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. It has anti-inflammatory properties and boosts skin and heart health.

Flaxseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Here are some of its health benefits and possible side effects.

Flaxseed oil has gained importance as one of the few vegetarian sources of essential fatty acids.

Flax has been cultivated for centuries. One of its first uses 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. It’s used to make flour. Flaxseed oil is widely available in capsules or as a liquid. It contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that’s essential for your body.

Your body converts ALA into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two fatty acids vital for physiological functions such as fetal growth, neurological processes, and heart health.

Flaxseed oil is prepared by cold-pressing dry and fresh flax seeds, which preserves important antioxidants.

Flaxseed oil nutrition facts

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

Flaxseed may have anti-inflammatory properties

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

Higher levels of CRP are indicative of increased inflammation, while lower inflammation is linked to reduced presence of CRP. More research is needed to identify the specific mechanisms of flaxseed oil activity and its impact on non-obese individuals.

It may lower cancer risk

Some compounds in flaxseed oil may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Linoorbitides are molecules with antioxidant and antitumor properties.

A 2015 study found that these linoorbitides exhibit cytotoxic effects when present alongside breast cancer cells. Applying them topically over the affected area facilitates their anticancer effects without requiring high oral intake of flaxseed oil.

It improves heart health

Flaxseed oil has a positive effect on heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids improve cardiovascular activity by making EPA and DHA available, reducing risk factors such as blood triglyceride levels, heart attacks, blood pressure, and platelet collection.

It may enhance gut health

Flaxseed oil has laxative effects that improve gut health by removing waste particles that could interfere with digestion.

A study found that eating flaxseed oil every day may relieve constipation. Another study involving 31 participants with irritable bowel syndrome found that flaxseeds reduced symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.

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Could improve skin health

Flaxseed oil may reduce inflammation of skin cells and support skin cell regeneration due to its polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant effects.

Side effects of flaxseed oil

Some dietary supplements may have side effects, so it’s recommended to take them under a doctor’s supervision.

Could delay drug absorption

Flaxseed oil may delay or reduce the absorption of oral medicines and other nutrient supplements. Create a time gap between the intake of medications or other supplements and flaxseed oil.

May trigger some health conditions

Diets rich in ALA may increase the risk of macular degeneration and prostate cancer. Doctors may recommend other dietary sources such as fish to meet your EPA and DHA needs.

May affect pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid flaxseed oil, as it may increase premature birth incidences.

Could increase blood loss

Flaxseed oil should be avoided before surgeries, as it may lead to excessive blood loss due to its blood-thinning effects. Stop taking such supplements at least seven days before surgery.

Check with your doctor about when to stop taking flaxseed supplements and when to resume if you’re planning surgery.

Interactions with other drugs

Certain dietary supplements may affect the effectiveness of other medicines. Omega-3 fatty acids may prevent your blood from clotting when taken with blood thinners, prolonging bleeding time. Always consult your doctor before taking Aspirin with flaxseed oil.

Flaxseed oil may lower blood pressure. Taking it with blood pressure-lowering drugs may reduce it too much.

Flaxseed oil’s anti-estrogen properties may lower the effectiveness of oral contraceptive drugs and estrogen replacement therapy.

As flaxseed oil lowers blood pressure, consuming it with diabetes drugs that lower blood sugar may cause a sudden reduction in blood sugar levels.

Is flaxseed oil good for you?

Flaxseed oil contains essential fatty acids necessary for important bodily functions.

These omega-3 fatty acids have several health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health and blood pressure. Flaxseed oil usually has no side effects in small doses, but caution is advised with supplements and consultation with a doctor is recommended.

Avoid it if you’re pregnant or planning surgery. Omega-3 fatty acids may interact with certain drugs and cause side effects.

References:

Advances in Nutrition

BioMed Research International

Cleveland Clinic

Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics

Journal of Renal Nutrition

Mayo Clinic

Mount Sinai

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Nutrients

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology

The Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington

Toxicology Reports

U.S. Department of Agriculture