Linseed Oil Information
What is Linseed Oil?
Linseed oil, otherwise known as Flax seed oil is a medicine taken by mouth, it can be found in many places except climatic conditions and is derived form plant seeds. Linseed oil contains substances that are healthy and has alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is an essential fatty acid that is beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, arthritis and other health conditions. The oil is natural source of essential ingredients
such as, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acid and dietary fiber. Linseed oil is said to contain a group of chemicals that are called lecithin lignans which help in the prevention of cancer. Linseed oil has beneficial properties for skin disorders (as it contains large amounts of anti-oxidants) and for gastric disorders. The use of Linseed oil can be used to
prevent health conditions such as arthritis and cardio-vascular diseases. Another use of Linseed oil is to lower cholesterol levels in the body and is also essential for simulation of the immune system. The control of diet related to sugar and fat levels can be helped with the use of linseed oil. The fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid can be found in small portions of soy, canola, black currant, walnut oils and small portions of lignans which is contained in (ALA) can be found in a wide variety of foods with plant origin.
Linseed oil is raw and also pale in colour and have a low acidity, it helps to preserve, it also waterproofs and prevents corrosion and dry rot and helps to make decorative finishes attractive.
Possible Side Effects of Linseed Oil?
As with any medication, there is the possibility of individuals having some minor side effects. It should be noted that if you have severe side effects then you should consult a doctor.
Common Side Effects are:
- Itchy or swollen skin.
- Hives, eye watering, nasal congestion, sneezing, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and mild shortness of breath.
- Linseed oil may increase the risk of bleeding.
Breathing or tightness in your throat or chest.
- Chest pain, skin hives, rash.
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- Eating the flaxseed pods may be poisonous
- Raw flaxseed or the linseed plant may increase blood levels of cyandie which is a toxic chemical.
- Flaxseed oil should not be applied open wounds or broken skin.
- Persons with high blood triglycerides should avoid taking linseed oil due to unclear effects.
- Persons with narrowing of the esophagus or intestine, ileus, or bowel obstruction should avoid linseed oil.
- Persons that have diabetes should avoid taking linseed products by mouth as the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil may increase blood sugar levels.
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The medication should not be taken and a doctor consulted if those side effects occur. The medicine can cause these symptoms which may cause an allergic reaction.
Other side effects are
- No other side effects as long as enough water is taken with the seeds (1).
Other side effects may be possible and doctor should be notified if any other side effects are caused by the medicine.
Linseed oil has disadvantages that have to with usage for painting purposes such as,
- No UV (ultra violet resistance) which causes damage to wood finishes
- It is food products for mildew and can help to encourage it.
- Linseed oil does not harden sufficiently and can become difficult to remove from some surfaces.
- Linseed oil is very easily oxidized and can become rancid and give an unpleasant smell.
- It should be refrigerated as it has short shelf life.