addition to its undeniable benefits for humans, it also has its own contraindications. Should I use this product, its composition and recommendations for use later in this article. So, indications for the use of the main active substance in the extraction of flaxseeds, alpha-lipoic acid:

1. Disorders of the nervous system.
2. Alcoholism.
3. Liver diseases.
4. Poisoning the body with toxins.
5. Skin problems.
6. Overweight.
7. Oncological diseases.
8. Problems with memory and attention span.
9. For burns, cuts and abrasions.
10. For some skin diseases.
11. Fight against parasites.
12. Diabetes.

Beneficial properties of flaxseed oil

As the name implies, this product is made from flax. It is obtained by cold pressing flax seeds under pressure and is considered necessary for the health of the body. What are the benefits of flaxseed oil? Let's look at its beneficial properties.

1. A lack of fatty acids in the body leads to dry, dull, brittle hair and nails. With regular use of flaxseed oil, the condition of the skin, hair and nails significantly improves. To enrich the body with vitamins and achieve visible results, flaxseed oil is used internally; a couple of drops are also added to shampoos, shower gels or washes, creams and masks. The oil nourishes, softens and vitaminizes the skin, makes hair and nails elastic, moisturizes, relieves inflammation and irritation. It is often used in the treatment of all kinds of skin diseases: acne and post-acne, allergic inflammatory reactions, eczema, psoriasis.
2. Flaxseed oil contains a large amount of vitamin E, which helps maintain youth and support the protective and regenerative functions of the body. If you want to radiate health and youth both outside and inside, flaxseed oil is exactly what you need.
3. Flaxseed oil is an effective means of weight loss. It normalizes metabolism, is not deposited in the body, but on the contrary, it helps to break down fats into ordinary water and glycerin, which, not being decay products, are excreted naturally. Also, by stimulating the saturation center, flaxseed oil reduces appetite and absorption rate in the intestines, and increases the speed of food passage. To reduce weight, a teaspoon of flaxseed oil is taken orally every morning, 15–20 minutes on an empty stomach, and in the evening, 20–30 minutes after dinner.
4. Regular consumption of flaxseed oil internally helps normalize the functioning of the digestive system. By drinking flaxseed oil on an empty stomach, you cleanse the intestines of toxins, waste, and even parasites. You also stimulate the regeneration of the gastrointestinal tract, which promotes better digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. Polysaccharides contained in flaxseed oil coat the gastric mucosa, have a softening and anti-inflammatory effect, promote tissue regeneration and restoration, and also normalize stomach acidity.
5. Flaxseed oil has a positive effect on the nervous system. Thanks to its vitamin and mineral composition, it has a beneficial effect on the body as a whole, in particular, it helps fight nervous disorders, vitamin deficiency, and seasonal blues. Regular use of flaxseed oil increases stress resistance and activity.
6. It is believed that flax oil has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system of women. It is recommended to take it during pregnancy (in small doses and in consultation with a doctor), as well as during menopause. The oil contains a natural analogue of estrogen, thanks to which you can delay the period of withering, reduce the number of hot flashes, and normalize blood pressure. Flaxseed oil will also be useful for men: it can improve sperm quality, increase the speed and number of sperm, thereby increasing reproductive function.
7. Flax seed oil is also recommended for those who have problems with the cardiovascular system. Its unique composition makes it possible to prevent cardiovascular diseases, regulate blood pressure, and prevent thrombosis. Flax oil is a favorite among women who want to keep their legs beautiful and prevent varicose veins. Its proper use helps thin the blood, reduce cholesterol and restore the walls of blood vessels. It is believed that if you add flax seed oil to your food daily, you can prevent the development of some very serious diseases: atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack, etc.
8. The omega-3 content in flaxseed oil determines another important property of this product. Its use allows you to stimulate brain function, improve memory, hearing, and vision. A tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains up to 8 g of omega-3 fatty acids! In other words, in this indicator it is second only to fish oil, but the taste is much more pleasant.

Chemical composition

A feature of linseed oil is its tendency to dry out very quickly in the open air, forming a dense, colorless substance on the surface. This process (polymerization of organic compounds) occurs due to the presence of the following unsaturated acids in the oil:

• omega-3 (linolenic) – 45%;
• omega-6 (linoleic) – 30%;
• omega-9 (oleic) – 29%.

Saturated acids in the oil are represented by stearic and palmitic acids, the total content of which does not exceed 11%.

Flaxseed oil boasts the presence of the following active substances:

• tocopherols (vitamin E);
• retinols (vitamin A);
• phytosterols;
• hormone-like substances - lignans.

Can flaxseed oil be harmful?

It is recommended to talk with your doctor about the benefits and harms of flaxseed oil. The product is completely natural, but in large quantities even medicine can become poisonous. Therefore, the use of flaxseed oil should be approached wisely and without fanaticism.

Important to know: The balance of benefit and harm depends very much on the state of health. Nutritionists advise completely avoiding this product during pregnancy.

It is recommended to learn more about the possible harm of flaxseed oil from specialists.

Calories and nutritional value

The caloric content of flaxseed extract is quite high - 898 kcal is contained in 100 grams of the product. As for nutritional value, we immediately remove carbohydrates and proteins from the BJU formula - they are not present in flax seed extract. But 99.8% fat.

These features of flax squeezing require a careful approach to its culinary use. Only moderate consumption will be correct, otherwise the benefits will turn into harmful consequences. Dietary nutrition involves small doses of flax juice added to fresh vegetable salads and cereal dishes - this is how the product brings the greatest benefit, and its components are completely absorbed.

To make it more convenient to count calories, you need to know how much flaxseed oil is in a tablespoon. This cutlery holds 16 g of product and, accordingly, about 110 kcal. Two tablespoons is the daily dose, according to the recommendations of nutritionists.

In cooking, there are debates about which is healthier, flaxseed oil or flaxseed. It all depends on the method of application, but in any case, the squeeze contains less unnecessary and more useful substances. And flax seed adds an original taste to salads, baked goods and other dishes, although the beneficial component is much smaller.

How to take flaxseed oil correctly

It is advisable to take flaxseed oil orally in the morning, on an empty stomach, 15–20 minutes before breakfast. It is not recommended to heat flax oil before use, since the benefits from a cold product will be much greater than after heat treatment. You can either drink flaxseed oil in pure or diluted form, or add it to all kinds of dishes: salads, meat or fish, side dishes, sauces. The main thing is to observe moderation. It is not recommended to take more than two tablespoons of flaxseed oil per day. It is better to start taking the product with 2-3 teaspoons, gradually increasing the dosage. You may not immediately see the benefits of flax oil: like most natural remedies, flax seed oil acts according to a cumulative system. The result of using the product will be visible when a sufficient amount of certain beneficial substances accumulates in the body. On average, the course of taking flaxseed oil is 2–3 months. Then a two-week break is required, after which you can continue to use the product.

Weight loss

The oil helps normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, cleanses the liver and improves fat metabolism, which means that if used correctly, extra pounds will be lost without dieting. In addition, this fight against obesity will help improve the condition of your skin and hair.

You should start losing weight with flax oil by taking 1 tsp. funds per day. It should be taken before breakfast. After ten days, the dosage should be increased to 1 tablespoon. After a month, the course of treatment should be stopped after a two-week break. If necessary, the course of taking the oil is repeated.

Popular recipes in wellness

Flaxseed oil is primarily a food product. The beneficial properties of flaxseed oil allow you to actively take it orally with food, before and after it, in different dosages and different numbers of times a day. The cycle of application and dosage depend on the result to be achieved. Below we have collected simple tips on how to take flaxseed oil for certain problems.

Help with constipation. The recipe for such a failure is quite simple: take a tablespoon of flaxseed oil on an empty stomach and wash it down with a glass of warm water. You can also stir this spoon in a glass of water - whichever is more convenient.

Help with poor immunity. The same recipe is used if there is a need to cleanse blood vessels and get rid of “bad” cholesterol. Should be taken 1 tbsp. spoon of oil 2 times a day with meals. The general course of treatment lasts 3 months. If the use of flaxseed oil is due to the prevention of the problem, then the period can be reduced to 30 days.

Help with poor metabolism. A certain course of taking flax seed oil can help improve metabolism, cleanse the body, and prevent certain diseases of the cardiovascular system. How to drink flaxseed oil correctly in this case? The product should be taken in gradually increasing dosages: in the first week, 1 tsp. once a day, the second time - 1 tsp. twice a day, etc. And so on for three months.

Help during the rehabilitation period. After long-term illnesses or operations, our body needs support so that it recovers quickly and starts working like a clock again. Flaxseed oil is great for this task. You need to take it 3 times a day, a tablespoon for 2-3 months.

Benefits and harms

• indispensable in the process of losing weight due to its unique ability to saturate the body with the necessary fats and displace accumulated deposits. Effectively reduces appetite, making it easier to tolerate dietary restrictions;
• significantly reduces the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and malignant neoplasms;
• regular use eliminates cholesterol plaques, reduces the viscosity of too thick blood, improves visual acuity, properly stimulates the functioning of the kidneys and nervous system;
• improves the structure of hair and skin;
• eliminates brittle nails;
• helps treat nail fungus;
• stimulates biliary function, prevents the formation of stony deposits in the bile ducts;
• accelerates digestion, helps soften stool in the intestines, greatly facilitates bowel movements during constipation;
• increases the overall ability to resist viral infections. Successfully fights inflammation;
• increases the elasticity of blood vessels. Prevents myocardial infarction and hemorrhoids;
• relieves menstrual pain and unpleasant symptoms of menopause.

Harm of flax oil:

• Storage in the open air and exposure to sunlight contribute to the oxidation of the oil and the formation of harmful radicals in it.
• An opened package of oil cannot be stored for a long time. Exceeding the expiration date may make the product toxic.
• Consumption of excessive doses can lead to digestive upset.
• May cause an allergic reaction.

Popular recipes in cosmetology

The properties of linseed oil allow it to be used in the field of external beauty. It is not necessary to take flaxseed oil internally; it can be used as a cosmetic product, added to masks and shampoos. Let's see which recipes are widely used in cosmetology and in what cases.

Help with dry skin. For this problem, it is recommended to make a mask from the oil. The recipe is simple: 2 tbsp. l. product, 1 tbsp. l. thick sour cream and 20 g chopped cucumber. All components are mixed until smooth and applied to the face for 15–20 minutes, after which they are washed off with warm water. This mask can tone, nourish and deeply moisturize the skin.

Help for oily skin. Flaxseed oil can be a component of a mask that allows you to remove oily shine, cleanse clogged pores, and reduce the intensity of the sebaceous glands. The recipe in this case will be as follows: 1 tbsp. l. butter, 1 tbsp. l. flour, 1 tsp. lemon juice and 3 tbsp. l. low-fat kefir. It is recommended to keep the mask on your face for at least 15–20 minutes, and wash it off with warm water.

Help with hair problems. Dry, brittle, split ends, lifeless hair is a problem that many struggle with. And flax seed oil has found its application in this fight. It is slightly heated in a water bath, and then carefully applied to the scalp and along the entire length of the hair. To maintain the thermal effect, it is better to wear a special cap. If you don’t have one, you can use cling film: it gives a similar result. The oil should be kept on the hair for 6–8 hours, then washed off with shampoo.

How to store the product?

When exposed to sunlight, the oil quickly loses its healing properties. It is sold in dark glass bottles to protect it from destruction. Sometimes oil is sold in containers made of polymer material. To prevent the product from losing its valuable properties, after opening it should be poured into a glass bottle. The product has a limited shelf life, and therefore it is packaged in small containers. The maximum storage period for oil in a sealed bottle is 1 year. The shelf life of the printed oil is 3 months. The oil should be stored in a tightly sealed container where the sun's rays do not penetrate. The refrigerator is best suited for storage.

Interaction of flax oil with medications

Since flaxseed oil is often drunk for certain health problems, a reasonable question arises whether it can be taken together with medications. The product has a fairly strong effect, so there are a number of products with which it cannot be used.

• Avoid taking flax seed oil and blood thinning medications at the same time. The fact is that flaxseed oil has a similar effect. Taking both the product and medications together may lead to bleeding.
• It is recommended to choose only one option for reducing blood pressure in case of hypertension: either oil or appropriate medications.
• It is prohibited to take flaxseed oil while on hormonal therapy or taking contraceptives.

Dosing oil for children

When taking the oil by children, there is no difference between sick and healthy. Everyone should receive the same amount of product. The only difference is the age of the child. Those under 7 years of age should receive 1 g of flaxseed oil for every kilogram of body weight. Children over 7 years of age should receive 0.6 g of flaxseed oil per kilogram of body weight. This difference is due to the fact that older children have less need for omega acids. One tablespoon contains an average of about 10 g of flaxseed oil.

How to use in cooking

We mentioned earlier that flax seed oil can be consumed by adding it to various dishes. Let's now take a closer look at how to cook with it. It is important to know that flaxseed oil cannot be heated too much, because the polyunsaturated acids for which it is valuable are destroyed under the influence of high temperatures and turn into carcinogens hazardous to health. Accordingly, the product is not suitable for frying and baking. But it can be added to salads, porridges, and made into dish dressings.

Answers to popular questions

Even with the most detailed coverage of the problem, consumers still have questions. Below are answers to the most popular ones.

• Should flaxseed oil be bitter?

  No, high-quality linseed oil, stored in optimal conditions, should not taste bitter. If it has a bitter taste, it means that the oxidation process has begun and the oil becomes hazardous to health.

• Is it possible to drink flaxseed oil on an empty stomach?

  Yes, flaxseed oil is taken on an empty stomach to cleanse the intestines and for gastritis. This method of administration is not used in persons with a history of pancreatitis, especially during periods of exacerbation. This remedy causes the release of bile when consumed on an empty stomach, which causes vomiting. You need to wait until the period of remission to be treated with flaxseed oil on an empty stomach.

• Is it possible to fry with flaxseed oil?

  No, this is impossible, since the polyunsaturated fatty acids for which flaxseed oil is used are destroyed under the influence of high temperatures. But the most dangerous thing is that these acids turn into carcinogens, which accelerate the aging of the body and cause cancer.

• Is it possible to give flaxseed oil to children?

  There is no consensus on the use of flaxseed oil among children - pediatricians usually do not allow its use in baby food until 6-7 years of age.

• Is it possible to take flaxseed oil during pregnancy?

  Proof that flaxseed oil is beneficial for pregnant women is an experiment by scientists at the University of California, who set out to determine the prerequisites for the birth of intellectually gifted children. They examined the molecular structure of subcutaneous fat in the thigh area and concluded that it contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which affect the development of brain structures. Other fatty acids, unbalanced with omega-3 lipids, suppress the development of the unborn child's brain. Flaxseed oil, as a source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, is a product recommended for consumption by pregnant women. But first you need to discuss possible contraindications with your gynecologist and use the dosage recommended by your doctor.

• Is it possible to lose weight with flaxseed oil?

  This product cannot be called a “magic pill” that helps you gain slimness in a short time, without much effort. With all its advantages, flaxseed oil is considered an auxiliary factor in weight correction. What is certain is that the essential fatty acids included in its composition are in a very successful combination and easily normalize fat metabolism, due to which excess weight is reduced. Omega-3 lipids, as a result of complex biochemical reactions, convert excess fats that enter the body into glycerol and water. They are not absorbed by the body, but are excreted without being deposited in fatty tissue. To give your figure the desired shape, you need to monitor your diet and make changes to your lifestyle.

Author of the article:

Kuzmina Vera Valerievna |
Endocrinologist, nutritionist Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after. N.I. Pirogov, specialty “General Medicine” (2004). Residency at the Moscow State Medical and Dental University, diploma in Endocrinology (2006). Our authors

Selection and storage

When choosing linseed oil, you should pay attention to the color of the product. It should range from golden to brown. The ideal oil is packaged in dark bottles, protected from sunlight. It is best to buy a product that has been no more than 2 months from its production date. You should not save money and take large containers; the best option is a small bottle, the contents of which can be used in a short time.

High-quality unrefined cold-pressed oil should not have a burnt taste or smell of fish oil. Particular attention should be paid to the composition; foreign impurities do not add additional benefits to the product. It is sold in pharmacies, supermarkets, and stores that have a healthy food department. In pharmacies there is oil packaged in gelatin capsules. It is great for cosmetic purposes. Capsules are stored in a cool place. Bottles should be carefully closed and protected from heat and moisture. With proper storage, all beneficial properties and taste will remain unchanged.