Flaxseed Oil: Effective form of treatment without Side-Effects

Flaxseed Oil, which is also known as linseed or flax oil, is obtained from the seeds of plant Linium usitatissimum. It is considered to be a very rich source of Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and flax oil is believed to contain 40-60 percent of ALA in it.

Chemical Composition & Characteristics

Flaxseed Oil has a light straw yellow to dark amber appearance with a recognizable odour. It has a melting and boiling point of -19°C and 343°C, respectively. It is a combination of oleic, linoleic, stearic, palmitic, myristic and linolenic acids along with ALA, lignan, and secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG).

Action Mechanism of Flax Oil

Triglycerides packed with ALA in flaxseed oil get absorbed from the small intestine and are helped by bile salts. During this point of time, there is a small deacylation of triglycerides' fatty acids. Meanwhile, recylation occurs within the mucosal cells of the intestine and the triglycerides make an entry in the lymph system taking the shape of chylomicrons. These chylomicrons are then transported from the lymph into the human blood. Thereafter, ALA is carried in the blood in different lipid particles to different body cells for metabolization to EPA, series-3 thromboxanes, series-3 prostaglandins, and series-5 leukotrienes.

Indications

Flaxseed Oil is indicated in cases of hyperlipidemia, heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure. It is also beneficial in treating constipation, hyperplasia and anxiety. It is the first choice of all who want a treatment option without side-effects.

Contraindications

Flaxseed Oil is contraindicated for young children and nursing mothers.

Overdosage

Till Date, there have been no reports of any side-effects from overdosage of Flaxseed Oil.