Linseed oil is a natural product made from flax seeds. When interacting with oxygen, it quickly polymerizes and becomes covered with a dense transparent film, therefore, it belongs to fast-drying oils. The product is considered very useful because of the content of Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9, unsaturated acids, lignans, folic acid, vitamin E. It is not designed for long-term storage. Already after two weeks, the oil acquires a bitter taste, which means that its shelf life has ended. We'll talk about these and other features, as well as the benefits of flaxseed oil below.
Content
Types and composition of flaxseed oil
Oil, as a food additive, is recommended for use only fresh. Fat is extracted from the oil seeds by cold pressing.
There are 3 types of linseed oil, depending on the degree of its processing:
- refined;
- unrefined;
- hydrated.
Unrefined oil retains all vitamins, minerals, as well as the original properties: smell, color, taste. It is made by cold pressing (under pressure). At the outlet, the product does not heat up over 40-42%, which helps to preserve its useful properties. Its main processing is centrifugation, filtration and settling. The maximum shelf life of such oil is up to 2 weeks (subject to all standards).
Hydration - undergoes treatment with water, this allows you to preserve all useful components and avoid precipitation (fusa), due to the removal of phosphatides.
Refined - oil that is treated with alkali and bleaching, after which there are no nutrients left in it. Virtually tasteless and odorless.
Unrefined oil is best for consumption.
It is enriched with micro- and macroelements such as magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, silicon. And also a vitamin complex: K, C, E, PP, F, B vitamins.
The most valuable components in the composition are Omega-3 and vitamin E.
Omega-3 prevents atherosclerosis from developing, preserves the nervous system, and helps to delay or prevent macular degeneration.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant; in its absence, the skin becomes flabby, the hair loses its healthy appearance and begins to turn gray.
Also, the oil contains lignans, which reduce the risk of developing cancer cells.
How to choose a product
The choice of oil must be approached with all seriousness, because a poor-quality product can only harm the body.
Criterias of choice:
- Colour. The oil should be yellow in color, without precipitation.
- Smell. Must be odorless; fish oil odor is allowed. If the oil smells like rancidity, it indicates that it has oxidized and deteriorated.
- Tara. When choosing, pay attention to the fact that the product is in glass of a dark color.
How to store the product
To prevent spoilage of the product, the oil should be stored in a cool dark place at temperatures up to 23% (room temperature) in a closed container. Sun exposure must be limited.
Some manufacturers recommend refrigerating their product.
How to use
All vegetable oils are high in calories, per 100 gr. oil accounts for about 900 kcal. Therefore, it is not recommended to abuse such a product either.
The optimal daily allowance is 2-3 tablespoons per day. It can be used to fill various dishes instead of sunflower and olive oil.
Since linseed oil has a slight bitterness, it can be removed in a dish with lemon juice or balm.
Capsulated oil
Real Caps
Flaxseed oil capsules. 120 pcs. First cold press. 250 mg.
Cost - 60 rubles.
Advantages:
- convenient to take;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- bitter;
- does not contribute to weight loss;
- does not improve skin condition;
- stored in the refrigerator.
Nature Made flaxseed oil
1000 mg., 180 Liquid Soft-Gels
Cost - 1030 rubles.
Contains: polyunsaturated fats - 0.5 g, vitamin E - 1 Me, Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9. Take 1 capsule 2-3 times daily with meals.
Stored in a cool dry place.
Advantages:
- does not contain dyes or preservatives;
- economical packaging;
- the product is certified;
- does not contain starch and gluten.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
Jarrow Formulas flaxseed oil
1000 mg, 200 softgels. Made in America.
Consume 3 times a day with meals.
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- no bad taste.
Disadvantages:
- stored in the refrigerator;
- there is no research on lactation and feeding.
Natrol
1000 mg, 90 softgels.
Cost - 870 rubles.
It is recommended to take 1 capsule 2 times a day.
Store in a dark place.
Advantages:
- improves skin condition.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
Natural Factors Omega Factors
1000 mg., 360 softgels.
Cost - 1700 rubles.
Reception: 1 capsule from 3 to 9 times a day (it is possible to take 2 capsules a day on an empty stomach).
Contains: monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9.
Stored in a cool dry place. If the packaging or the protective membrane is damaged, the capsules must not be consumed.
Advantages:
- improves skin and hair condition.
Disadvantages:
- price.
Now Foods
1000 mg, 250 softgels.
Contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, saturated fat, Omega-3, Omega-6; Omega-9.
Cost - 970 rubles.
Advantages:
- contains a large amount of lignans.
Disadvantages:
- may cause stomach upset;
- the product is prohibited for children.
Solgar
1250 mg., 250 softgels.
Cost - 1605 rubles.
Contains gelatin, vegetable glycerin, omega-3.
Advantages:
- does not contain flavors or preservatives.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
Rexall Sundown Naturals
1,000 mg., 100 capsules.
Cost - 930 rubles.
Contains polyunsaturated fats, Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9.
Take 1 capsule 3 times daily with meals.
Advantages:
- strengthens nails and hair, stimulates their growth;
- restores hormones;
- when applied to the skin, moisturizes it.
Disadvantages:
- the contents are not stored in capsules;
- does not affect the general condition and the nervous system.
21st Century Health Care
1000 mg, 120 capsules.
Cost - 1390 rubles.
Contains Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9, polyunsaturated fats, gelatin, glycerin.
Recommended for use 2 times a day, 1 capsule.
Advantages:
- the packaging has a protective membrane.
Disadvantages:
- does not contain preservatives and flavors, dyes, gluten.
Health from the sun
1100 mg, 180 softgels.
Cost - 915 rubles.
It is recommended to take 2 capsules up to 3 times a day with food.
Contains: Omega - 3, - 6, - 9.
Ingredients: corn starch, glycerin, sorbitol, carrageenan and water.
Advantages:
- improves skin condition.
Disadvantages:
- migraine may appear;
- the diameter of the tablets is large.
Nature's Way EfaGold Super Lignan
1300 mg, 100 softgels.
Cost - 1050 rubles.
Contains: saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated fats, lignans, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9
Advantages:
- high quality;
- has no smell;
- good volume.
Disadvantages:
- quickly oxidizes;
- bitter;
- a large precipitate falls out.
Unrefined oil
Dial-Export
Cost - 180 rubles.
Contains Omega - 3, Omega - 6, Omega - 9.
Advantages:
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- taste with bitterness;
- light color;
- specific aroma.
"Volokolamskoe" Social Service Agro
Contains Omega - 3, Omega - 6, Omega - 9, saturated acids: stearic, palmitic, myristic.
Cost - 110 rubles.
Advantages:
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- bitter taste;
- small volume;
- perishable.
MK Kronos oil
The cost is 90 rubles. - 200 ml
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- promotes weight loss;
- strengthens hair and nails.
Disadvantages:
- unpleasant taste;
- transparent container.
Slavyanka "Arina"
Price: 75 - 145 rubles.
Contains Omega - 3, Omega - 6, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E.
Advantages:
- shelf life;
- good quality.
Disadvantages:
- cannot be heated;
- very bitter;
- thins the blood.
Tverskoe Ekolen
Cost - 150 rubles.
Contains Omega-3, Omega-6, Vitamin F
Advantages:
- normalizes weight;
- improves the condition of hair and nails.
Disadvantages:
- has an unpleasant taste and smell;
- deodorized.
"Siberian" Omega 3 "Compass of Health"
Cost - 180 rubles.
Contains Omega-3, blueberry extract.
Advantages:
- no bitterness;
- improves skin condition.
Disadvantages:
- plastic containers;
- unpleasant taste.
Flax oil in medicine
It should be remembered that no matter how useful flax oil is, it is not a drug. It should be taken in conjunction with medications prescribed by a doctor.
Gastritis
With gastritis, oil, getting inside the stomach, envelops its walls. This helps to reduce the effect of hydrochloric acid on it and relieve irritation. The recommended intake of the product should not exceed 15-20 g per day.
The use of the product will reduce acidity, remove heaviness and bloating.
However, with an advanced stage of gastritis or an ulcer, the oil will not give a positive effect. It can only worsen the condition and slow down the course of treatment.
Atherosclerosis
The oil thins the blood and strengthens the walls of blood vessels, stabilizes cholesterol levels. All this prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
It also prevents cholesterol plaque and vascular blockage.
Mode of application:
- The oil can be absorbed in the mouth for 3 minutes. It is optimal to do this before bedtime. Promotes rapid absorption. Spit out the remainder. This method is not suitable for everyone, because the product is often bitter.
- Can be simply eaten with black bread, garlic and salt. In the morning and evening, starting from 1 tsp.
Hypertension
Flaxseed oil is also known to lower blood pressure. However, you should first consult with a specialist.
Mode of application:
The oil should be taken 2 times a day:
- 30 minutes before meals in the morning (1 tsp);
- Half an hour after eating in the evening (1 tsp).
Diseases of the thyroid gland
In this case, oil can be used only if the disease is not in an acute form. After consulting a doctor. The product itself should be applied internally, following the directions. And flax seeds can be used externally as a compress. To do this, put them in cheesecloth and pour over boiling water.
With an exacerbation of the disease, the product only increases the recovery period.
And in some situations, such as multiple nodular goiter, toxic goiter, hypothyroidism, the use of the product is simply useless.
Mode of application:
- Flaxseed oil should be consumed with meals 2 times a day (2 teaspoons).
- If there are no problems with the thyroid gland, for prevention purposes, you can take it on a tablespoon on an empty stomach every morning for 3 months, then take a break.
Nervous system
Thanks to its useful components, the oil can have a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system.Reduce aggression, help with stress and depression, and ease the course of schizophrenia. However, this only applies to its mild form. With exacerbations, taking the product can only aggravate the situation.
Musculoskeletal system
In small doses, the constant use of flaxseed oil can help in the treatment of arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, bursitis.
Macular degeneration
Over time, cells cease to perceive light and transmit a signal about the information received to the brain, atherosclerotic changes in the vessels that supply the macula begin, against the background of these factors, and age-related retinal degeneration develops. This is due to the lack of Omega-3.
And since this component is in excess in flax oil, the product can have a positive effect on the disease or be taken for prophylaxis.
Refined oil in the baby's diet
For children, flaxseed oil can be consumed from a very young age (6 months), after consulting a leading doctor prematurely. It is usually added to complementary foods in a few drops.
It has a positive effect on the immune system and the digestive system.
Further, the use of oil stabilizes the functioning of the nervous system and affects the activity of the brain. There are no problems with concentration and perseverance.
Puberty passes more calmly, without outbursts of aggression, the risk of developing depressive conditions is reduced.
Contraindications for use may be:
- Individual intolerance to the components;
- Presence of kidney and liver stones, pancreatitis, hepatitis;
- Diseases of the blood.
Maternity oil
In a state of pregnancy, women, more than ever, feel vulnerable and need attention and care.
The use of flaxseed oil helps the female sex to survive this difficult period. It enriches the body of mother and child with the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Beneficial features:
- regulates blood cholesterol levels;
- speeds up and stabilizes metabolism;
- helps with constipation;
- stabilizes hormones;
- stimulates the body's immune system.
However, there are also a number of contraindications:
- an excess of the product can activate the work of the uterus, as a result of which there will be a threat to the life of the fetus;
- an allergic reaction to components;
- the occurrence of problems with the pancreas, liver, genitourinary system;
- low pressure.
Linseed oil in cosmetology
Flax seed oil is also used in beauty treatments. It can be used both as a stand-alone product and in the manufacture of creams and masks.
When applied in a thin layer to hands and face, it refreshes skin tone and helps to make it soft and silky.
If you add it to a regular cream, it will enhance its properties and enrich it with vitamins. The same effect is achieved when the product is added to hair balms. In this case, such a component helps to prevent hair loss, scalp inflammation and seborrhea.
Store such creams and balms in the refrigerator.
Since the oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it is great for treating a variety of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.
Low-cost oil is sold in many stores and pharmacies, but the products of some manufacturers can be found only on certain sites: iherb.com is a site where you can find all products of interest and order them.
Flax seed oil is considered the most useful and affordable storehouse of vitamins, minerals and acids. It can be used both for prevention purposes and as an adjunct in the treatment of various diseases. However, the product is not a drug.
