Health Benefits of Flaxseed Oil

The health benefits of flaxseed oil and flaxseed are numerous! The fiber found in flaxseed oil contains a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber. This fiber helps clean the colon, inhibits the formation of disease causing organisms in the intestine, stabilizes blood sugar levels and is a natural laxative. Fiber maintains proper functioning of the digestive system and acts like a sweeper, cleaning the colon of toxins, metabolic waste and dried mucus.

Flaxseed oil provides essential protein for the body. It is considered to be a complete amino acid, essential for healthy metabolism and the absorption of nutrients. Its high quality protein source helps maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. Its protein source increases energy, as well! For every 100 grams of flaxseeds, you average 25 to 30 grams of protein.

One hundred times more lignans are found in flaxseeds than wheat bran, rye, oats, and soybeans. Lignans have anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. They reduce the activity of free radicals and flush excess estrogen out of the body, reducing estrogen-linked cancers. Lignans are found in flaxseeds themselves but not in the extracted oil, although, some brands have lignans added during the production phase.

Mucilage forms from flaxseeds after soaking them for about thirty minutes. This mucilage has the consistency of a light oil, which lubricates and absorbs toxins, well. It helps to prevent toxic build up in the bowels and makes a gentle, non-irritating, laxative.

Flaxseeds contain an impressive list of vitamins and minerals including: vitamin B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, sulfur, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, silicon, copper, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, cobalt, iron, carotene, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin, niacin, folate, selenium and pantothenic acid. The benefits of vitamins and minerals include: maintaining healthy cardiovascular system, colon, brain function, skin, boosts immunity, metabolic system, circulatory system, and more!

Flaxseed oil is rich with essential fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6. These essential acids are found in just the right proportion in flaxseed oil. Why is this important?

Omega 3 fatty acids lower LDL, (bad cholesterol), improves brain function, (memory, performance, behavioral functions), lowers risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, reduces risk of estrogen linked cancer, reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, (joint pain and morning stiffness), and reduces inflammation.

Omega 6 fatty acids improve brain function, stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain healthy bones, regulate metabolism and maintain the reproductive system. Both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are necessary for human well-being. Since the body cannot make these essential fatty acids, they must be found in external sources.

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil can be used internally and externally. Internally, you can sprinkle ground up flaxseeds on foods like oatmeal, mixed vegetables, cereals and breads. Instead of grinding up flaxseeds, some find it easier to take a recommended dosage of flaxseed oil. Add this natural oil to a protein shake or just a glass of water.

Externally, it can be used for making homemade skin care products including soaps, lotions, creams, balms and more. This natural oil helps to improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, inflammation, acne, rosacea, dry and mature skin by providing healthy cellular activity and skin regeneration. It softens skin, heals abrasions, reduces scars, heals burns, reduces the redness of rashes, and reduces inflammation. It can be used alone or mixed with other oils. When combining this natural oil with calendula oil and mango butter, it is healing for dry flaky skin, dry scaly skin, dry itchy skin and more.

Flaxseed oil is a fragile oil, so use formulations that are well preserved with antioxidants. The shelf life of flaxseed oil can be a few weeks up to approximately six months. Refrigeration of this oil is necessary to avoid rancidity. Make sure to discard any oil with an unpleasant or rancid odor. Refrigeration and the addition of antioxidants will extend the life of this oil.

If you are making soap, flaxseed oil is a good soap making oil of choice. It is well known for its overall healthful skin care benefits! You can improve your overall health, inside and out, with the benefits of flaxseed and the benefits of flaxseed oil!

Find health and skin care benefits of flaxseed, at:
http://www.natural-goat-milk-soap.com/benefits-of-flaxseed.html

Find flaxseed as a soap making oil, at:
http://www.natural-goat-milk-soap.com/flaxseed-oil.html