Linseed oil
This liquid gold protects your heart
editorial.overview
Which nutrients does linseed oil contain?
Linseed oil, or flaxseed oil, is the oil produced by cold-pressing the seeds of the flax plant, with a slightly nutty-bitter taste.
Golden in colour, it is also called liquid gold, and not without reason, as linseed oil provides anti-inflammatory lignans as well as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E and minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron, and contains no carbohydrates, sugars or cholesterol.
editorial.facts
- Linseed oil is a healthy alternative to industrially produced fats. Those fats promote cardiovascular disease and obesity, whereas linseed oil helps prevent them.
- In the past, linseed oil was regarded as an inexpensive food for people of modest means.
- Many physicians recommend linseed oil as a complementary treatment for various nervous system disorders.
- Flax roots penetrate deep into the soil, allowing it to feed well and reducing the need for chemical fertilisers in agriculture.
Why are omega-3 fatty acids from linseed oil so important for health?
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in linseed oil, are of great importance to our bodies. Most people eat in a way that creates an excess of omega-6 fatty acids in the body, which promotes inflammation of all kinds. Omega-3s act as counterparts and promote the release of anti-inflammatory signalling molecules.
To keep these vital processes in balance, the WHO recommends consuming omega-3s in a 1:3 ratio to omega-6s, which most of us do not achieve with our usual diet. A lack of omega-3s triggers many lifestyle diseases. Linseed oil contains 58% of the valuable omega-3 form ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and helps prevent these conditions.
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How does linseed oil support the cardiovascular system and blood sugar levels?
Omega-3s from linseed oil contribute to lowering cholesterol, improving blood sugar values, enhancing the flow properties of blood and regulating blood pressure.
This supports the health of the entire cardiovascular system and can help prevent thrombosis, heart attack and stroke. A deficiency in omega-3s impairs cognitive function and concentration. Linseed oil helps maintain a balanced omega-3 level, has a positive effect on the brain and vision, prevents mood swings and depression, and promotes inner balance.
According to one study, linseed oil can reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes, which may help prevent diabetes.
What benefits does linseed oil have for digestion and metabolism?
Metabolism and digestion are stimulated. Omega-3 fatty acids regulate metabolism at the cellular level and ensure that the energy resources of our body, which are based on fat metabolism , are increased.
Linseed oil forms a protective film around the gastric mucosa and promotes intestinal activity, which helps with abdominal pain, constipation and irritable bowel.
How does linseed oil affect the skin and menopausal symptoms?
Linseed oil also offers a lot to our skin: the abundant fatty acids make the skin more elastic, protect it from the penetration of fungi, viruses and bacteria and allow the skin to hold more water .
The hormone-like substances lignans contribute to cancer protection and can alleviate menopausal symptoms caused by low oestrogen levels.
How to use linseed oil correctly: so it unfolds its full power
- The recommended daily dose is 1–2 tablespoons of linseed oil from certified organic farming. Note that linseed oil must not be heated under any circumstances, otherwise trans fats, which are harmful to your health, will form. You can consume the oil plain or add it after cooking to various cold dishes such as salad, smoothies, yoghurt, guacamole or to pumpkin soup. Linseed oil is ideal for making mayonnaise, a dip or a spread.
- Those who want to lose weight can prepare a healthy dessert with linseed oil. Mix 100 g quark with 3 tablespoons of milk, add 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of linseed oil, berries or banana purée to taste and enjoy the healthy dessert.
- To prevent linseed oil from oxidising quickly and to preserve its health-promoting properties, store it well sealed in a dark glass bottle in the refrigerator or freezer. Make sure before purchase that it has been stored chilled by the retailer as well.
- If the oil tastes slightly fishy and smells unpleasant, it has already gone rancid and should not be consumed. Rancid linseed oil, however, is excellent for caring for wooden furniture.
- If you really dislike the taste of linseed oil, you can take it as a dietary supplement in capsules. Observe the recommended dose on the package insert.
- You can use linseed oil for daily skin care of dry, irritated skin by simply applying it thinly to the skin. For this purpose you can also add the oil to the bath water. A mask made from linseed oil helps against small dryness wrinkles.
- For atopic dermatitis, eczema and acne, linseed oil applied to the skin has cell-regenerating, anti-inflammatory, moisturising and disinfecting effects, improves blood circulation and stimulates collagen formation.
- A linseed oil mask can help against hair loss. Gently massage the oil into the scalp and leave it on for half an hour. Afterwards you can wash out the oil with shampoo.
- Add linseed oil to your dog's regular food to prevent nutrient deficiencies. The recommended dose is 1 teaspoon for smaller dogs under 5 kg and up to a maximum of 4 teaspoons for dogs weighing between 30 and 45 kg. Increase the amount gradually.
- No serious side effects of linseed oil are known. Consuming too much linseed oil can cause bloating or diarrhoea. Rare intolerances cannot be ruled out.
- Since linseed oil contains very small amounts of hydrocyanic acid, severe overdose can lead to signs of poisoning.
Try this liquid gold yourself to benefit from all its health advantages!
