Flax Seed Oil Side Effects
People use flaxseed oil for many different ailments and can be a great addition to a diet. The oil has a nutty flavor and enhances a salad dressing but you shouldn't use it to cook since the heat changes the healthy fat into toxic fat that causes harm. Instead, most people find that adding the oil to a dish that's already cooked can enhance the flavor and add many beneficial nutrients to the diet.
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Flax Seed Oil Supplements
There are a number of vitamins in flaxseed oil such as B1, B2, C, E and carotene, a form of vitamin A. The oil also contains zinc, iron and trace minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and calcium in addition to being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that promotes heart health. However, there is little research on the negative effects of flaxseed oil.
Most likely, flaxseed oil is safe used in the short term. The oil contains alpha-linolenic acid that research suggests may play a role in prostate cancer. However, other research shows that while alpha-linolenic acid plays a role in prostate cancer, the source of the acid makes a huge difference in its role in prostate cancer. Plant sources don't add to the risk of prostate cancer but the alpha-linolenic acid from animal sources such as meat and dairy do show a relationship to it, by increasing the risk.
Flaxseed Oil for Pregnant and Nursing Women
Taking flaxseed oil during pregnancy is also possibly unsafe. However, some doctors recommend pregnant and nursing women to take a teaspoon a day. Some studies show that flaxseed oil might increase the risk of a premature birth if the pregnant mother takes it during the second and third trimester. Other studies show that using the oil supplies the baby with important fats that aid in building brain cells and recommend taking flaxseed oil during both pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Flax Seed Oil Side Effects to Unborn Child
Since there is little research on the possible effects to the unborn child, each woman must consult their doctor and weigh the benefits against the potential risk. You should heavily weigh the risk of premature birth if you have a history of the problem and search for other sources of omega-3 fatty acids. For those breast-feeding, there is limited research on the safety of the supplement. However, there is nothing indicating a potential hazard.
Flax Seed Oil Side Effects Include Risk of Bleeding
For people with bleeding disorders or those about to undergo surgery, flaxseed oil, like other anti-inflammatory supplements, prevents blood clotting. This increases the risk of bleeding. You should not use it without talking to a healthcare professional first. If you're taking other anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinning medications, it's wise to talk to your healthcare professional before you add flaxseed oil as a supplement.
Storing the flaxseed oil safely is another problem. The flaxseed contains oil that's highly unsaturated. However, the seed is the best storage for the oil and they don't go bad for a year. Once you remove the oil from the seed, that protection ceases. You must store the oil in a refrigerated area in a dark container. The oil lasts only a short time, approximately a month or more, once you open the container so use it quickly to avoid rancidity.
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