What’s up with Flaxseed Oil?

Many of you might have come across flaxseed related product or blogs at least once while scrolling on your mobile phones on social media platforms. Right after we have finally understood the benefits of fish oil, coconut oil, sesame oil etc. Now we have a new type of a miracle oil in Malaysia that everyone is suddenly talking about which is Flaxseed oil. Various organic brands in Malaysia are heavily pushing on educating and selling Flaxseed oil.

But, let’s be honest. Flaxseed doesn’t really sound appealing and many wouldn’t even know what is flax seed in general. So why even bother to buy? Below I will be sharing some information so that you know what's the buzz surrounding flaxseed and why it’s every health freak’s (or wanna be) must haves!



Things you should know about Flaxseed Oil
Flax is a plant which is grown for fibre from which linen yarn and fabric are made. its is also grown for it nutritious seeds which are called flaxseed or also known as linseed. Flax seeds besides being consumed raw or toasted in cereals or smoothies it is also famously used in its oil form. Flax oil is a colourless to yellowish oil obtained from the dried, ripened seeds of the flax plant.

However, there are many synthetic fibers that are available now which is why flax has lost its value and flaxseed has gained so much popularity worldwide (especially China, Russia and Canada) for its health benefits. For your information, flaxseed oil comes from ripened flaxseeds that manufacturers have cold pressed to extract the oil. Flaxseed oil is both available in capsule and liquid form. It also contains a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).



Uses of Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil doesn’t contain the exact same nutrients as the whole seed. For example, flaxseeds contain fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B, but flaxseed oil does not. However, flaxseed oil contains a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). FYI, omega-3 fatty acids are vital to a person's physical and mental health.



Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

1. Reducing cholesterol
Same as flaxseed, flaxseed oil may help lower cholesterol levels. The ALA in flaxseed oil might play a role in decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol. In a small study involving 15 adults, the participants consumed either flaxseed oil or corn oil once per day with dinner.

The researchers measured the participants' cholesterol levels at the start of the study and again 12 weeks later. The outcome to that study was that those who consumed the corn oil had no change in their cholesterol levels, while those who consumed the flaxseed oil had a significant decrease in LDL.

2. Fighting cancer
According to some research done flaxseed oil may help fight certain types of cancer. Even though much more research is needed to draw a definite conclusion, some animal studies are encouraging. In one study on mice with lung tumors found that those that consumed a 10 percent flaxseed diet had fewer tumors compared with those in the control group. Studies have been done on the effects of flaxseed and flaxseed oil on other types of cancer.

Also in another literature review indicates that in animal studies, the fatty acid in flaxseed oil may suppress breast tumor size and growth, as well as promote cancer cell death.

3. Treating atopic dermatitis
It is said that flaxseed oil might have benefits for the skin and hair such as reducing some of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Just so you know, atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema which is a long-term condition that causes red and itchy skin. In a study looking at the effect of flaxseed oil consumption on mice with dermatitis. After the duration of 3 weeks, the mice had decreased dermatitis symptoms, such as redness, swelling, and itching.

4. Reducing diabetes risk
So for those afraid of getting diabetes, flaxseed oil may also help lower the risk of diabetes. In one 2015 systematic review analyzed studies to determine the effect of flaxseed oil in people with diabetes. In the study which involved 25 people who had prediabetes. So these participants were either women experiencing menopause or men who were overweight. They had consumed either 13 grams (g) or 26 g of flaxseed daily for 12 weeks.

After the duration of 12 weeks, those who consumed 13 g of flaxseed had a decreased blood sugar levels. However, those who ate higher doses of flaxseed did not experience any changes. Till date, the researchers are not sure why the high-dose group did not have any changes. Meanwhile, flaxseed oil may have a positive effect in people with prediabetes, larger and more comprehensive studies are needed to make firm conclusions.

5. May help treat constipation and diarrhea
Flaxseed oil might be effective at treating both constipation and diarrhea. In one study gave 50 constipated patients on hemodialysis either flaxseed oil, olive oil or mineral oil. Four weeks later, flaxseed oil increased the frequency of bowel movements and improved stool consistency. However, this results are based on limited research but worth giving a try!



Risk of consuming Flaxseed Oil
As the saying goes, we should consume everything in moderation. There can be minor side effects depending on the dose and the person's individual reaction. Possible adverse effects include:
• Gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea

There is not much information on whether or not flaxseed oil is safe to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding.



How to use flaxseed oil?
Here’s some tips on how to go about using flaxseed oil. Firstly, flaxseed oil is sensitive to light and heat (just like virgin olive oil) so it is best to buy it in an opaque or dark glass bottle to protect it from the light and store it in a cool and dark place.

Besides that, the taste of flaxseed oil is mild. You can drink a spoonful straight or incorporate it into salad dressings, dips and sauces. You can also use flaxseed oil instead of other oils or butter for cooking. However, flaxseed oil is sensitive to heat, so cooking with it will change the nutritional properties.

Good news for those who do not want to add flaxseed oil to food, it is also available in capsule form.


Thanks for reading! <3


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