Is Flaxseed Oil Bad For You?
Also Known As: linseed oil
Short answer
Flaxseed oil is an omega 3 fatty acid offering a wealth of health benefits. It should be noted, though, that the oil can interact with both blood thinning and blood sugar lowering medications.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
When you look into healthy diets, you will surely see the word flax in either its whole form or as flaxseed oil. As a whole seed, it gives you omega 3s, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Flaxseed oil is made up of nearly 55% omega 3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid) which provides a great deal of the health benefits of this oil. In smaller amounts, it also contains omega 6 fatty acid.
Consuming a proper balance of omega 3 to omega 6 is very important and a big problem in the American diet which is typically heavy on the omega 6 side. While both of these polyunsaturated fats are necessary for the diet and provide health benefits, too much omega 6 can cause inflammatory disorders and disease. Omega 3s on the other hand fight inflammation which minimizes the risks of developing cancer, keeps the skin and hair healthy, prevents heart disease and can help manage weight. Since ALA is used to create DHA and EPA in the body, benefits can also include boosting the immune system, improving brain function and regulating digestion health.
Digestive symptoms that can be addressed with flaxseed oil including constipation and diarrhea. Diarrhea can be caused by various conditions including poor intestinal health. Flaxseed oil can help to repair the intestinal cells making them better able to absorb nutrients. It also acts as a lubricant to the colon assisting in constipation relief and removal of the toxins that live there. This further helps with weight loss.
Heart health is improved by flaxseed oil by the effects of ALA on the body. ALA protects against free radicals, and prevents atherosclerosis and plaquing in the blood vessels by the elimination of "bad" LDL cholesterol. Many people have a hard time with this concept, but you must consume good fats to fight bad fats. Flaxseed oil is a good fat, though, and adding it to your diet will help eliminate the bad fat in your body. This will also work to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
You should be aware that flaxseed oil can interact with blood thinning and blood sugar lowering medications, so talk to your doctor about adding this oil to your diet. Anticoagulant effects can be increased by omega 3s and that’s something that should be monitored. Omega 3s can also increase you fasting blood sugar levels which could cause the need for more medicine.
Possible short-term side effects
- affects blood sugar levels
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interacts with some medications
Benefits
- constipation relief
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healthy hair and skin
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maintains normal blood pressure
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fights inflammation
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lowers ldl cholesterol
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boosts immune system
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improves brain function
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improves digestion
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prevents heart/cardiovascular disease
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helps to maintain weight
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keeps skin healthy
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minimizes the risk of developing cancers
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Barlean's Flaxseed Oil
- High in Omega-3
- Supports heart health
- Promotes healthy joints
- Aids digestion
- Organic & cold-pressed
Learn More!
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Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 08-19-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 08-19-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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