Linseed oil: effect and application of the oil
Linseed oil is a versatile food that is suitable for various areas of application. You can read the most important facts about the effect and use of linseed oil and why the oil should not be missing in any kitchen in our article.
These are the ingredients of linseed oil
- Vitamins: Linseed oil is rich in provitamin A. In addition, linseed oil contains vitamins B1, B2 and B6, C and fat-soluble vitamins E, D and K.
- Unsaturated fatty acids: The majority of the oil is made up of the polyunsaturated fatty acids: About 72 percent are omega-3 linolenic acid, omega-6 linoleic acid and oleic acid. Apart from linseed oil, only black cumin oil has as much unsaturated fatty acids.
- Saturated fatty acids: There are also plenty of saturated fatty acids in linseed oil, making up a total of about 28 percent. These fatty acids include healthy stearic acid and palmitic acid. By the way, you can read the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with us.
- Trace elements: These ingredients that are important for the body are also contained in a relatively high concentration. In addition to zinc, iodine, iron and copper, you will also find the minerals potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium in linseed oil.
Effect of the oil on your body
- Metabolism: Linseed oil has the ability to trap the peak blood sugar level that arises after meals. Regular consumption of linseed oil can therefore prevent diabetes.
- Cardiovascular system: The positive effects of unsaturated fatty acids on the cardiovascular system have been known for some time. They are known to lower blood lipid levels and keep cholesterol levels healthy.
- Joints: If you suffer from osteoarthritis or arthritis, regular consumption will benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of linseed oil.
- Nerves: The fatty acids contained in linseed oil protect against nerve damage and improve the transmission of stimuli in the nerve pathways. Here, too, diabetes plays a role, since this disease damages the nerves: linseed oil can protect against these late effects. In addition, positive effects of the oil in the treatment of Parkinson's were noted.
Examples of use for linseed oil for health
- Linseed oil harmonises particularly well with foods containing sulfur. The combination prevents the oxidation of the oil in the body. This can happen because linseed oil is rather unstable. Use the oil with onions or peppers or spices and herbs such as garlic or chives to avoid this effect. Dairy products as well as wild garlic and leek also prevent oxidation.
- Linseed oil is not suitable for frying. However, you can refine cold dishes such as salads very well.
- In addition to its many healthy ingredients, linseed oil also contains a substance that the body converts to toxic hydrocyanic acid. However, the concentration is so low that you would have to drink 100 milliliters of the oil a day to poison yourself.
You can read about the effects and side effects of sage oil in the next guide.