Flaxseed oil can be attributed to the most important vegetable oils. It contains many vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances. How to choose linseed oil? The article will discuss the useful properties of the product, choosing the right product and its types.
Composition of linseed oil
Flaxseed oil contains the following components:
- Tocopherol (vitamin E) has pronounced antioxidant properties.
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9). It is called a pregnancy vitamin, especially useful for the fetus in the 1st trimester.
- Unsaturated fatty acids Omega -3, -6, -9. They are not synthesized by the human body and are involved in metabolic processes.
- Stearic and palmitic acid. Necessary to regulate the temperature of the body.
- Macronutrients (phosphorus, calcium). They are necessary for the formation of teeth and bones.
- Trace elements (zinc).
- Stearins. Needed for important biological processes.
Flaxseed oil does not contain cholesterol. The product is rich in omega acids and in their content is second only to nuts, soy and seafood.
How to choose linseed oil? The correct method will be discussed later in the article.
Positive and negative properties
Flaxseed oil has invaluable health benefits. The healing properties and indications include:
- Prevention of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
- Increased vascular elasticity, prevention of stroke, heart attack and hypertension.
- Improves the work of the digestive tract. The tool eliminates constipation, heartburn attacks and relieves inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
- It normalizes fat metabolism and promotes weight loss.
- Strengthens the immune system. The body's resistance to viral diseases improves. It is especially useful to take oil in the postoperative period and during flu epidemics.
- For vegetarians, it is an excellent source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Respiratory diseases. Oil eliminates the inflammatory process with angina, laryngitis, bronchial asthma.
- Nervous diseases. Oil has a positive effect on brain activity. His memory improves, the nervous system completely calms down.
- Joint pain. The tool helps to reduce the process of inflammation with arthritis, arthrosis.
- Weight loss. Oil promotes weight loss by normalizing fat metabolism and reducing appetite.
- The hormonal background in women and men is restored. Improves the condition of hair and skin.
- The condition of the skin and hair noticeably improves.
How to choose linseed oil? The quality and the right dose of the product can only bring benefits to the body.
In addition to the benefits, linseed oil can be harmful. It is not recommended for use in diseases of the gallbladder, pregnant and lactating women. Do not take oil for diarrhea. It is not recommended to use it for problems with blood coagulation.
Types of Flaxseed Oil
The maximum amount of nutrients is preserved when receiving funds by cold pressing. Seeds are pressed and squeezed out of oilcake. The 1st grade is used in food, the 2nd - only for industrial use.
What should flaxseed oil taste like? Depending on its main types, it has the following qualities:
- Unrefined. The product has a bright taste and aroma. The oil is not resistant to storage, therefore, sediment may appear.
- Hydrated. The oil is additionally treated with water. It has the properties of unrefined, but during storage, sediment does not occur.
- Refined. The product is treated with alkali, which reduces the amount of free fatty acids. This processing method increases the shelf life of the oil.
- Refined bleached deodorized. After processing, a practically transparent odorless oily liquid is obtained.
During hot pressing, flax seeds are pre-fried, helping to enhance their smell and color of the product. But its healing properties are slightly reduced.
The extradition method involves the processing of crushed flaxseed with gasoline or other solvents, after which it is deodorized. The result is a tool with almost no taste, color or smell.
Flaxseed oil has benefits and harms. How to take it? In the form of a medicine, you need to drink only pharmacy drugs that meet safety requirements.
How to take?
Usually, the use of oil in the amount of 1-2 tbsp brings health benefits. spoons per day. A positive effect will become noticeable only after prolonged use. This period is at least 2 months.
Exceeding the standard oil rate is not recommended, therefore, a laxative effect occurs. Before taking the remedy, you need to consult a specialist.
Flaxseed oil has benefits and harms. How to use? The dosage of oil to increase immunity and normalize the functioning of the body is 1-2 tbsp. spoons per day.
For diseases of the heart and blood vessels, they drink oil at 1 tbsp. spoon for 1.5-2 hours before bedtime.
For joint diseases, massage with oil. And also to improve the result, drink a spoon once a day.
For constipation, use 1 spoon in the morning and evening.
For weight loss, the drug is taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
Flaxseed oil should not be heated, and even more so it is not recommended to fry food on it. This will lead not only to a weakening of beneficial properties, but to its rancidity.
To improve the diet, you need to add linseed oil to salads, cottage cheese and make cold sauces with it.
How to choose linseed oil?
The product may oxidize under the influence of sunlight. It is packaged in dark-colored glass bottles. High quality linseed oil is packaged in a cardboard box. This provides better storage.
A good butter has a tan or caramel flavor. However, he may have a slight precipitate.
What should flaxseed oil taste like? The product should resemble a nut mixed with roasted seeds. Bitterness is not felt in it. The aroma is not pronounced, resembling the smell of fish oil.
Many beneficial compounds are found in a cold press preparation. Such a product is fresher in taste, has less bitterness than that obtained by hot pressing.
Product quality
How to determine the quality of linseed oil? Such a product should be in a dark glass container and not have a bitter taste. When buying flaxseed oil, you should pay attention to the shelf life. It is best that no more than 2 months pass from the moment of production. Verified manufacturers include Ekolen, Kronos oil, Sabo, and Health Compass.
The optimal volume is 200-250 ml. Oil in such a container is consumed faster, therefore, the risk of rancidity is less than in a large container (500 ml).
How to store oil?
At home, linseed oil should be stored at a temperature of +5 to +22 degrees. This is best done in a dark place, excluding direct sunlight.
The oil should be packaged in a glass, not a plastic container. If the product is sold on tap, it can also be stored in ceramic dishes. Plastic containers are environmentally unsafe.
How to determine rancidity of linseed oil? This may occur due to inappropriate storage.
You can put oil on the shelf of the refrigerator or in the kitchen cabinet. After each use, the stopper on the bottle must be tightly closed. The unsaturated acids of the oil react with oxygen and lose their benefits. With prolonged contact with air, it can be harmful to the body.
It is best to use oil within 3 months.
In the pharmacy you can buy capsules that contain linseed oil. They can be taken by those people who are not able to tolerate its smell. This form of packaging is stored only in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Flaxseed oil will be beneficial if it is properly stored and is not cooked. The product should be taken correctly. Before starting use, consult a specialist.