10 Health Benefits of Flax Seed Oil
A recent startling discovery has revealed the use of flax since around 30,000 BC! It’s long been used for making linen, wood-finishing, as an ornamental plant and for its edible oil. Flax seeds are enriched with a wide variety of nutrients: dietary fiber, carbohydrates, fats– a large portion of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, protein and many vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, besides potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc. However, flax seed oil should be taken after consulting your physician. It’s useful in controlling a number of health conditions but should be purchased when certified free of heavy metal compounds– lead and mercury. Here’s a list of benefits flax seed oil provides:
1. Controls cholesterol
Some studies have revealed that flax seed oil lowers the ‘bad’ cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease. It may ward off angina attacks.
2. Counters inflammation
The Omega-3 fats in flax seed oil seem to restrict the body’s inflammatory response especially in gout, lupus and fibrocystic breasts, which are all very painful conditions.
3. May prevent hypertension
A possible outcome of its usage is prevention of hypertension.
4. Controls bowel disease, intestinal tract and gallstones
The oil is useful in controlling inflammatory bowel disease, repairing the intestinal tract, as well as in preventing the formation of gallstones and helping in dissolving existing ones.
5. Helps women suffering from pre-menstrual disorder
It may be of help to women suffering from pre-menstrual disorder. It has a positive effect on the menstrual cycle, prevents heavy bleeding, relieves hot flashes during peri-menopause and menopause, improves the uterine function and addresses fertility problems in women.
