What Are the Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil?

Flaxseed oil is considered a superfood, a food that contains a high quantity of phytonutrients. Some of the many health benefits of flaxseed oil include high levels of fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. The qualities of these nutrients enhance the overall health of a person in many ways. Flaxseed oils also have an anti-inflammatory agent, which is an added health benefit for those suffering from disorders such as arthritis, as it can prevent as well as reduce inflammation.

Studies have shown that flaxseed oil helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, stroke,and diabetes. The high level of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps promote good fat, is one of the health benefits of flaxseed oil. The good fat is responsible for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids also help the body to absorb vitamins and nutrients. The high quantity of antioxidants in flaxseed oil have been shown to reduce the risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

Another one of the many great health benefits of flaxseed oil is the high level of fiber this superfood contains. A diet high in fiber helps the body maintain good digestive health. Flaxseed is high in soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber helps cleanse the body of waste and helps to exercise the bowel muscles, vital to a healthy digestive system.

The body's immune system can receive the health benefits of flaxseed oil because of the high level of nutrients. The flaxseed comes from a plant seed, so it is a good source of nutrition for everyone, including vegetarians and vegans. Flaxseed oil is extremely convenient to use and can replace olive oil on salads and other cold-prepared food. It is not recommended to cook with flaxseed oil because heating the oil turns the good fats into bad fats. Many people enjoy mixing flaxseed oil with cottage cheese or even adding it to dipping sauces.

The added health benefits of flaxseed oil are in the lignans that it produces. These lignans contain antioxidants that rid the body of free radicals, agents believed to hasten aging and reduce overall health. Whole grains are another source of high lignans; however, flaxseed is known to contain more than five times the amount of lignans than is found in whole grains.

Some studies have shown the health benefits of flaxseed oil for the treatment of external ailments, such as eczema and dry skin conditions. Applying the oil directly to the skin helps relieve itching and helps clear up the area affected. This cold-pressed oil has been used for this purpose for many centuries, and its use has been documented as far back as 3,000 BC.