15 Health Benefits of Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil

Health Benefits of Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds, originally from Mesopotamia, have been consumed since the Stone Age. These seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids (an essential fat your body can't make on its own).

They are also a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B1, and manganese (required for proper nutrient absorption, enzyme function, bone development, and wound healing). They are also a good source of the minerals magnesium, phosphorus, and copper and rich in lignan phytonutrients (which are high in antioxidants and fiber and have anti-estrogenic effects).

Flaxseed may be helpful for

1. Preventing and treating certain cancers, especially breast, prostate, and colon cancers.
2. Maintaining hormone levels in women of all ages and reducing hot flashes caused by menopause.
3. Preventing bone loss, increasing bone density, and decreasing the risk of osteoporosis.
4. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease because it is rich in antioxidants and good for reducing bad LDL cholesterol levels and increasing good cholesterol (thus protecting against heart disease).
5. Preventing asthma.
6. Reducing constipation and improving digestion and colon health (flaxseed is rich in dietary fiber).
   
7. Lowering blood sugar and pressure, and therefore helping with diabetes.
8. Potentially reducing inflammation for patients with Parkinson's disease and asthma.
9. Potentially aiding weight loss.
10. Relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
11. Improving brain health since it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
12. Alleviating skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, sun sensitivities, and dandruff.
13. Building immunity, as the alpha-Linolenic acid and lignans decrease inflammation and promote healthy functioning of the immune system.
14. Strengthening skin, hair, and fingernails.

Why Your Body Needs Flaxseed

One of its unique characteristics is the oil in the seed: Flaxseed is over 40 percent oil. Like other vegetable oils, flax oil is a mixture of fatty acids, but flax is the best source of omega-3s, fatty acids called alpha-Linolenic acid or ALA. It's also a great source of omega-6s and the only seed that has both types.

ALA is a member of the omega-3 fatty acid family. The body cannot make these fatty acids, but they are necessary for normal growth and development. These fats must be attained via diet. Hundreds of studies have shown that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids decrease risk of heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Although flax has been around since the dawn of civilization, it was only recently that people started paying attention to its nutritious and healthy benefits.

Flaxseeds are

• rich in omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acid alpha-Linolenic acid or ALA) and omega-6 (linoleic acid or LA)
• a great source of lignans, vitamins (vitamins B-1, B-2, C, E, and carotene), and minerals (iron, zinc, and trace amounts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium)
• high in fiber
• great antioxidants (significantly higher in polyphenol antioxidants than many fruits or vegetables)
• a high-quality protein
• full of a phytonutrient called lignin
• ingestible as whole seeds, oil, powder, or capsules.

Buying and Using Flaxseed

Whole flaxseeds are sold inexpensively at natural food stores and some grocery stores. It is best to buy them whole and grind them as needed in a coffee grinder.

Eat flaxseeds alone, via capsule, or added to food. The whole seeds are more nutritious than just their oils. Although it might sound like a good idea, it's not recommended that you cook with flaxseed oil since the heat can turn these healthful fats into harmful ones. You can add ground flaxseeds or flax oil to already-cooked foods just before serving.

Note: It is a good idea to grind these tiny, hard-shelled seeds, or they will pass through the body undigested, and your body will not benefit from many of the seeds' nutritional values. If you are using them for constipation, however, the whole seed can be ingested since this combination of oil and fiber makes an ideal laxative.

How to Store Flaxseed

Because flax oils turn rancid quickly, it's best to follow these rules:

• Try to reduce its exposure to light, heat, and air.
• If you're grinding your own, grind it as you use it rather than ahead of time, as this will preserve the flax oils longer.
• Keep your flax in the refrigerator, preferably in a dark (light and air-tight) container.
• Because after six weeks, it's likely to go bad, buy it in small batches.

Easy Ways to Use Flaxseed

There are countless different ways of using flaxseeds. Some of the easiest are noted here.

• While making chapathis, add 3–4 tablespoons of flaxseed powder to the wheat flour before kneading. (Ratio: 2 tbsp. milled flaxseed powder to every 1 cup of wheat flour)
• Flaxseed oil can be dribbled on the chapathis after cooking, in place of ghee or some other cooking oil
• Sprinkle 1–2 tbs. flaxseed powder in salads or smoothies
• Add 2–3 tbs. to your bowl of cereal or cooked oatmeal
• 2–3 tbs. flaxseed powder can be added in the dosa batter while making dosas.

Identifying Flaxseed

Flaxseeds, also called linseeds, are flat, oval, glossy, and have a hard hull that's pointed at one end. They are light to dark reddish brown in colour.

"Flaxseed" in Different Languages

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Sources

• Flaxseed Health Benefits, Food Sources, Recipes, and Tips for Using It
  Is flaxseed the new wonder food? Preliminary studies show that flaxseed may help fight everything from heart disease and diabetes to breast cancer.
• 18 Interesting Benefits of Flaxseed | Organic Facts
  Flaxseed keeps the heart healthy and maintains healthy eyes, skin, and hair. It also reduces the risk of various cancers and improves reproductive health in females.
• Flaxseed—a potential functional food source
  
• 8 Health Benefits of Flax Seeds
  

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Comments

ashwath narayana murthy on February 21, 2020:

thanks for the information about flax seeds

lex123 (author) on December 06, 2017:

People having any medical conditions should not use flaxseeds without consulting a medical doctor. For further information, please check webmd site http://wb.md/2Az2TBE for side effects. When flax seed oil is used only a few drops can be used like smearing on cooked chapathis etc. The oil however, should not be heated.

sohail on December 06, 2017:

Is there any side effect?? How much quantity of flex seed oil can I take daily?

lex123 (author) on December 05, 2017:

Please contact a medical practitioner for advice.

sohail mehnoob on December 05, 2017:

Why you didn't answer me please answer me

sohail mehboob on December 04, 2017:

Is there any side effect like motion ? How quantity of daily use? I am a diabetic but love ayuvedic medicines please answere me I am waiting thanks....

P. Nalinakshan on November 19, 2017:

Thank you for very good information. yesterday i brought 5packets flax seed and started using regularly.will see the effect after one month.

Shridhara C R on March 09, 2017:

Thank you

subhankar mondal on January 28, 2017:

very good information

thanks

lex123 (author) on October 29, 2016:

Thank you for that information.

Surjit kaur on July 28, 2016:

yesterday i bought flax powder from Indian grocery and today i took it in my smoothy. it was very tasty .i started it for diabeties, cholestrol and thyroid. after one month i will see the effect.

lex123 (author) on February 13, 2016:

Please consult your doctor, for advice.

lex123 (author) on November 02, 2015:

I'm sorry. I can't answer this. Please consult your doctor.

shivamma. s on November 02, 2015:

i have undergone hysterectomy and after that i got severe hot flashes from past two years. I dint find a way to get rid of the sweat from hot flash. please suggest me whether this flax seeds can help me to get rid of my problem. I have severe hair fall also. my weight is also increased.

lex123 (author) on October 27, 2015:

thank you for reading and leaving a comment.

mohamed kasim on October 27, 2015:

thanks for the information about flax seeds

Khaleel on October 20, 2015:

I've a very bad hairfall..'m not even touchin non-Veg Jus b'coz of dis hairfall..plz suggest me how to use dis flaxseeseed..i wanna Get rid of dis prob..i love my hair's.

lex123 (author) on September 07, 2015:

Thanks Mrs aamir for this information. It will be very helpful to our readers.

Mrs aamir on September 06, 2015:

I was suffering from Heavy bleeding from last so many years.I am using alsi seeds from last two months and I,m very happy with the results.Alsi seeds r very good for our health u can take them in every season.

Muhammad jawed on August 15, 2015:

I am suffering from constipation since a long time. I want get rid of this problem. How to use flexseed.

lex123 (author) on July 30, 2015:

Yes, you can get oil also in the shops, and online like amazon.in.

Pavitra on July 30, 2015:

Flaxseed ka oil bhi milta hai Kya

jasmeet kaur on May 07, 2015:

It is Useful for under active thyroid or not plz give me and

lex123 (author) on April 15, 2015:

Glad to know that you are getting benefitted with flax seeds. Thanks for your comment.

venu gopal on April 15, 2015:

l use 1tablespoon flax seed powder morning with walmwater before walking night before tiffine 1 tablespoone flaxipowder with walmwater daily twotimes verygood results with in month reduce the suger levels beforeuseing 150/190 after reguler using testreports 110/151 i sufferwith motionproblum after using flaxipowder daily 2 times free motion skin shining jiont pains also better

lex123 (author) on April 13, 2015:

O Great information! Thank you for commenting on this.

Pbs on April 13, 2015:

I am soaking it in water for 2 to 3 tea spoonfuls for about 2 hours.Then remove water and add a little jaggery powder.It tastes very good.By not heating or crushing the nutritional values will be in tact.

jaisee bheo bangalore rural district on March 29, 2015:

Thak for all information.its helpful to all age group. Thanks once again.

lex123 (author) on March 17, 2015:

Flax seeds are available in super markets. Also available in online stores like amazon.in .

anjaneyulu on March 17, 2015:

where these are avilable...anji002@gmail.com

bia Rani on March 13, 2015:

Amazing ...thank you so much for information about flax

parmardeepak on March 09, 2015:

I m used alsi Good test & smooth item from ahmedabad gujrat & I have a available stock (Limited) 09016501278

anil talwar on February 20, 2015:

It is a very usegul information if it is true.

Sukra sai vijay on February 12, 2015:

Really excellent information about flax seed which u shared with i am going to use this flax hereafter n .i ll share my benefit too once after month.

saivijay

sivaganga

Bhargava Donakonda on January 06, 2015:

Iam suffering from migrain. As i found that these seeds can help in reducing it. Is that true? Can you help me with other diet to reduce my headache. Thanks in advance.

lex123 (author) on December 16, 2014:

The sources of information for this hub are mentioned there. Please read them for more information.

Amjad Hussain on December 16, 2014:

I came to know about this flex seed, we also called it tisi in our local language, however the information you have shared in your website is true, if yes i want to know more about this if possible.

lex123 (author) on December 14, 2014:

It is better that you consult a doctor.

lex123 (author) on December 06, 2014:

I think once a day is ok. we use once a day only by adding in chappatis or dosas.

ananthan on December 06, 2014:

I have red all the benefits. now I wanted to know how much I should take daily. Is it once in a day? or twice once in morning and once in evening. please confirm since I am health concisious

lex123 (author) on December 01, 2014:

Thank you for that valuable information. For your question about BPH, please check this article -

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice...

ARUN ACHARYA on December 01, 2014:

As doctor instructed me to reduce cholesterol and someone told about ALSI ie. Flex-seed and benefits in reducing cholesterol, I have started consuming after roasting the same. After 4-5 days added lime drops and salt at the time of roasting, it is now tasty and often use for mouth taste or as Mukhvas. But today I got much more important informations from your HUB. Thank for that. One question that " is it also useful in BPH?"

Anita sharma on October 27, 2014:

I m very thankful to u for this information

lex123 (author) on October 26, 2014:

If your question was in English I could have answered. I don't know Hindi that well.

bharat bhushan on October 26, 2014:

Dear s/m

M alsi ke Sevan ki puri jankari chahta hu ki iska Sevan Kaiser kare aur isle upar kya kya Khan ki chijo ka parhej hota h

Mujko I ska jaldi utter due kirpya karke.

SARAVANAKUMARAN on September 01, 2014:

We are promoting flaxseed .more details www.apexlive.in/9442899319 or touch with apex5star@gmail.com

Khan on July 23, 2014:

I saw tisi from my childhood. People of our area uses tisi oil for burnish purpose.

erwerew on July 15, 2014:

okka okka sugam

lex123 (author) on July 12, 2014:

Flax seeds hair keliya benefit maloom nahi. Provision store (mall) mei milega.

raj kumar on July 12, 2014:

Flax seeds kya hair k liye b benefit or kaha milege

jayavalli on May 17, 2014:

Very useful msg about flaxseeds. Thank u very much

lex123 (author) on May 11, 2014:

You can search in amazon.in for flax seeds. They are available there online. In many of the super stores flax seeds will be available.

kailash Chandra on May 11, 2014:

I don't know the shops for purchase of Flax seeds

Tell me by sms on my cell 09920362117

lex123 (author) on April 02, 2014:

Thank you very much for this info. It will be of great help to our readers.

karunaverma RANCHI on April 02, 2014:

We know in ourchildhood. We eat in form of salad

To make salad-

Roasted tisi powder 1/2cup,grated 1/2 onion,green chili 1 cutting small piece,some drop of lemon and water .

All are mixed in like a batter then eat with rice or chapati.

A wonderful taste likes all.

lex123 (author) on March 28, 2014:

It is nice to know that you want to give the herbs to your patients in charity. There are many hubs here about various herbs, and they cannot be mentioned in a message. Please check the following hubs -

https://discover.hubpages.com/health/Medicinal-use...

https://hubpages.com/health/Health-Benefits-of-Tul...

https://discover.hubpages.com/food/Many-Uses-of-Mi...

There are more such hubs written by others too here. Please spend some time and do a thorough search. You will find many gems of information here on this site.

Dr.D S Jadon on March 28, 2014:

Pls.give me complete details about more herbs. I want to give them my patients in charity. Thanks. Mob. 8955311621.

lex123 (author) on March 21, 2014:

It can be used at any time - winter or summer. I use every time.

raghav on March 20, 2014:

flax should be used in summer or winter.

vinod gupta on March 08, 2014:

it is very useful in constipation and in India it is available rostred form also u may take direct it is very testy also called ALSI GOLD

lex123 (author) on January 16, 2014:

No, both are different types of oils.

t.mullaivanam on January 16, 2014:

i want know the flax seed oil and the olive oil are the same one

prabhat Parashar on December 25, 2013:

use it with curd.

It is very true that our forefathers are using this in their daily diet. Many mordern people discarded it.

lex123 (author) on December 14, 2013:

As some people wanted to know how to use flax seeds in daily diet, I have now added that information and also added two videos. Hope it will be more useful to you now.

R.L.Gupta on December 14, 2013:

How to use flax seeds.

Pamela Lipscomb from Charlotte, North Carolina on December 03, 2013:

I have to start using this for cholesterol and a few other issues mentioned here. To look at it you would've know how good this little seed it is for health. Thanks for writing such a helpful piece!

Ganesh R on December 03, 2013:

I wish to know how to consume flaxseeds and the quantity to consume daily

lex123 (author) on September 30, 2013:

Thank you. I will add it.

VDA on September 30, 2013:

In Kannada its called as "Agase"

Sabih Ahmad Khan, Dubai on September 21, 2013:

This is available in Bihar Darbhanga we never know the benefits, mostly poor people was eating that

Used as an oil, Tisi ka ghola, Tisi ka salad, for fishing also, test fantastic

Need to inform media to advertise it.

Sabih Dubai.

DNH on June 11, 2013:

in Kannada , its called as 'Agashe'. Thanks for the info!

ganapathi on June 10, 2013:

good information

lex123 (author) on April 06, 2013:

Thanks for the comment. If you know other benefits please feel free to add them in the comment, which will be useful to other readers.

bhanubhai prajapati on March 14, 2013:

very good seeds easily available in the market

jha on January 07, 2013:

it is easily available in bihar it is called tishi .The people of bihar are used it on the daily bases of their diet i know about it very well but today i know its benefits .

lex123 (author) on December 01, 2012:

Flax seeds are available in India in the form of seeds, powder and oil. Powder can be mixed with atta while making chappathis, and oil can be smeared over the chappathis after removing it from the stove. The oil should not be cooked.

pradip dey on December 01, 2012:

please let me know, in which form flax seeds are available in India. Can I use the power if it is available? What is the procedure to take it ?

shakeel farooki on June 03, 2012:

very very good...

lex123 (author) on February 04, 2012:

Thanks 2besure for visiting my hub and leaving encouraging comments.

Pamela Lipscomb from Charlotte, North Carolina on January 30, 2012:

I use have a bottle of flaxseed oil in my home. now that I know its many benefits, I will use it daily! Great hub.