Linseeds which are also known as flaxseeds have been consumed for thousands of years. They are small golden/tan seeds that are an excellent source of omega 3 fats, fibre and a whole load of other vitamins and minerals. Linseed oil derived from linseeds/flaxseeds.
Linseed oil is one of the richest plant based sources of an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha linolenic acid (ALA). Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to a healthy diet and play a crucial role in many bodily functions. Linseed oil also contain essential omega-6 fatty acids. You might have heard over the years that omega-6 is bad for you and is the cause of inflammation in the body, but that depends on where you are getting them from and how much you are getting. Omega-6 is essential, and cutting it out would do more harm than good. Luckily linseed oil has the correct ratio of omega 3 and 6.
Linseed oil is versatile liquid that can be easily added into your diet. It can be added into smoothies, dips, salad dressings and foods after they are cooked. But don’t cook with it as it has a low smoke point and heat can turn the healthy fats into harmful ones. Once opened flaxseed oil should be stored in the fridge with the bottle tightly closed to stop it from going rancid. Make sure when buying it that you are buying cold pressed organic flaxseed oil in a dark bottle which keeps light out and reduces oxidation.
Have a read about the benefits of linseed oil below.
- Linseeds contain the most abundant amount of lignans found in food. Lignans are natural phytoestrogens and are able to increase or decrease estrogen activity depending on your hormonal status. For this reason there have been many studies done on lignans and their effect on fighting breast cancer and other estrogen related malignancies. Lignans have shown to be beneficial to menopausal woman by balancing estrogen levels. Linseeds can be taken alongside hormonal replacement medications, and in some cases used as an alternative. (Check with your GP first) Lignans in addition to helping balance estrogen levels also have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
- Linseeds are also a great source of other vitamins and minerals such as manganese, thiamine, magnesium, B6, folate, potassium, iron and zinc.
- As mentioned above linseeds are also one of the richest sources of plant based omega-3 fatty acids called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA offers heart health benefits, along with lowering blood pressure and preventing hardening of the arteries. Flaxseed oil is also beneficial to improving heart health, and studies have shown it might help in the treatment of heart disease. This is thanks to its ability to help lower blood pressure and help prevent hardening of the arteries
- Linseeds can help aid weight loss - linseed oil lubricates the colon and works as a natural laxative helping our body get rid of food waste more efficiently. This can help remove toxins from our body too and aid weight loss.
- As mentioned above linseed oil lubricates the colon so this can be beneficial in treating constipation and keeping you regular. Another study found that in addition to treating constipation, linseed oil can help reduce diarrhoea.
- Linseed oil helps to reduce eczema - The ALA fatty acids found in linseeds are also beneficial to our skin and hair health! Making our hair shinier and stronger and reduce redness and dryness in our skin, including the symptoms of eczema
- Linseed oil can help with treatment of Sjogren’s syndrome. - Studies have shown that when taken orally linseed oil can help reduce the surface inflammation of the eye and dry eyes
Always speaks to your GP before starting a new supplement, especially if you are already taking medication.
FSC Organic Flaxseed Oil is certified and approved by the Soil Association.
The organic flaxseeds are pressed at a very cold temperature, using a cold processing method which does not require any use of solvents. It comes in dark bottle which helps reduce oxidation.
