How to drink flaxseed oil to lower cholesterol, what should be the dosage, harm and benefit of the product

Cholesterol (cholesterol) is a natural polycyclic lipophilic alcohol, which, combining with proteins of various densities to form lipoproteins, is transported through the circulatory system to the tissues of the body. This substance comes in two types:

1. High-density lipoproteins (aka high-molecular-weight lipoproteins, or HDL). They participate in the structure of cell membranes, protect nerve fibers, maintain muscle tissue tone, ensure bone strength, stimulate the digestive process, normalize mineral metabolism, the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and insulin production, and promote the synthesis of sex hormones and serotonin.
2. Low-density lipoproteins (otherwise known as low-molecular-weight lipoproteins, or LDL). This compound performs the function of transporting fats from the liver to tissues. But it tends to settle on the walls of blood vessels, forming cholesterol plaques. This leads to a decrease in the lumen, which reduces blood flow. This condition of blood vessels is called atherosclerosis and is fraught with the development of ischemia, stroke, thrombosis and other diseases caused by vascular dysfunction.

“Good” cholesterol has an effect that reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, clearing the walls of blood vessels from excess LDL and transporting them to the liver for removal from the body with bile.

What is cholesterol and why is it dangerous?

Cell membranes contain fatty natural alcohol, which enters the human body from 2 sources:

1. Up to 80% is synthesized by the liver.
2. With food up to 20%.

Cholesterol is essential for the smooth functioning of the body. Its tasks include supporting cell structure, assisting in the production of bile acids, sex hormones and steroids, and ensuring the normal functionality of the central nervous system and digestive tract. If the level decreases, pathologies develop, such as hyperthyroidism or exhaustion, problems of the adrenal cortex.

There are 2 types of substance:

1. HDL. High density lipoproteins, which are beneficial.
2. LDL. Low density lipoproteins. During transportation, plaques are deposited on the inner surface of the vessels. Gradually growing, such “strips” narrow the lumen and impede the flow of blood, causing harm to the body.

If a person does not have health problems, the level of “good” and “bad” substances is balanced. When the concentration of the second increases, it is necessary to take measures to reduce it.

Why is excess cholesterol dangerous?

Increased content provokes a decrease in vascular lumens. Sclerosis develops, blood pressure jumps. As a result, the risks of the following pathologies become real:

1. Myocardial infarction. An increase in cholesterol levels promotes the formation of blood clots, which interfere with the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle.
2. Ischemic stroke. In this case, the brain suffers. O2 deficiency leads to the destruction of organ tissue.
3. Hemorrhagic stroke. An overfilled vessel bursts and blood penetrates into the gray or white matter, which causes death.

To prevent such developments, it is advisable to undergo periodic examinations and carefully monitor cholesterol levels.

Who is recommended to take it?

It is recommended to take flax to treat the following pathologies:

• Hypercholesterolemia of various etiologies;
• Systemic atherosclerosis;
• Pathology thrombosis;
• Diseases of the digestive tract;
• Increased acidity index of gastric juice;
• If there is a disturbance in the functioning of liver cells;
• Ischemia of the cardiac organ;
• Arterial hypertension;
• Diabetes mellitus of both types;
• Obesity;
• Severe cough with a cold;
• Bronchial diseases;
• Pneumonia of the lungs;
• Pathologies in the oral cavity - infectious stomatitis;
• Angina;
• Hemorrhoids and neoplasms in the intestines;
• Kidney pathologies.

To prevent such pathologies, it is recommended to take flax:

• Myocardial infarction;
• Cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage;
• Coronary insufficiency;
• Atherosclerotic neoplasms in the blood circulation system.

Diabetes

The benefits of flaxseed oil for blood vessels

The plant concentrate has several qualities that allow it to be used in the prevention and treatment of this problem. Contains:

1. Polyunsaturated acids Omega-3, 6, 9.
2. Vitamins A, B6, B12, E, K, F.
3. Minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium.

If you introduce flaxseed oil into your diet if you have high cholesterol, you can reduce the level of the harmful substance. However, it is worth considering that traditional recipes are best used against the background of a drug program prescribed by a doctor.

Consuming one concentrate gives a short-term effect, as it helps destroy plaques. But for complete therapy, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the pathology, and this cannot be done using home methods.

Tips for use

When taking the product, it is recommended to follow the instructions for use - they will help you properly use flaxseed oil for cholesterol in order to achieve the maximum possible effect from this product. Here is what the populists recommend:

• It is necessary to take the liquid product and seeds immediately to avoid oxidation with a metal spoon;
• if just squeezing the seeds is not enough to lower cholesterol, then you need to add flaxseed to your food - salads, cereals, first courses;
• if the body responds well to the product and there are no contraindications, then flaxseed oil can be used to season salads and add it to cereals;
• When consuming oil, watch how you feel - if on an empty stomach the product provokes unpleasant nausea and heaviness in the stomach, drink the oil after eating. This is also allowed.

How flaxseed oil helps with cholesterol

Polyunsaturated acids are not synthesized by the body. Therefore, they obtain such necessary substances from food.

Why Omegas are so important:

1. Normalizes blood viscosity.
2. Improves the elasticity of vascular tissues.
3. Reduce the risks of cholesterol deposition and the development of atherosclerotic plaques.

If you regularly use flax oil, blood vessels are strengthened, the body is less likely to experience changes in blood pressure, and the risks of inflammatory processes are eliminated. However, the positive effect is not only in the lumens of the circulatory system. The seed contains a significant amount of fiber, which binds LDL in the intestines and prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

With the help of the extract, a 25% reduction in levels becomes possible. However, the HDL concentration does not change.

How to drink flaxseed oil

Removal of low-density lipoproteins will be much more effective if the following rules are not neglected:

1. When using flax seed for cholesterol, you should not use it for frying foods. High temperature destroys beneficial substances and taking such oil for therapy is pointless.
2. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the release date. Unfortunately, the extract has a short shelf life, after which it becomes useless and even harmful to health.
3. It should be noted that flaxseed concentrate affects the action of some medications. For example, when used together with Aspirin and drugs aimed at reducing sugar levels, their properties are enhanced.
4. Store the oil away from sunlight at temperatures up to 20–23 degrees. It is better to keep the extract in a bottle with a narrow neck, made of dark glass.

If it is necessary to reduce high cholesterol levels and a person takes medications, you should consult a doctor about the possibility of using flaxseed oil. Taking it on your own while on medication is strictly prohibited!

Reception scheme

Consumption is not accompanied by any difficulties in preparation. There is no need to brew or infuse the extract, which significantly saves time and makes treatment easily accessible.

Mode of application:

1. Swallow the product in the morning on an empty stomach.
2. Optimally half an hour before meals.
3. If you decide to perform the procedure in the evening, it is better to take it 20–30 minutes after dinner.
4. Use the product. Drink with water.

It is also allowed to prepare porridges and salads and season them with flaxseed extract, using instead of traditional butter or sunflower oil.

Depending on the state of the body, certain proportions must be observed:

1. If atherosclerosis has already been diagnosed, it is recommended to take 1 tbsp twice a day to reduce cholesterol. l.
2. When there are no vascular problems, for the purpose of prevention, a single dose of 1 tablespoon is recommended every day.

Sometimes patients complain about the specific taste of the product. In this case, capsules with flax oil are bought at the pharmacy.

Duration

What time to take to lower cholesterol also depends on the severity of the problem:

1. If it is necessary to treat vascular diseases, a long course is resorted to. In this case, the oil is drunk for 2–3 months.
2. For prevention, 2–3 weeks are enough. Repeat 2-3 times throughout the year.

The decrease in levels in vascular diseases occurs within several weeks.

Indications for use

Doctors recommend consumption of this oily product in the following cases:

• for the prevention of vascular diseases;
• in the complex treatment of strokes and heart attacks, coronary heart disease;
• to prevent blood clots;
• to reduce the concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol (a combination of fatty acids and trihydric alcohol glycerol);
• for hypertension;
• for preventive purposes against malignant neoplasms.

Benefits of flaxseed oil

Thanks to its composition, flax has a positive effect on the functioning of all systems of the human body. It consists of essential fatty acids, which are not synthesized by internal organs, but enter the blood only from the outside. The herbal remedy contains:

• Omega-3 (linolenic);
• Omega-6 (alpha-linoleic);
• Omega-9 (oleic acid).

These components help reduce bad cholesterol levels without affecting the production of nutrients and improving their metabolism. They are converted into high-density cholesterol and remove excess fat. At the same time, cell permeability is maintained to receive the necessary nutrition, and the vessels become stronger and more elastic. Thus, the risk of plaque formation is minimal.

The healing composition of flaxseed oil also includes vitamins (A, K, E, B6, F, C) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, phosphorus).

How to quickly reduce cholesterol?

If the indicator is seriously overestimated or the general condition worsens, doctors recommend not taking flaxseed oil, but turning to drug therapy. Indicated to use:

1. Statins, which block cholesterol production and reduce levels. Side effects such as muscle soreness and digestive problems are likely.
2. Fibric acids that cleanse blood vessels from LDL. Sometimes treatment is accompanied by stomach upset.
3. Medicines that affect bile, which leads to a decrease in the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. Negative effects include increased flatulence and discomfort in the epigastric region.

In order for therapy to give a positive result and a decrease in LDL levels, it is advisable to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and practice feasible physical activity.

It is necessary to adjust the diet. The menu includes products with Omega and fiber:

• vegetable oils;
• sea ​​fish;
• vegetables;
• fruits;
• greenery;
• legumes

If you do not follow these recommendations, your bad cholesterol levels will begin to rise again.

Contraindications

When is it prohibited to take flaxseed oil:

1. Low blood clotting. If you drink the extract, additional liquefaction will occur.
2. Together with anticoagulants, whose action is aimed at reducing blood density.
3. With drugs that reduce sugar concentration. Omega-3 increases their level and treatment will not lead to the desired effect.
4. Digestive problems. These include diarrhea, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and increased acidity of the gastric enzyme.
5. During the oncological process.

You should not take flaxseed oil during pregnancy, as the product contains a substance similar to the female hormone. Systematic use of the extract can increase the tone of the uterus and provoke a miscarriage.

It is allowed to resort to cleansing blood vessels with flaxseed oil to reduce cholesterol after reaching 16 years of age.

Recommended daily amount of flax seeds

Experts recommend that you take about a tablespoon a day of ground flaxseeds, while children should eat no more than a quarter teaspoon of the substance. Given the high content of fiber, protein and other vitamins, you can start taking flaxseed with a small amount at first and then gradually increase the dosage. In terms of calories, each tablespoon of ground seeds contains 36 calories, and each tablespoon of whole seeds contains 50 calories.

Summary

Flax seeds have qualities that are beneficial for normalizing LDL levels. Doctors and patients note that using the oil helps cleanse blood vessels. But in the case of complicated pathology, drug therapy is necessary, and folk remedies are used as supportive treatment.

Daria Shirochina

Practitioner. She graduated with honors from Vitebsk State Medical University in 2012 with a degree in general medicine. She was awarded a certificate of honor for her achievements in her work.