Not so long ago, the use of flax became a “buzz word” in health and fitness circles. In fact, even the great Mahatma Gandhi was once quoted as saying that flax is a“wonder seed.” “Wherever flax seed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health.”, Gandhi proclaimed.
Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multivitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil's natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as the joints.
Flax seed oil comes from a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. Also known as Linseed Oil, flaxseed oil is highly recommended as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that are needed to sustain health. Flax seed is composed of oil, fiber, protein and mucilage.
Twelve percent of flax seeds is mucilage which makes it a gentle, non-irritating, natural laxative. Flax mucilage is perfect for those who have a sensitive stomach, acting as a buffer for excess stomach acids, soothing ulcers or irritable bowel disorders.
Flax seeds are natural skin care components that are very rich in Omega-3 oils, those essential fatty acids that are so important for our health, especially to the skin. There are many skin problems today such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis that may be caused by the lack of omega 3 essential fatty acids. As a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, flax seed is able to replenish the correct body levels of these fats and so it is a natural skin care gift from nature.
A lot of people are also using flax seed oil directly on their skin in order to make it smoother and less dry. Some even report that directly applied flax seed reduces skin inflammations, but much more research is needed before we can know for sure whether this is true, brought on by a completely different factor, or simply a case of placebo effect. Skin products made from flax seed oil can easily become rancid, especially pure flax seed oil where no preservatives have been added. Heat, light and oxygen will break down flax seed oil. To preserve its efficacy, flax seed oil should be placed in an air-tight container that should be kept away from direct sunlight. A spray top bottle with an extra lid is better than a normal bottle with a single lid because the spray construction reduces the possibility of air getting into the bottle. To prevent natural skin care products such as flax seed oil skin from turning bad, you should always store them in the refrigerator. The best flax seed oil skin products are usually those processed at low temperatures in dark environments.
Flax oil and flax seeds are being rediscovered as true health foods. They definitely merit being included on any top ten list of natural skin care products that are good for everyone.