Flaxseed oil: use for the person and the home

The oil extracted from flax seeds is a fabulous product with a thousand uses both for well-being and personal care, and for cleaning the house, and finally also in the garden and in the vegetable garden to protect our plants from parasites. .

Flaxseed oil is composed of:

polyunsaturated fats ω6 (25%) and ω3 (50%) which are the essential fatty acids useful to the body because it does not produce them autonomously so we must include them in our diet
from 15 to 18% monounsaturated fats such as oleic acid as in olive oil
from 5 to 10% saturated fats, vitamin E, vitamins B and lecithin

Flaxseed oil in the diet

In the diet it must be added to the raw dishes: in this way the constituents are not altered and its beneficial properties can be fully utilized. Flax seeds are rich in vitamins especially of the B group, lecithin, proteins, fibers and many mineral salts such as magnesium and zinc. According to scientific studies, linseed oil protects the heart because it reduces LDL cholesterol (the "bad" one), helps the immune system, and if taken in good quantities by pregnant mothers it helps develop the brain of the fetus first and of the child during lactation then. Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant and fights free radicals; this property also makes it possible not to oxidize other substances such as the precious vitamin F which together with vitamin E prevents cholesterol from creating deposits and accumulating. Result: less LDL and less cardiovascular disease. It is also an excellent supplement to essential fatty acids for those who have taken a vegetarian and vegan choice. It is also recommended for vegan children, and for babies it is possible to add a teaspoon raw in baby food. For adults, you get 2 tablespoons a day taken in the morning or in dishes, always remembering to use it raw without cooking. However, being a source of fat (even if it is vegetable) the diet should be regulated by eliminating or reducing as much as possible sources of other animal fats such as meat and dairy products and also controlling the amount of sugar.

Flaxseed oil and beauty

Linseed oil is excellent for moisturizing hair : in fact it is able to regulate water loss thanks to the linoleic acid content. It is distributed on the tips of the hair by applying it directly with the fingers and dabbing, or by preparing a pack for all the hair and leaving it on for 40 minutes. It is advisable to use a spray with water to moisten the hair, in this way the oil penetrates better inside the hair itself, fortifying it. For the skin, thanks to the alpha linoleic acid content, it gives elasticity and resistance so it can be applied on the face and in the parts where the skin easily cracks like elbows, knees and shins. It can be used both as a supplement and directly on the skin in case of wounds, thanks to its healing capabilities.

Linseed oil for the home

Flaxseed oil can be used to polish and "nourish" the surfaces of home furniture . Just pass a cloth with a little oil and everything will be clean and shiny again. However, the product must be used on wood materials treated with impregnating agents or wood paints. It can be used directly on the wood, even adding essential oils to give it insect repellent properties: in this case it becomes a general protection.

Linseed oil for the garden and the garden

Linseed oil can be used with a spray to ward off insects and diseases from our plants . A bit like white oils, it is capable of covering insects and preventing them from breathing. Mixing linseed oil with essential oils capable of removing some specific insects improves the effectiveness of the action. Here are some examples: mint is repellent for ants, caterpillars and lice, while lavender against woodworms, lice, aphids, ants and moths; garlic removes aphids and moths as a general antibacterial. Among the best essential oils for a general protection and repellency are: thyme, oregano and malaleuca (tea tree oil) .

Warnings for the purchase

One must know how to choose a high quality linseed oil especially for food use . To do this it must be: cold pressed so as not to lose useful active ingredients, from organic farming to guarantee the absence of synthetic substances and pesticides or cryptogams, well preserved, that is kept in the refrigerator, closed containers not in contact with air and away from light. All these warnings protect against rancidity and loss of property. After a month from the opening it should however be finished because over time the alterations and rancidity begin. This does not preclude its use for home furniture or as an insect repellent.