On Linseed oil

I have heard of and seen Linseed oil before but never used it. Until a couple of weeks ago when I attended a very informative lecture by Anna Burkon (Facebook: Ganzheitliche Ernaehrungsberatung Anna Burkon) on the “bad stuff” in Junk/Fast Food as well as many tips on how to eat and stay healthy. Anna also mentioned Linseed oil and how good it is so I did some serious reading on it. I am using the Linseed oil she recommended (shown in the picture above). I found this book which gives you a good overall few on the oil: “Leinoel macht gluecklich” by Hans-Ulrich Grimm. (there are some great links on youtube  so check him out).

Linseed oil is also known as flaxseed oil and is made from the dried, ripened seeds of the flax plant. It is yellowish in color.  There are substances in this oil that promote good health because of the richness of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an essential fatty acid that seems to be beneficial for heart disease. ALA belongs to substances called omega-3 fatty acids. The oil is also found to have considerable amounts of vitamin E which is good for the immune system.

For good health a right ratio of Omega 3 fatty acids to Omega 6 fatty acids in the diet are required. In an article on linseed oil I read that “the ideal ratio is around 1:2. The average diet is more around 1:20 to 1:50, with way too much Omega 6 and not enough Omega 3. The ratio present in linseed oil is about 4:1. So linseed oil is a good source of Omega 3”. The key is to consume a small portion of linseed oil every day because of all the great benefits it has.

More specifically, this is what this “gold” does: 

First, it is good for the heart and it may help to protect against certain cancers; however, not everyone agrees to this issue. It can control high blood pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause poor circulation or artery-harding and lower cholesterol therefore reducing the risk of heart disease. It may also reduce inflammation in the joints, kidneys and skin and may lessen the severe joint swelling from gout. Linseed oil can also control gallstones, hemorrhoids and constipation because the oil is very high in dietary fiber. I have used it when I had an upset stomach and I felt better. (Just one tablespoon is enough and I drank a cup of water after).

Linseed oil is also great for sunburn, acne or eczema. I was on vacation recently in Barcelona and guess what? Sunburn! I took some Linseed oil and put it on the sunburned skin. My skin healed faster. The oil has just overall skin-soothing properties. Which leads me to the next great thing about the oil. It promotes healthy nails and hair (hello women!!). If you have read the post on my hair routine you know that I wash my hair with water only. This oil made my hair shine even more and contributes to hair growth. Low level of omega 3 fatty acids cause the hair to dry out! My hair is literally growing like weed. It is also good for the nails to stop them from splitting or cracking.

Linseed oil might minimize nerve damage that causes tingling or numbness. It may treat menstrual cramps, female infertility or even menopausal symptoms. It might fight male infertility and impotence and prostate problems.

How to use Linseed oil: 

Linseed oil should never be heated (heat destroys the ALA so put the oil on your meal after you cooked it. It should be kept in the refrigerator (cold and dark place and in an upright position – even leave it in the carton) after you opened it. Light is the biggest enemy of the oil because it would start a very fast reaction between the ALA and oxygen.  You should use it within a couple of weeks after opening. Should it develop a weird odor (anything but nutty) throw it away. I bought a small bottle first. Glass bottle, no plastic! Just to see how I like it and to try it out.

Use it for example: In stores it is available in liquid form but I have also seen capsules. I know the liquid form and will write about this one only.  Use it plain. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of it to a glass of water and mix with a spoon. The nutty flavor is great. You can also use it as mentioned on any cooked dish.  Sprinkle on salads, pasta or dips; cereals or yoghurt. For the best absorption take the linseed oil with food or water. You can also mix it in smoothies and other drinks.

I have some Canadian followers so this a brand I found.