Why flaxseed oil

Here are 4 folic acid side effects you should know about. Women over the age of 50 have increased needs for several vitamins and minerals. Here are the 10 best multivitamins for women over Taking certain dietary supplements may be beneficial for lung health. See which vitamins our registered dietitian recommends as the best for…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. This health-promoting oil has a wide variety of uses, ranging from cooking to skin care. High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Share on Pinterest.

Summary: Some test-tube and animal studies show that flaxseed oil may reduce cancer cell growth, although additional research in humans is needed. Could Benefit Heart Health. Several studies have found that flaxseed oil could benefit heart health. Summary: Some studies have shown that flaxseed oil could improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and increasing the elasticity of the arteries. May Help Treat Constipation and Diarrhea.

Flaxseed oil may be effective at treating both constipation and diarrhea. Additional studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness in the general population. Summary: Some animal and human studies have shown that flaxseed oil may help treat both constipation and diarrhea, but further research is required. May Improve Skin Health. A recent animal study showed that flaxseed oil had similar positive results.

Summary: Animal and human studies show that supplementing with flaxseed oil could help improve skin smoothness and hydration, while also treating certain skin conditions like dermatitis. May Reduce Inflammation. Summary: Some studies have shown that flaxseed oil may have anti-inflammatory properties.

However, additional research is needed. How to Use Flaxseed Oil. Alternatively, some people use flaxseed oil as a hair mask to promote growth and shine. Summary: Flaxseed oil can be used in place of other types of oil, added to smoothies and shakes or applied directly to the skin and hair.

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I want to get healthier. Those who consumed the corn oil had no change in their cholesterol levels, while those who consumed the flaxseed oil had a significant decrease in LDL. Flaxseed oil may help fight certain types of cancer. Although much more research is needed to draw a definite conclusion, some animal studies are encouraging. One study on mice with lung tumors found that those that consumed a 10 percent flaxseed diet had fewer tumors compared with those in the control group.

One literature review indicates that in animal studies, the fatty acid in flaxseed oil may suppress breast tumor size and growth, as well as promote cancer cell death. Flaxseed oil may also have benefits for the skin and hair, such as reducing some of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema , which is a long-term condition that causes red and itchy skin. One study looked at the effect of flaxseed oil consumption on mice with dermatitis.

After 3 weeks, the mice had decreased dermatitis symptoms, such as redness, swelling, and itching. Flaxseed oil may also help lower the risk of diabetes. One systematic review analyzed studies to determine the effect of flaxseed oil in people with diabetes. One study involved 25 people who had prediabetes.

These participants were either women experiencing menopause or men who were overweight. They consumed either 13 grams g or 26 g of flaxseed daily for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, those who consumed 13 g of flaxseed had a decreased blood sugar levels. Those who ate higher doses of flaxseed did not experience any changes.

Researchers are not sure why the high-dose group did not have any changes. While flaxseed oil may have a positive effect in people with prediabetes, larger and more comprehensive studies are needed to make firm conclusions.

In one meta-analysis , flaxseed and its derivatives decreased circulating C-reactive protein, which is a marker of inflammation. However, these results were only present in adults who were obese. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health , it is usually safe to consume flaxseed oil in limited amounts.

Possible adverse effects include:. There is little information on whether or not flaxseed oil is safe to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding. If someone wants to take flaxseed oil for a specific health condition, it is best to talk to a doctor first to make sure there are no possible interactions with their current medications or treatments. Flaxseed oil is sensitive to light and heat, so it is best to buy it in an opaque or dark glass bottle to protect it from the light and store it in a cool, dark place.

The taste of flaxseed oil is mild.