6 Top Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil (Alsi Oil) For Skin, Hair & Health

Flaxseed oil (linseed oil) also called Alsi Oil in Hindi and Aali Vithai Ennai In Tamil has amazing health benefits. Flaxseeds are gaining popularity all over the world as it is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acid, lignans and fiber which have amazing health benefits. Nowadays, both flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are increasingly added to many of the commercial food products.

What Is Flaxseed Oil?

Flaxseed plant has been cultivated for a long time and its botanical name is Linum Usitatissimum which means a very useful plant in Latin. Flaxseed oil obtained from the seeds also have amazing medicinal uses and health benefits and it also goes by the name linseed oil.

From what I found out, the seeds were called linseeds when they were being used primarily for industrial purposes and as an animal feed and people started calling them flaxseeds once they started consuming them regularly as food.

Fatty Acids Present In Flaxseed Oil:

Flaxseed Oil Nutrient Value:

Flaxseed Oil Vs Fish Oil:

People who don’t like taking fish supplements can consider taking flaxseed oil. I have always been interested in flax seeds and when our local departmental store started selling flax seed oil, I immediately got a bottle of organic cold pressed flaxseed oil and started using it on a regular basis.

But If you are not a vegetarian and you are debating between flaxseed oil and fish oil, I would suggest taking fish oil. Though both flaxseed and fish oil are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil contains all the three types of omega 3 fatty acids – ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoicacid) necessary for our body whereas flaxseed oil only contains ALA, our body has to convert it into DHA and EPA.

Where To Buy Flaxseed Oil?

Flaxseed Oil Side Effects:

Flaxseed Oil Dosage:

6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil:

1. Has a Protective Effect On Lungs:

Flax seed oil has a protective effect on the lungs due to it’s high omega 3 fatty acid content. Flax seed oil consumption has a protective effect against pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a respiratory disease in which scars are formed in the liver tissue.

Some of the common reasons for getting it are regular exposure to toxins and dust. People who consume alcohol regularly will also benefit from consuming flaxseed oil regularly as it greatly prevents alcoholic liver disease.

2. Prevents Heart Disease:

Consuming flaxseed oil prevents heart disease to a great extent. Eating processed food is on the rise and attractive advertisements tempts both children and adults alike to eat more of the high sugar, high fat processed foods. As our fondness for processed food increases our health also deteriorates.

One of the best ways to prevent heart disease is include ingredients like flaxseed oil in our diet as it prevents atherosclerosis (prevention of fat deposits in the arteries which is the leading cause for heart attacks). You can read the study that supports this claim here. 

3. Anti Inflammatory Properties:

Flaxseed oil has wonderful anti inflammatory properties and people who are suffering from any kind of inflammation will benefit taking it. If you are suffering aches and pains often, consider supplementing with flaxseed oil regularly.

Another important use of flaxseed oil is it reduces C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a substance that is produced in the liver and as it’s amount increases in the body, inflammation in our body also increases.

Flaxseed oil has been proven to help lower C-reactive protein due to it’s anti inflammatory properties. You can read the study that supports this claim here.

4. For Cancer:

Flaxseed oil is rich in antioxidants and foods rich in antioxidants fights off the free radicals which are the main reasons for premature ageing and disease in our body including cancer.

When free radicals grow in concentration, it can cause damage to the cells which is one of the reasons for developing cancer. So taking antioxidant rich food is a must to remain disease free. Also alpha-linolenic acid in flaxseed oil reduces the growth of breast cancer cells.

5. For Skin:

According to me one of the main skin benefits of flaxseed oil is it reduces skin sensitivity and regular intake of flaxseed oil has been proven to improve the skin texture as well. The skin appeared smooth and supple after regular intake of flaxseed oil, you can read the study that supports this claim here.

Also people suffering from skin conditions like eczema and dryness will benefit taking flaxseed oil as it is rich in essential fatty acids that help improve the skin texture. We can add flaxseed oil to face packs and we can also massage our skin with it to keep it smooth and supple.

6. For Hair:

Flaxseeds are rich in nutrients and both regular intake and external application of flaxseed oil will help with hair growth. Since it has anti inflammatory properties, it greatly prevents scalp inflammations and it also nourishes the hair follicles, if used as a massage oil. You can include flaxseed oil in hair packs and in hair massage oil blends.

7. For Digestive Health :

Flaxseed oil when taken internally regularly helps improve our digestive health. It relieves constipation and it also helps reduce inflammations in the stomach. Flaxseed oil has been proven to help Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory disease of the colon.

Though everyone will benefit including flaxseed oil in their diet, women going through menopause will greatly benefit as it helps balance the hormones along with keeping the skin, hair and digestion in peak order.