Flaxseed Oil Supplement Benefits | Flaxseed oil benefits for Skin

Introduction
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Flaxseed or Alsi are important oilseeds that are rich in fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and minerals. It is useful in managing constipation as they support bowel movement due to its laxative property. This activity promotes easy removal of the stools. Flaxseed is also beneficial for the skin as it has antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

What are the synonyms of Amla?

Flaxseed is also known as Linum usitatissimum, Alasi, Teesi, Linseed, Alsi, Marshina, Javasu, Alasi, Atasi, Bittu, Neempushpi, Kshuma.

Benefits of Flaxseed

1. Regulates Cholesterol

Flaxseed contains some bioactive components, such as ?-linoleic acid, that may help lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood.

According to ayurveda, an impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) that causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Flaxseed helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to remove the blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.

2. Manages Heart Diseases

Flaxseed (Alsi) may help manage heart diseases due to omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans. It lowers total cholesterol and low-density protein (LDL) levels in the blood that reduces the buildup of plaque in the arteries and irregular heartbeat.

High cholesterol is one of the common reasons for many heart diseases. In ayurvedic view, it is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Flaxseed helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama. It also helps to remove the blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins, which reduces the risk of heart diseases.

3. Manages Obesity

Flaxseed is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, which increases the time food remains in the stomach and promotes a feeling of fullness. As it helps in satiety, it ultimately helps in dealing with obesity and weight management.

According to ayurveda, unhealthy food habits and lifestyle lead to a weak digestive fire, increasing ama’s accumulation and causing an imbalance in meda dhatu. Flaxseed helps correct digestive fire and reduce ama due to its Ushna(hot) nature responsible for weight gain.

4. Eases Constipation

As Flaxseed (Alsi) has fiber and laxative properties, it adds bulk to stools and stimulates intestinal muscles’ relaxation and contraction. Thus, it may be useful in the prevention and management of constipation.

According to ayurveda, an aggravated Vata dosha causes constipation. Frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee, or tea, aggravates Vata in the large intestine and causes constipation. Flaxseed (Alsi)helps correct constipation due to its Vata balancing and Rechana (laxative) properties.

5. Manages Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Flaxseed may help manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as it is rich in dietary fiber. Insoluble fiber binds with water and increases the intestinal bulk, which may give relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

According to Ayurveda, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), also known as Grahani, causes an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Flaxseed helps to improve Pachak Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.

6. Delays Diabetes Type 1 & Type 2 (symptoms)

Flaxseed (Alsi) may be useful in managing diabetes and pre-diabetes in obese individuals. It decreases the level of blood glucose and insulin levels and increases insulin sensitivity.

Diabetes (Madhumeha) is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion that leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the pancreatic cells. Flaxseed helps correct impaired digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It reduces Ama and improves the function of insulin. Flaxseed also has Tikta (bitter) property and helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

FAQs

What is the chemical composition of Flaxseed?

Flaxseed is a rich source of Fructose, Linamarine, Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Kempherol, Sitosterol, Phenylpropanoid glycoside. These constituents are responsible for its pharmacological properties, such as anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, gastroprotective, and wound healing activities.

How is Flaxseed (Alsi) beneficial for our body?

Flaxseed is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Flaxseed boosts immunity, increases energy production in the body, and reduces fatigue symptoms, thus improving stamina. It helps reduce hair loss as well as dandruff and adds shine to hair.

According to ayurvedic view, flaxseed helps manage indigestion and diarrhea that occur due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. The Ushna (hot) and Grahi (absorbent) properties help with indigestion and diarrhea. It is also beneficial in some skin problems like irritation due to its Kashaya (astringent) property, which provides healthy glowing skin. It also helps improve internal strength due to its Balya (strength provider) property.

Can Flaxseeds prevent artery blockage?

Flaxseed is beneficial for arteries as it helps reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Thereby reducing the risk of arterial blockage.

According to ayurveda, flaxseed helps remove Ama (toxic remains in the body due to incomplete digestion) in arteries that accumulate due to weak or poor digestion. The Ushna (hot) and Rechana (laxative) properties of Flaxseed helps manage this condition by improving digestion and excrete out accumulated toxins from the body.

Is Flaxseed a blood thinner?

Yes, Flaxseed (Alsi) is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that act as natural blood thinner.

Is Flaxseed useful in Hypertension (high blood pressure)?

Flaxseed may help manage high blood pressure due to its fiber, lignans, ?-linoleic acid, and arginine. Arginine is required to produce nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator (medications that open dilate blood vessels). It may lower blood pressure in the case of hypertensive patients.

Are Flaxseed seeds rich in antioxidants?

Yes, Flaxseed seeds are rich in antioxidants (like lignans, phenolic compounds, and tocopherols) that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals (oxidative stress).

Are Flaxseeds rich in nutrients?

Yes, Flaxseeds are rich in nutrients. It is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids for non-fish eaters. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Flaxseed seeds have a high amount of proteins and amino acids. They are also rich in antioxidants (like lignans and phenolic compounds) and dietary fiber.

Does Flaxseed help balance hormones?

Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Flaxseed (Alsi) may affect hormone metabolism in postmenopausal women. It may reduce the estradiol level and increase the level of prolactin in the blood.

Is Flaxseed (Alsi) beneficial for your hair?

Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Flaxseed (Alsi) may be beneficial for your hair due to its antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

Is Flaxseed (Alsi) beneficial for your skin?

Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Flaxseed (Alsi) may be beneficial for your skin due to its antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

According to ayurveda, flaxseed helps manage skin problems like skin allergy, wounds, and other skin diseases. It helps to reduce skin inflammation and promote wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) property.

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Disclaimer

This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on Foresta Organics. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your healthcare plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.