Linseed grows regionally, is either ground or cold pressed into oil and is considered one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3. Linseed oil (flaxseed oil) is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and, with lots of vitamin E, is one of the best and healthiest oils on the planet. In this blog post, we reveal why this is so and how the pressed flax seeds work on our body as a food supplement.
About the effect: Why is linseed oil so healthy?
The "liquid gold" has many notable properties and valuable ingredients as well as nutritional values in addition to the immune system strengthening effect:
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Linseed oil has around 58 percent of the valuable omega-3 variant alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which the body cannot produce itself. The effect is to lower the cholesterol level. Thus, flaxseed oil helps to improve blood lipid and blood sugar levels. Alpha-linolenic acid also has a noticeable positive influence on the regulation of blood pressure. This makes linseed oil good for our entire cardiovascular system and can help prevent heart attacks, strokes and thrombosis.
According to a study, it has been proven that linseed oil and linseed can help prevent diabetes. This results from the fact that taking the oil directly after meals alleviates peaks in blood sugar levels that occur. But the effect of linseed oil can also be beneficial for diabetes patients.
During menopause, a diet rich in fibre and protein is recommended. Linseeds can also have a positive effect on women's health because they are rich in lignans. The hormone-like substances show an anti-carcinogenic effect, so they can offer preventive protection against cancer. In addition, the intake of linseed oil is considered to have a favourable effect on low oestrogen levels or even an oestrogen deficiency.
A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids can also have an effect on the brain. There is also talk of impaired vision and thinking ability. Behavioural changes, mood swings and depression can even occur. Those who compensate for the deficiency and ensure a normal omega-3 level through linseed oil, among other things, can thereby strengthen the ability to concentrate, improve the ability to think and ensure inner balance. Read more about how linseed oil helps our brain.
Linseed oil generally has an anti-inflammatory effect on our body. By taking it, not only can inflammation be reduced, but also kidney values and thus kidney function can be improved.
It also has a positive effect on our digestion and is considered a superfood for abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome or diarrhoea. As it stimulates intestinal activity, it can also help with constipation, have a laxative effect and stimulate digestion. Linseed oil is often used as a supportive measure for losing weight. The fat killer boosts the metabolism. We have summarised more information on how linseed oil stimulates the metabolism here.
Pure and high-quality vegetable oils provide the face and body with valuable nutrients, help the skin to regenerate and make it supple. Each plant oil has its advantages. For example, the cell-regenerating linseed oil not only has an effect on skin cracks and damage, but also disinfects and helps with skin circulation.
How much linseed oil should one consume daily?
If you are wondering how to take linseed properly, it is best to use organic linseed oil. We recommend 1-2 tablespoons daily and proper storage (in the refrigerator, until the expiration date). In general, the thick, slightly nutty-tart tasting oil should never be heated and should only be added to the food after cooking, as otherwise the structure changes, trans fatty acids are formed and the oil could have a harmful effect on the body.
Linseed oil serves as an optimal omega-3 supplier, completely without fish or fish oil, and is therefore also suitable for anyone who consciously wants to avoid animal products and for anyone who eats a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Simple linseed oil recipes
We have summarised our favourite and simple linseed oil recipes here and show which foods linseed oil can best be combined with to develop its effects. Our pharmacists recommend carrot juice with linseed oil, the perfect immune booster mix for every day. Those who prefer solid food will enjoy potatoes with linseed oil dip. The effect of the oil can also be enhanced by protein-rich foods.
Do you have any further questions? Our pharmacists at Saint Charles Pharmacy Vienna and Berlin will be happy to advise you on site!
