Flaxseed oil: chemical composition, list of vitamins, application

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

The most valuable natural products include linseed oil. According to its chemical composition, it is rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. The oil is used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, in the fight against cancer. Supports with hormonal problems such as depression, menopause, helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Let's take a closer look at the chemical composition and nutritional value of flaxseed oil, its main he alth benefits.

Description

Linen is one of the oldest cultivated plants. It has spread throughout the world from the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, where it has been cultivated for several thousand years. The first documented reports of the healing properties of flax date back toduring the time of the Greeks and Romans. Hippocrates in the 5th century BC used flax to treat mucositis, abdominal pain or diarrhea.

The product is produced in the process of pressing mature flax seeds, at a low temperature (not higher than 50 °C). Due to this, the useful chemical composition of flaxseed oil is completely preserved. It is yellowish in color, with a characteristic smell and taste, sometimes called "nut". This taste varies depending on the variety and maturity of the seeds, growing conditions, pressing method and storage conditions of the finished product.

Chemical composition of cold-pressed linseed oil

The therapeutic properties of the product are the result of the bioactive compounds it contains, such as lignans and essential unsaturated fatty acids. Lignans are one of the types of phytoestrogens - natural plant compounds similar in chemical structure and action to estrogens (female hormones). They can effectively mimic and replace human hormones, inhibit their excessive activity in the body, and are also powerful antioxidants. Essential unsaturated fatty acids, also called vitamin F, are not synthesized in the human body but must be obtained from food. There are two main unsaturated fatty acids. The first, and also the most nutritious, is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). It belongs to the omega-3 family. The second main unsaturated acid is linoleic acid (LA). It belongs to the omega-6 family. Omega-3 fatty acids include: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), whichthe body can produce from linolenic acid. For infants and children, docosahexaenoic acid is an essential fatty acid (found in breast milk). The omega-6 family includes gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid (AA), which the body can make from linoleic acid. Omega-3s are the most biologically active. The ratio of fatty acids of the omega-6 family and the omega-3 family is correct in their proportion (<5: 1). And here we can come to a disturbing conclusion. The modern diet is not able to provide the body with omega-3 fatty acids in the right amount. The daily human need for them is 2 grams. Omega-6 fatty acids are present in excess in the diet. This leads to disruption of immune mechanisms and an excessive tendency to inflammatory processes, hence to many ailments.

Source of omega-3s are: flax and rapeseed seeds, linseed oil, walnuts, wheat germ. Sources of DHA and EPA are marine products (marine fish such as mackerel, salmon, halibut, cod, herring, sardine, seafood, and fish oil). Therefore, there are not many sources of omega-3s.

The pioneer of omega-3 research was Dr. Johanna Budwig, a German biochemist who was nominated for the Nobel Prize seven times. She ran her own clinic where she conducted research. In one of her experiments, all patients had a lack of phosphatides and lipoproteins in the blood, including the absence of omega-3. In such situationmalignant cells develop very easily. Patients underwent a three-month therapy with the inclusion of essential nutrients in the diet. After this period, it was observed that the growth of malignant cells began to regress, and hemoglobin restored the correct values. Dr. Budwig began looking for a natural way to supplement the diet with essential phosphatides and lipoproteins. The result of this search is a pasta known throughout the world, that is, a mixture of two natural ingredients: linseed oil and low-fat cottage cheese. Dr. Budwig observed the he alth effects of a special diet she developed herself for 10 years, using it in the inpatient care of patients with chronic diseases. It turned out that it gives the desired effect even in cases recognized by academic medicine as incurable.

Composition of fatty acids in linseed oil:

• alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) - approximately 50%;
• linoleic acid (omega-6) - approximately 15%;
• oleic acid (omega-9) - approximately 17%;
• saturated fatty acids - about 10%.

This ratio of acids is the right one to keep the body he althy. For this reason, it is worth consuming a small amount of this product every day.

Flaxseed oil: composition of vitamins

This product is rich in vitamins A, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, D, F, E, K and PP, useful and essential minerals - potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, iron, phosphorus and sodium.

It also contains an impressive amount of vitamin E (17.5mg per 100g of product). Its beneficial properties for skin and hair are widely known. However, few people know that vitamin E significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduces the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and causes a decrease in blood cholesterol levels.

Studies conducted over 8 years in the United States, in a group of more than 120,000 he althy people, showed that increasing the dose of vitamin E in the diet reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 40%.

Flaxseed oil, whose chemical composition can be compared in terms of the amount of vitamin A with its best sources - fish oil and liver, is widely used not only to improve he alth, but also in cosmetology. Choline (B4) found in the product helps to normalize the mental state of a person, enhances resistance to stress.

How to store flaxseed oil

It should be kept refrigerated, preferably in the refrigerator, away from direct sunlight, which oxidizes omega-3s very quickly. The optimum temperature is between 4 and 10 °C. The maximum storage period under these conditions is 3 months. Why should the product be consumed only cold? The composition of cold-pressed linseed oil changes when heated, as it loses valuable omega-3 acids. It cannot be heat treated, i.e. heated, boiled, used for frying, because it has a very lowheat resistance, oxidizes, loses its valuable properties and even becomes toxic.

In what form should it be eaten

Recommended consumption:

• combining with cottage cheese, natural yogurt;
• as an addition to salads and cereals;
• as an addition to cold dishes;
• drink starting with a teaspoon on an empty stomach.

Adult Dosing

Sick people should take more of this he althy product - 6-8 tablespoons, drink on an empty stomach.

Drinking it straight from a spoon can be unpleasant for many. Therefore, below is a useful recipe with it:

12, 5 g dry cottage cheese or goat cheese, tofu mixed with 8 tablespoons of flax oil. Add a few tablespoons of natural yogurt, buttermilk, or kefir (lowest fat, preferably 0% fat) to get the desired consistency. Instead of yogurt, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of cool water.

Ingredients should be mixed in a blender for about 3-5 minutes until a homogeneous mass is formed. The paste should have the consistency of mayonnaise or liquid cream. It all depends on the amount of yogurt added. Ready pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for a day. Treatment can last up to several weeks. Then reduce the amount to 1-2 tablespoons per day.

Prophylactically recommended to drink 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily on an empty stomach.

Dosing oil for children

When children take oil, there is no difference between sick and he althy. Allshould receive the same amount of product. The only difference is the age of the child. Those under 7 should get 1g of flaxseed oil for every kilogram of body weight. Children over 7 years of age should receive 0.6 g of linseed oil for every kilogram of body weight. This difference is due to the fact that older children have less need for omega acids. One tablespoon averages about 10 g of linseed oil.

Useful action

Vitamins and essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil help with healing:

• cancer;
• prostate disorders;
• Alzheimer's disease;
• multiple sclerosis;
• rheumatic diseases;
• allergies;
• circulatory system disorders (atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias)
• diseases of the elderly;
• vision and hearing defects;
• memory problems (brain activation);
• any dermatological problems;
• digestion problems: hepatosis, gallbladder disease, stomach ulcers
• diabetes.

Side effects and contraindications

In practice, there is no danger of overdose with this product. Excess oil not absorbed by the intestines will cause a laxative effect in the body.

A small number of people, when consumed, may experience allergic reactions with symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing and others. They should avoid this product in their diet.

Flax oil may interact with medications - may slow down the rate of their absorption. It is generally recommended that you consult your doctor before deciding to include it in your diet, especially for more serious conditions.

The impressive chemical composition of linseed oil gives the right to call it a real elixir of he alth, beauty and longevity. We hope that after reading this article, you will introduce this product into your diet forever.