Flaxseed oil: Uses, dosage, side effects

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are known for their many health benefits, providing a large amount of protein and fiber, reducing cravings and supporting weight management. Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and capsule form with a variety of uses ranging from cooking to skin care. So what are the effects of flaxseed oil?

Flaxseed is the seed from the plant Linum usitatissimum. These nuts are a good source of alpha-linolenic acid, a heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid.
Flaxseed oil has usually been ground and pressed from the flaxseed to release its natural oil, which is used in manufacturing and food. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid - an essential omega-3 fatty acid (ALA). In foods, people use flaxseed oil in salad dressings and margarine. Flaxseed oil is also used as a medicine.
Besides, flaxseed oil is effective for carpal tunnel syndrome and diabetic foot ulcers. It is also very helpful for heart disease, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), high cholesterol levels or fatty blood,...

Flaxseed and linseed oil have many uses in medical as well as food production. Here are some health benefits of flaxseed oil:
2.1 Effects on heart disease Some studies show that the alpha-linolenic acid found in flaxseed and flaxseed oils is beneficial for people with heart disease , reduce high blood pressure. Like flaxseed, flaxseed oil is high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, a form of omega-3 fatty acids that are only converted in small amounts to the active forms of omega-3s, like EPA and DHA.
According to experts, men need to supplement the body with at least 1,600 mg of ALA omega-3 fatty acids per day and in women 1,100 mg. In fact, one tablespoon (15ml) of flaxseed oil contains 7,196 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Just one tablespoon of flaxseed oil can meet, or even exceed, your daily ALA requirement.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for health and provide many benefits to human health such as: reducing inflammation, improving heart health and anti-aging.

2.2 Efficacy on carpal tunnel syndrome and foot ulcers in people with diabetes Research shows that applying flaxseed oil to the wrists twice daily for 4 weeks improves symptoms and wrist function in people with carpal tunnel syndrome wear a wrist brace at night.
For foot ulcers in people with diabetes, taking flaxseed oil twice daily for 12 weeks may help foot ulcers heal faster.
2.3 Effects on cholesterol levels Some studies show that taking flaxseeds daily can lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL or “bad cholesterol”) levels.
2.4 Effects on diabetes Taking flaxseed oil might lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
2.5 Reduces Cancer Cell Growth Some studies show that flaxseed oil can help reduce the growth of cancer cells, especially breast cancer cells. Women with higher levels of alpha-linolenic acid in their breast tissue are less likely to develop breast cancer. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, so it may help the body fight breast cancer.
2.6 May Help Treat Constipation and Diarrhea Flaxseed oil can be effective in treating both constipation and diarrhea. It acts as a laxative to promote good digestion,
A study was performed on 50 patients with constipation during hemodialysis using flaxseed oil, olive oil or mineral oil. After four weeks, the results showed that flaxseed oil helped patients increase bowel movements and improve stool consistency.
2.7 May Improve Skin Health Flaxseed oil can also help promote skin health. In one small study, 13 women were given flaxseed oil supplements for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the results showed that these women had an improvement in skin smoothness and hydration, while sensitivity to irritated and rough skin was reduced.
2.8 May Reduce Inflammation Thanks to its omega-3 fatty acid content, flaxseed oil can help reduce inflammation. It significantly reduced levels of C-reactive protein, a substance used to measure inflammation in obese people. The study of 37 people showed that flaxseed oil supplementation did not affect any markers of inflammation in normal-weight healthy adults, compared with olive oil.
2.9 Improve dry eyes Flaxseed oil may reduce irritation and dry eye symptoms in people with a syndrome called Sjogren's syndrome. Additionally, using a specific product that contains fish oil plus flaxseed oil may reduce dry eye symptoms and increase tear production.
2.10 Prevents Atherosclerosis Flaxseed oil is rich in linolenic acid, increasing the amount of linolenic acid in the diet can help prevent hardening of the arteries.
2.11 Effects on Parkinson's Disease Early research shows that taking flaxseed oil plus vitamin E daily for 12 weeks might improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Flaxseed oil when used in conjunction with daily exercise and a low cholesterol diet can help control cholesterol levels.

Flaxseed oil can be used in many different ways. It can be used as an alternative to other oils, added to foods or applied to your skin and hair. With just one or two servings of flaxseed oil used, there are many health benefits to the body.
Flaxseed oil can be used in place of other oils such as salad dressings, dips and sauces. You can also add a serving (15ml) to smoothies, or add some flaxseed oil to your diet for a complete nutritional boost.
In addition to being used in food, flaxseed oil can be applied to the skin to promote skin health, increase skin moisture, as a hair mask to promote hair growth.
For children, flaxseed is safe for children when taken by mouth short-term. For children about 7-8 years old, use flaxseed oil only for a maximum of 3 months.
However, flaxseed oil should not be used for cooking, as it can form harmful compounds when exposed to high heat. Do not eat raw or unripe flaxseeds.

Flaxseed and flaxseed oil will bring many benefits to human health if used in the right way, in the right dose. However, when taken in large quantities and with too little water, flaxseeds can cause: bloating, gas, diarrhea... In some cases, using flaxseed oil or flaxseeds causes allergic reaction.
Here are some people who should limit or avoid flaxseed oil:
For pregnant women: Some studies show that flaxseed oil may increase the risk of preterm birth in the second trimester or third of pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid flaxseed oil; Bleeding disorders: Flaxseed oil may increase the risk of serious bleeding in patients with bleeding disorders; Surgical patients: Flaxseed oil may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using this oil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Source: mayoclinic.org; healthline.com; webmd.com