Cold Pressed: Organic Flaxseed Oil
Cold press flax oil is the edible oil extracted from the seeds of the flax plant without the use of heat.
Cold press flax oil is quite unique in that it is one of the few edible oils from plant sources that has alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is the precursor to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-3 essential fatty acids found in triglyceride-based fish oil as well as pure cod liver oil, and which are touted for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cold press flax oil is undoubtedly a healthy addition to your diet.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acids)
- Proteins help decrease heart disease risk factors
- Fibers help prevent constipation
- Phenolic compounds (lignans) help protect against cancer
- Minerals (calcium, magnesium and phosphorus)
Amazing Benefits of Organic Flaxseed Oil
1. Flaxseed Oil Protects the Brain
Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids are incredibly potent and powerful foods for the brain (and your overall health). The Omega-3 fatty acids found in flax seeds and fish are good for maintaining brain health as about 60 percent of the brain consists of lipids (fats) which make up the lining, or cell membrane, of every brain cell.
The types of fats present in the brain influence its structure and function. So in some ways, we could say ‘we are what we eat’.
Eating foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids is a great way to protect and extend the health of your brain. There is no scientific evidence (that I know of) that would say that such foods can prevent diseases like dementia or Alzheimers, but one would be hard pressed to think that they wouldn’t at least help your chances of staying healthy.
2. Could Benefit Heart Health
Several studies have found that flaxseed oil could benefit heart health.
One study in 59 people compared the effects of flaxseed oil to those of safflower oil, a type of oil high in omega-6 fatty acids.
In this study, supplementing with one tablespoon (15 ml) of flaxseed oil for 12 weeks led to significantly lower blood pressure levels than supplementing with safflower oil.
High blood pressure can harm heart health, as it places extra strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder.
Flaxseed oil may also improve the elasticity of the arteries. Both aging and increased blood pressure are generally linked to decreases in elasticity.
These benefits are likely due to the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil, as supplementing with it has been shown to significantly increase the amount of omega-3s in the blood.
3. Flaxseed Oil Benefits Skin Health
Flaxseed oil has a high ALA content, which supports skin health. Flaxseed decreases skin cell inflammation and promoted regenerative functions.
Eczema is a common skin disorder with dry, uncomfortable, and red skin. Flaxseed oil lowered saturated fatty acid levels in both horses and human skin cells, which may reduce rash areas and help clear irregular skin.
In a study (DB-RT) of 13 women, Flaxseed Oil supplementation improved skin sensitivity, hydration, and overall condition.
In another study (DB-RCT) of 45 women, Flaxseed Oil ingestion for 12 weeks reduced skin redness and roughness.
Flaxseed also lowered skin cell inflammation and increased repair in skin cells.
4. May Help Reduce Cancer Cell Growth
Although the current research is limited to test-tube and animal studies, there is some evidence that flaxseed oil may help reduce the growth of cancer cells.
In one animal study, mice were given 0.3 ml of flaxseed oil for 40 days. It was found to prevent the spread of cancer and the growth of lung tumors.
In another small animal study, flaxseed oil was shown to block the formation of colon cancer in rats.
Furthermore, test-tube studies have produced similar findings, with several studies showing that flaxseed oil reduced the growth of breast cancer cells.
Still, while these findings are promising, more research is needed to determine how these results may translate to humans.
5. Flaxseed Protects Against Diabetes
Flaxseed may also play a role in lowering risk and managing diabetes.
In a study (DB-RCT) of 62 adults with high fat levels, ground flaxseed helped improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance can cause high glucose levels and cause diabetes.
Daily flaxseed consumption also improved glucose control in obese individuals with prediabetes in a study (randomized, cross-over) of 25 participants.
Individuals with PCOS might have a higher risk for diabetes and high insulin and glucose levels. In a study (DB-RCT) of 60 women with PCOS, flaxseed oil supplementation lowered their insulin levels.
Flaxseed lignans reduced diabetes incidence in rats.
6. Flaxseed Oil May Improve Bone Health
Provides improved Immune Function – Immunity is the body’s ability to defend itself successfully against foreign substances. The alpha linolenic acid, as well as the lignans, decreases inflammation and promotes healthy functioning of the immune system. Flax seed may be useful to manage autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus.
Weight Management – research indicates that including flaxseed in your daily diet can help you manage your weight. Besides stabilizing your sugar levels, flax expands five times in bulk when ingested. Flax taken half an hour before meals will help you eat less, so you will lose weight while simultaneously strengthening your immune system.
7. Flaxseed Oil for Treatment of Arthritus
Arthritis can even cause permanent changes to the joints. Some types of arthritis affect heart, kidney, lung, skin as well as the joints. Major types include:
- Degenerative arthritis- where bone tissue degrades with time
- Inflammatory arthritis- where inflammation in joints may spread to other lungs and involves immune dysfunction
- Infective arthritis- where inflammation is worsened by bacterial infection
- Metabolic arthritis-where unfavourable metabolic health reactions occur
Reduced response to conventional treatment is leading to research for a safer, fast acting and effective cure. Since we are already looking alternatives why don’t we see food and nutrition can help.
Flaxseed oil has been gaining nutritional importance in recent times owing to its health benefits in various conditions.