Side effects of flaxseed oil

Information on Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil has been introduced in the 1980s as anutritional supplement. It is commonly obtained from the seeds of the blueflowering plant which is also sometimes referred to as linseed. The seeds ofthis plant are among the best sources of omega 3 essential fatty acids, lignanand dietary fiber. These ingredients have a very high medicinal value so theyare used for the prevention and treatment of various different sorts ofailments and medical conditions. Flaxseed oil has been used as a very potent agentfor inflammatory conditions and the treatment of various cardiac problems. Theoil derived from the plant contains the beneficial lignan and omega 3 fattyacids only in insignificant amounts. Since the introduction of flaxseed oil fora number of medicinal purposes it has been discovered that it can be heldresponsible for the occurrence of various medical conditions and diseases.

Side Effects of Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil may be the richest plant based source ofessential omega 3 fatty acids, but it still may be associated with theoccurrence of certain types of unwanted side effects. One of the most importantingredients of flaxseed oil is scientifically referred to as eicosapentaenoicacid and it is responsible for most benefits attributed to this type of oil.Unfortunately the amounts of this substance are too low to be considered evenremotely important. Certain scientific studies have shown that flaxseed oil isnot that efficient when it comes to relieving, alleviating and treating variousdifferent sorts of inflammatory conditions. In fact, it actually increases andaggravates the inflammations in most cases. There is also an ongoing controversy over certain claims that flaxseedoil may be of great help when it comes to stimulating the development prostatecancer. Certain researchers believe thatthe association with the occurrence of prostate cancer lies in the fact thatflaxseed oil contains significant levels of alpha linolenic acid.

Certain studies have also shown that flaxseed oil may be oneof the causes of breast cancer as well. These unfortunate events may also beassociated with high levels of alpha linolenic acid contained in flaxseed oil.Those who suffer from scleroderma or intestine obstructions should avoid usingflaxseed oil for the improvement of bowel movements. Sometimes certain adverse effects may occurin those who suffer from diabetes as well. The most common side effects of flaxseedoil are loose stools and abdominal flatulence.