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Flaxseed Oil comes from Flax (Linum usitatissimum), and is often called Linseed Oil. This plant has been used for making linen as well as linseed oil based paints and varnishes. The seeds of the flax plant are extremely high in essential fatty acids (EFAs), containing between 50 to 60% linolenic acid (triple unsaturated omega-3) and between 15 to 25% linoleic acid (double unsaturated omega-6).
There are many good sources for information concerning the benefits of EFAs, much more information than will be discussed here. Because of the high amounts of unsaturated fats, Flax seed oil should be fresh, and not exposed to heat or light. Flax Oil can be purchased in soft-gel capsules and is also available in bottles. It should taste pleasant, not rancid, if it is fresh.
Fresh, ground flaxseeds are used often as a bulking laxative, and as a soothing agent for the gastrointestinal tract. The high mucilage in the seed is responsible for this activity. The German Commission E has "Approved" Flaxseed for chronic constipation, and irritable or inflamed bowel conditions.
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Flax Seed, Flaxseed Oil, Linseed Oil can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |
GLOSSARY
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of medicinal herbs; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.
Constipation (Constipated)
Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.
Essential Fatty Acid (EFA, EFAs, Essential Fatty Acids)
A substance that the human body cannot manufacture and therefore must be supplied in the diet.
Flax (Flax Oil, Flax Seed)
Flax Seed or Flax Oil. Flax oil is nutty-flavored oil that is pressed out of flax seeds and is one of the richest sources of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), a vital element for good health. The oil making process removes many of the seed's phytoestrogens which offer several health-related benefits including reducing the risk of cancer and alleviating menopausal symptoms. Many choose to use the whole seed because of its fiber and lignan content. Flaxseed oil is light- and temperature-sensitive and must be stored in the refrigerator.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Laxative (Laxatives)
A substance (food, herb, chemical) that stimulates evacuation of the bowels. Examples include cascara sagrada, senna, castor oil, aloe vera, bisacodyl, phenolphthalein and many others.
Mucilage
Preparation consisting of a solution in water of the viscous principles of plants; used as a soothing application to mucous membranes.
Peptic Ulcer (Peptic Ulcers, Duodenal Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcers, Gastric Ulcer, Gastric Ulcers)
A general term for gastric ulcers (stomach) and duodenal ulcers (duodenum), open sores in the stomach or duodenum caused by digestive juices and stomach acid. Most ulcers are no larger than a pencil eraser, but they can cause tremendous discomfort and pain. They occur most frequently in the 60 to 70 age group, and slightly more often in men than in women. Doctors now know that there are two major causes of ulcers: most often patients are infected with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori); others are regular users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which include common products like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Unsaturated Fats (Unsaturated Fat)
In foods, fats missing hydrogen atoms in specific places on the fatty acid molecule; depending on the number of missing atoms, these fats are classified as either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. Main dietary sources are plants and fish.
Last updated: Nov 08, 2009
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