Flaxseed Oil Capsules

Flaxseed oil is derived from the dried, ripe seeds of the flaxseed or linseed plant, which is a member of the genus, Linum and the plant family, Linaceae. Nowadays, flaxseed oil is widely used for making supplements. These supplements are largely available in the form of capsules and pills. It is mainly popular in the market of supplements as a rich source of both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. It has been pointed out by various studies that a balance of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet is very important for human health.

Flaxseed Oil Benefits

Apart from containing the essential fatty acids, it contains several other important nutrients like, omega-9 fatty acids, vitamin B, protein, potassium, magnesium and zinc. However, most of the health benefits of this oil are attributed to the presence of alpha linoleic acid, which is a precursor of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are the same omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil.

• It can reduce or prevent the formation of blood clots within the blood vessels, which can boost heart health. This oil can significantly lower the risk for heart and cardiovascular diseases.
• Flaxseed oil, as well as ground flaxseed can lower the level of cholesterol in blood. This again can prove immensely beneficial for heart health.
• It can help to regulate blood pressure and provide protection against angina or chest pain.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties, for which it can prove helpful in inflammatory reactions associated with conditions like, lupus, arthritis and gout. It can speed up the healing of sprains and bruises as well.
• It pills and capsules can be taken for promoting the health of the skin and the nails. It can provide benefits in skin conditions like, acne, sunburn, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.
• It can also provide protection against certain types of cancer.
• This oil can help women to get relief in conditions like, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, menopause symptoms and endometriosis.

Possible Side effects of Flaxseed Oil

Its excessive intake can cause a few minor side effects like, diarrhea and bloating. Again, its high dosage can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in individuals who have bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinning medications. Apart from these, individuals allergic to flaxseed can experience mild to severe allergic reactions after taking pills and capsules of this oil. An allergic reaction to flaxseed can manifest in skin rash, hives, unusual swelling of the mouth, lips and throat, wheezing and breathing difficulty. It might increase the risk for prostate cancer. However, this concern has been expressed only in preliminary research. Again, the safety of flaxseed oil in pregnant and nursing mothers has not been established till now. So, they should not take these capsules without consulting their physicians.

To sum up, this oil can be immensely helpful in many health conditions. However, it should be taken with caution and in the appropriate dosage to avoid any possible side effects. To be on the safe side, it is better to talk to a physician or health care provider to know the right dosage, and the kind of precautions to be taken while using this supplementation. Lastly, people with certain underlying health problems, as well as those taking medications should always take flaxseed oil and its supplementation only under the supervision of their health care provider.