What Does Flaxseed Oil Do to Your Body and Are There Side Effects?

Flaxseed oil is obtained from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), which is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Flaxseed has anti-inflammatory properties and it boosts skin and heart health.

Flaxseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. We will give you insights into some of the health benefits of flaxseed oil, as well as possible side effects.

Flaxseed oil is obtained from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), which is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil has gained importance as one of the few vegetarian sources of essential fatty acids.

Flax has been cultivated for centuries with some research suggesting that the crop was cultivated as early as 30,000 years ago. One of the first uses of this crop was to make fabric for clothing, and it was later used as a food source.

Flaxseed is used as whole grain or in its crushed form. In its crushed or powdered form, it’s used to make flour. Flaxseed oil is widely available in capsules or as a liquid. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that’s essential for your body. Your body needs such essential oils to carry out important functions but is not capable of producing them by itself.

Your body converts ALA into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two fatty acids that are vital for many physiological functions such as fetal growth, as well as neurological, retinal, and immune processes. Often, the most important area where these omega-fatty acids contribute is in improving heart health.

Flaxseed oil is prepared by cold-pressing dry and fresh flax seeds, a method that prevents the loss of important antioxidants that are lost during the heating process.

100 grams of flaxseed oil contains:

• Calories: 884
• Total fat: 100 grams
• Saturated fatty acids: 8.98 grams
• Monounsaturated fatty acids: 18.4 grams
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 67.8 grams
• Protein: 0.11 grams
• Calcium: 1 milligram
• Zinc: 0.07 milligrams
• Vitamin E: 0.47 milligrams

The high omega-3 fatty acid content in flaxseed oil is linked to anti-inflammatory effects. An analysis that evaluated several other studies showed that flaxseed oil lowers the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) – an important marker for inflammation – in obese individuals.

Higher levels of CRP are also indicative of increased inflammation, while lower inflammation is typically linked to a reduced presence of CRP. More research is needed, though, to identify the specific mechanisms of flaxseed oil activity and whether it has any similar impact on non-obese individuals.

Some active biological compounds in flaxseed oil may reduce the risk of certain types of cancers. Linoorbitides are a group of molecules that have antioxidant and antitumor properties.

A 2015 study found that these linoorbitides exhibit cytotoxic effects when occurring alongside breast cancer cells. The study also found that the application of these linoorbitides over the affected area facilitates a more practical utilization of their anticancer effects. This is because taking them orally would mean the intake of very high quantities of flaxseed oil that your body may not be able to absorb.

One of the most widely accepted benefits of flaxseed oil is its positive effect on heart health. Many scientific studies have established the vital role of omega-3 fatty acids in improving cardiovascular activity by making more EPA and DHA available, promoting essential bodily functions.

One such study indicated that EPA and DHA can considerably lower the risk factors linked to heart conditions. These include lower levels of blood triglyceride, reduced risk of heart attacks, lower blood pressure, and the collection of platelets.

Flaxseed oil has also been found to have laxative effects that may lead to better gut health by removing collected waste particles from the gut that could otherwise interfere with digestive functions.

A study found that eating flaxseed oil every day may relieve constipation. The study was carried out over four weeks and involved 50 hemodialysis patients.

Another 2012 study that involved 31 participants over four weeks found that people who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found flaxseeds to be beneficial, as they reduced IBS symptoms. Some of these symptoms included constipation and diarrhea.

ALA is widely used in many cosmetic products for its antioxidant properties. Some research indicates that flaxseed oil may reduce inflammation of skin cells and support the regeneration of skin cells.

Flaxseed oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids stimulate wound healing and are the group of compounds that give flaxseed its antioxidant effects.

Some dietary supplements may have side effects. That’s why it’s recommended to take supplements such as flaxseed oil under the supervision of a qualified doctor.

Could delay drug absorption

Some studies have shown that flaxseed oil may delay or reduce the absorption of oral medicines and other nutrient supplements. To avoid this, create a time gap between the intake of your medications or other supplements and flaxseed oil.

May trigger some health conditions

Some analysis has shown that diets rich in ALA may lead to an increased risk of macular degeneration (an eye disease that could cause blurred vision) but more research is needed to assess this connection. Studies have also identified that ALA may be linked to increased risks of prostate cancer in men. In such cases, doctors may recommend other dietary sources such as fish to meet your daily EPA and DHA needs.

May affect pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid taking flaxseed oil, as some studies found that it may increase the incidences of premature birth.

Could increase blood loss

Research has identified that flaxseed oil should be avoided before surgeries. This is because of blood-thinning effects of flaxseed oil that may lead to excessive blood loss. The Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine at the University of Washington recommends stopping the intake of such supplements at least seven days before surgery.

If you’re planning to undergo surgery, you should check with your doctor about when you should stop taking flaxseed supplements and when you can start taking them again.

Certain dietary supplements may inhibit the effectiveness of other medicines that you take and in some cases also enhance the effect of other drugs.

Anticoagulants

Whenever an injury or an accident causes bleeding, your body’s mechanism works to clot the blood (called coagulation) to prevent blood loss.

Anticoagulants are drugs that reduce blood clotting (also known as blood thinners). Omega-3 fatty acids also have blood-thinning properties and, when taken along with other drugs such as aspirin and warfarin, may prevent your blood from clotting. In such cases, it may take longer for your bleeding to stop.

There’s a danger of losing blood due to the combined blood thinning effects of the omega-3 fatty acids and regular blood thinners. Aspirin, along with omega-3 fatty acids, may be effective for certain heart conditions, but always check with your doctor before taking Aspirin with a supplement like flaxseed oil.

Blood pressure drugs

Flaxseed oil may lower your blood pressure. Taking flaxseed oil along with other drugs such as glipizide or insulin that lower your blood pressure may reduce it too much.

Estrogens

Some studies show that flaxseed may have anti-estrogen properties, which means that it may lower the effectiveness of oral contraceptive drugs. People who undergo estrogen replacement therapy may also encounter reduced effectiveness.

Diabetes drugs

As flaxseed oil lowers your blood pressure, consuming it with diabetes drugs that have a hypoglycemic effect (reduced blood sugar) may cause a sudden reduction in your blood sugar levels.

Flaxseed oil is obtained from flax seeds using different methods and contains essential fatty acids that your body needs to carry out important functions.

These essential omega-3 fatty acids have several health benefits, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health and blood pressure. Flaxseed oil usually does not have any side effects when taken in small doses, but you should still be careful if you’re planning to take flaxseed oil supplements and may wish to consult your doctor.

If you’re pregnant or are planning surgery, you should avoid taking it. Omega-3 fatty acids also interfere with certain drugs, which can cause side effects.