Linseed oil: its benefits, its composition, its dangers

Linseed oil is a vegetable oil. It is made from the seeds of flax, this plant from the linaceae family. How to recognize them? These are small, long, dark seeds. This edible oil is very easily oxidized, which is why it should be avoided to heat it. This is also one of the reasons why it was not consumable in France until 2010. Afssa (French Food Safety Agency) looked into the issue and concluded that the ban should be lifted, provided that certain precautions are imposed on professionals (traceability of batches so as not to exceed 1 year from harvest to consumption, opaque packaging of 250 ml maximum, duration of use limited to 9 months, etc.) and that certain labeling information be affixed: “reserve for seasoning; do not heat; keep away from heat before opening; keep in the refrigerator after opening”. Since then, it has been authorized for consumption, for our greatest pleasure, because it is full of benefits thanks to its composition rich in omega-fatty acids, particularly in omega-3 and 6. This food does not only have one use and can also be consumed as a food supplement. Linseed oil has positive qualities and effects for all skin types, hair and for the health of our body in general, especially at a time when our omega 3 intake is insufficient.

How to choose your linseed oil?

Before explaining its different uses, it is important to know how to choose it. Indeed, all edible vegetable oils are not created equal. Some are of better quality than others. It is advisable to choose linseed oil from the first cold pressing of the seeds. In addition, prefer an organic vegetable oil to avoid the presence of pesticides. On the price side, linseed oil is between 4 and 10 euros per bottle. If you are using flaxseed oil for non-food purposes, you can choose one at random: it is not edible. It is a product used in particular to nourish the soil.

What are the health benefits and virtues of flaxseed oil?

Linseed oil has multiple virtues for the body. Why ? Thanks to its composition, it has a high content of fatty acids, including omega 3, 6 and 9. This makes it a quality oil. Indeed, there are 2 types of good fats and this vegetable oil contains both: monounsaturated fatty acids (omega 9) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3 and 6). It is very balanced, unlike other vegetable oils. They have beneficial effects on the body. In particular on cholesterol thanks to omega 9. In its composition, edible linseed oil has:

  • Omega 3 : among these omega 3, we find ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid), which cannot be synthesized by the body. This is why their contribution via food is fundamental. “Omega-3s are essential fatty acids for the brain. Deficiencies in intake can lead to depressive behavior (according to) a new study conducted by researchers from Inserm and INRA”, said theINSERM. According to a 2015 INSERM study, omega 3s (including alpha-linolenic acid) associated with antioxidants would also be beneficial for the retina. THE’HANDLES indicates that omega 3s play a cardiovascular role, “scientific data also shows that the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids promotes a decrease in blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, a decrease in the amount of triglycerides in the blood, a type of lipid which, in case of excess, contributes to the development of heart disease, in people with previous cardiovascular pathologies, a reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. “
  • Omega 6 : they are very important for cardiovascular health. According to INSERM: “omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs) reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. “
  • Omega 9 : they play a role in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. They therefore help prevent cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

This vegetable oil is also rich in vitamins. Particularly in vitamins A, K, and E. Vitamin A is “essential at all ages of life. It is involved in many functions of the body, including vision”, indicates ANSES. Vitamin E, it is very useful for its anti-oxidant properties. As a reminder, antioxidants prevent the oxidation and aging of cells. Vitamin K is involved “in the activation of proteins having a role in particular in blood coagulation (vitamin K1) and bone metabolism (vitamin K2)”, reminds ANSES.

What Are the Benefits of Flaxseed Oil for Hair and Skin?

Linen comes from the Latin linire which means to soften. It has advantages for the hair, but also for so-called “problem” skin. First, linseed oil is ideal thanks to its nourishing properties for the hair. How to use it beautifully to enjoy its benefits? It can be applied in hazelnut after shampooing on the ends if you have dry hair, but also in an oil bath to leave on dry hair overnight with a towel around it.

On the skin side, it is also very useful in preventing skin dryness. It is recommended in the treatment of so-called “problem” skin suffering from eczema or psoriasis. Rich in fatty acids, it penetrates the skin well and helps nourish it. It also helps strengthen the skin barrier, which is very important. Why ? The skin barrier, i.e. the outermost layer of the skin, is made up of water and fat, also called the hydrolipidic film. Water escapes throughout the day, which can lead to skin dryness. To prevent water from evaporating too much, fat is very useful because it strengthens the hydrolipidic film of the epidermis. Linseed oil has softening properties and helps soothe itching thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. So you can apply it all over the body and massage gently on the dry areas.

How is flaxseed oil consumed?

As indicated above, this vegetable oil is of high quality but it cannot withstand heat. It is therefore not recommended to use it to cook foods such as meats and vegetables. However, you can use it to season your salads! It tastes a bit bitter but very pleasant, which will add a little flavor to your dish. You can also pour it sparingly on your cheese or avocado toast to fill up on omega 3, 6 and 9.

How to use linseed oil otherwise? Linseed oil can also be taken in capsules as a preventive food supplement. What is it for ? It is ideal for providing essential fatty acids (omega 3), which the body needs. In addition, it is suitable for vegetarians who are deficient in omega 3 because this ingredient is often present in fish oils or oily fish.

Is flaxseed oil poisonous?

Linseed oil was banned for consumption in France until 2010. The reason? She is very fragile and sensitive. It can therefore be dangerous if consumed while rancid. It oxidizes very easily, which means that it loses its properties. It must therefore be kept cool and kept for a maximum of 3 months. Children under 3 years old should avoid consuming this oil, even organic.

source site-35