Flax Seed Oil – Health Benefits

Description

Flax Seed Oil and Health Benefits

Flax seed oil (also known as linseed oil) is derived from the extremely nutritious and disease-preventing flax seed. Similar to the seed, flax seed oil is loaded with healthy omega-3s, fatty acids that have been associated with healthier brains and hearts, better moods, decreased inflammation, and healthier skin and hair. With its nutty, slightly sweet flavor, a tablespoon of flax seed oil is thankfully not one of those health foods that’s a torturous addition to your daily routine, which is great news given all the flax seed oil benefits to your health.

Flax was cultivated in Rome and other areas for linen, which leads us to believe that they were also using the seeds in their diets. By the 8^th century, the health and medicinal properties of flaxseed were so widely known that the King of France, Charlemagne had entries for the uses of flaxseed in his medical journal. The scientific name for flax seeds translates to “the most useful”. Flax seed is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world.

Plant has many uses:

Where this plant has many uses, its seeds can be eaten raw or are used to extract oil. There are two types of oils that are extracted from flax seeds, linseed oil and flax seed oil. Linseed oil is used in machines and other tools whereas; flax seed oil is for human consumption. It is strictly advised to never use flax seed oil for cooking purposes as it has a very low smoking point.

Flaxseed oil is one of the best plant based sources of omega 3; it is often compared to fish oil in its medicinal capabilities. This is good news for vegetarians as it is the best source of omega 3 fatty acids in the plant kingdom. Flax seeds are not only rich in omega 3s; they also have a variety of nutrients.

Flax seed oil has an almost nutty, slightly sweet and a tad bitter flavor. This flavor profile makes it delicious; giving flax seeds a distinct flavor. Flax seeds contain from 50% to 60% alpha-linolenic acid, which is a form of omega 3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in all sorts of bodily processes, including inflammation, heart health and brain function. Being deficient in omega-3s is associated with lower intelligence, depression, heart disease, arthritis, cancer and many other health problems.