Natural oils have become more and more popular. Whether in capsule or raw, its nutritional properties draw the attention of anyone who wants an aid to improve health in a practical way.
One of them is flaxseed oil, a source of omega 3 and 6 – essential fatty acids, that is, good fats obtained through food. This product has several health benefits and can even assist in weight reduction.
Keep reading and learn more about it!
Contents
What is linseed oil?
Flaxseed oil is an oil extracted from the seed of flaxseed. It is one of the richest foods in omega 3 and provides several health benefits.
It can be found in the form of capsules or liquid.
In capsules
The supplementation of flaxseed oil in capsules is ideal for those who want to get the benefits of the product in a practical way or do not like the taste of the food.
It is recommended to ingest, with water, 1 capsule per day or according to medical prescription.
In liquid
Oil in liquid form is a good option, as it can be added to recipes, such as salads, or even consumed pure.
The recommended is to ingest 2 to 3 tablespoons (30mL to 45mL) of the product per day.
It is worth mentioning that one must avoid heating it, so that there is no reduction in its beneficial properties.
Is brown flaxseed oil the same as golden flaxseed oil?
The brown flaxseed and the golden flaxseed are two varieties that have similar properties in terms of composition and, what differentiates them, is the geographic region in which they are produced.
While the golden is typical of cold climates, the brown is from Mediterranean climates.
Thus, brown flaxseed oil does not differ significantly from the golden seed in terms of benefits.
The aspect that can differ between the two presentations is the taste.
If you are going to consume the oil in a pure way, know that the golden flaxseed has a mild taste, while the brown has a more bitter and strong flavor.
What is flaxseed oil in capsules for?
Flaxseed oil in capsules is ideal for those looking for practical consumption to obtain the nutrients from the seed. It is rich in omega 3, which helps fight inflammatory processes, helps with weight loss and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
It is good for:
For hair and nails
Due to the high levels of the omega 3 nutrient in its composition, flaxseed oil acts to increase the hydration and shine of the hair, helping to reduce frizz.
It also acts by stimulating hair growth and strengthening.
In addition, the nutrient’s anti-inflammatory properties help to nourish and strengthen the nails, preventing breakage.
For skin
Flaxseed oil can be a good ally for skin health.
It has natural anti-inflammatories, a property that helps to soothe and provide a healthy appearance to the dermis.
In addition, due to its antioxidant characteristics, it prevents premature aging and aids in the healing process.
For menopause and PMS
The consumption of the oil can be beneficial for those who want to relieve the symptoms of menopause .
It has a substance called lignan – estrogen neutralizer – responsible for balancing female hormones in the woman’s body.
In this way, it helps to reduce menopausal heat (hot flushes) and PMS symptoms.
For cholesterol
Because of the omega 3 in its composition, flaxseed oil acts to control the body’s cholesterol levels.
It reduces the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the levels of the good (HDL).
In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation, preventing the stiffening of the arteries.
To the heart
The properties of the oil act as vasodilators, increasing the elasticity of blood vessels and facilitating the passage of blood.
This prevents problems with clogging the arteries, which could cause heart problems, such as heart attack .
What are the benefits of flaxseed oil?
Flaxseed oil, whether in capsule or liquid form, can provide several health benefits to those who use it regularly. Due to its antioxidant properties, it acts on several areas of the body such as hair, skin, nails, heart and even against cellular aging. Some advantages of including oil in the diet are:
- Strengthens hair and nails;
- Prevents premature aging;
- Reduces menopause heat;
- Decreases bad cholesterol;
- Improves blood circulation throughout the body.
It is worth remembering that to obtain the benefits in a healthy way it is necessary to consume the oil in moderation, following medical recommendations.
Do you lose weight?
It can help in the process. Flaxseed oil can help with weight loss, as long as it is combined with other practices and used as indicated by professionals.
Because of its properties, with omega 3 and 6, the oil can help with weight loss, since these substances act to fight inflammation of the body, a process that makes weight loss difficult.
In addition, including flaxseed oil in the diet promotes more satiety, as fats are digested more slowly. Thus, there is a delay in gastric emptying, making it easier to control food consumption, helping with weight loss.
It is also a thermogenic food, that is, it stimulates the metabolism, facilitating the burning of fat.
In spite of this, it is important to emphasize that the consumption of oil alone will not bring significant results in weight loss, being necessary to combine consumption with a balanced diet and the practice of physical exercises.
How to use flaxseed oil?
Flaxseed oil can be used in several ways. In its liquid presentation, it can be added to salty salads and juices.
Another option is to use it as a substitute for olive oil or even to consume it pure, eating between one and two spoons a day.
In the form of capsules, it is recommended to ingest, with water, 1 to 2 capsules a day before meals, to stimulate satiety.
For beauty treatments, it can be added to hair masks and shampoos. One possibility is to add a few drops of the oil in a moisturizer and apply directly to the strands.
Price and where to buy?
Flaxseed oil can be found in physical and online pharmacies and health food stores.
In the form of capsules, prices vary widely, with values between R $ 20 and R $ 90, depending on the brand and quantity of capsules.
Capsule options include *:
- Herbarium Linseed Oil ;
- Linseed Oil from Santa Catarina ;
- Liteé Linseed Oil ;
- Orange Flaxseed Oil .
In liquid form, prices range from R $ 14 with 200mL to approximately R $ 130 with 1000mL *.
* Prices consulted in November 2019. Prices may vary.
Are there any contraindications?
Like other products, the consumption of oil has some contraindications, not being indicated in cases of pregnancy, since studies reveal that consumption can stimulate premature birth or hemorrhage during childbirth.
It is not recommended that people who have problems with the gallbladder make use of the oil, since it is a fat, which stimulates the contraction of the gallbladder and can aggravate the symptoms.
The combination of oil and drugs should also not be performed, as it can facilitate the absorption of substances by the body, which can result in changes in action.
Flaxseed has become popular due to its high level of nutrients and health benefits.
Among the presentation options, there is the oil, which despite being extracted from the seed, preserves several of its nutritional properties.
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