Properties of linseed oil

Useful properties of flax oil were known to our ancestors. In Russia, linseed oil was an integral part of the diet. It was added to the baked pastry to giveshe had a pleasant aroma and ruddy tinge, seasoned them with vegetables during the fasting period, prepared holiday dishes on the basis of linseed oil. Folk healers believed that the properties of linseed oil allow him to heal wounds and cuts, to alleviate pain.

Useful properties of flax oil are preserved in full if it was received by cold pressing (pressing). Flaxseed oil obtained by usingthis technology can be used for medicinal purposes. The color of linseed oil depends on the degree of purification and can vary from golden to brown.

Useful properties of flaxseed oil are due to its composition. Flaxseed oil contains a number of vitamins (A, B, E,F, K), polyunsaturated acids (Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9) and saturated fatty acids (0.1 composition). Acids Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), Omega-6 (linolenic acid) and Omega-9 (oleic acid) have a positive effect on cellular activity and the rate of transmission of nerve impulses. The peculiarity of these acids is that they are not produced by the body on their own. In this case, in contrast to the Omega-6 acid, which is found in many vegetable oils, Omega-3 is found only in linseed oil.

Flaxseed oil in medicine

At the basis of the beneficial properties of flax oil lies normalization of metabolic processes in the body (and it is possible due to the acids Omega-3 and Omega-6). Among the properties of flax oil, we can distinguish the following:

• lowering cholesterol and blood viscosity, improving the elasticity of blood vessels;


• normalization of the digestive system;


• improvement of immunity.

Thanks to the beneficial effect on many organs and organ systems, the useful properties of flaxseed oil make it possible to use it for treatment and prevention of a number of diseases, in particular:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system: coronary heart disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, atherosclerosis, the formation of thrombi;


• diseases of the digestive system: heartburn, colitis, gastritis, constipation, helminthiosis, liver disease;


• oncological diseases: cancer of the rectum, breast cancer;


• diseases of the respiratory system (lungs and bronchi);


• diseases of the nervous system;


• diseases of organs of discharge (bladder and kidneys);


• Thyroid gland diseases;


• skin diseases, wounds, cracks, lichen, burns (applied externally);


• violation of potency in men.

Also, linseed oil is used for rehabilitation of weakened and postoperative patients. Flaxseed oil is useful for children (promotesthe full development of the body) and for pregnant women (facilitates the course of pregnancy and childbirth, contributes to the proper development of the fetal brain). Also, linseed oil helps normalize the hormonal background, soften the premenstrual syndrome and smooth out the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.

Flaxseed oil in cosmetology

Cosmetologists include flax oil in the composition of masks for hair and skin (especially dry and fading) - so find use rejuvenating, softening and bactericidal properties of linseed oil. In addition, linseed oil is beneficial for the skin due to the high content of vitamins. From linseed oil and ground coffee, you can prepare peeling to fight cellulite, it is easy to apply and does not irritate the skin. And from 0.5 tsp. linseed oil, one capsule of vitamin E and egg yolk is a mask for dry and damaged skin of hands. It should be applied to pre-steamed hands and keep for half an hour, putting on top cosmetic gloves.

Nutritionists believe that flaxseed oil is good to use for weight loss - it is enough to replace in your diet partAnimal fats for food flaxseed oil, which is easier to digest. It normalizes lipid metabolism and promotes weight loss. And for vegetarians who do not eat fish, linseed oil is generally indispensable - it becomes a source of fatty acids that non-vegetarians receive from fish.

Application of linseed oil

Biological value flax oil is the highest among all edible oils. 1-2 tbsp. linseed oil per day should be enough to meet the daily needs of the body in fatty acids and fats, tk. Flaxseed oil contains more unsaturated fatty acids than all other products.

Flaxseed oil can be added to food (salads,vinaigrettes, porridges, sauerkraut, boiled potatoes, etc.). Best preserved are the beneficial properties of linseed oil, not subjected to heat treatment, so it is better to use it cold.

Flaxseed oil is sold in liquid form (forconsumption for food and cosmetic purposes) and in capsules (for oral administration). High-quality fresh linseed oil is odorless, transparent and slightly yellow. If the linseed oil is spoiled, it becomes viscous, turbidity, bitter aftertaste and the smell of drying oil. The spoiled linseed oil should never be used for food, medicinal and cosmetic purposes! To preserve the useful properties of flaxseed oil, store it in a dark jar with a tightly closed lid in a dark place. Too low and too high temperatures are equally harmful to linseed oil.