Last week's topic was the first in a series of healthy oils and their benefits, focusing on Olive oil and Grape Seed oil, with some pretty interesting facts. This week will be part 2- Flaxseed oil and Peanut Oil. Again, I got the info from the same healthy living blogspot.com page with the more detailed information from somewhere else. I really don't know much about either of these two oils so it's good that I collecting that info to learn so I can learn about them.


Flaxseed Oil

Flax Seed Oil is derived from flax seeds, which are slightly larger than sesame seeds and have a hard but smooth and shiny shell. Their color ranges from deep amber to reddish brown depending on the variety. Studies have shown that flax seeds are an excellent source of Omega-9 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids. They are also a very good source of dietary fiber and protein, as well as manganese, folate, Vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorous, lecithin, zinc, and copper. In addition, flax seeds are concentrated in lignan, which has been shown to fight both breast cancer and colon cancer. Flaxseed oil is most often sold as a food supplement and not for cooking. It contains an Omega-3 fatty acid called alfa-linolenic acid. Also known as ALA or LNA, it is related to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid chains. Considered an essential fatty acid for humans, as it cannot be created within the body, we must receive adequate amounts of this fatty acid from the foods we eat.
Benefits Include:

-Treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn and rosacea:
The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil are largely responsible for its skin-healing powers. Red, itchy patches of eczema, psoriasis and rosacea often respond to the EFA's anti-inflammatory actions and overall skin-soothing properties. Sunburned skin may heal faster when treated with the oil as well. In cases of acne, the EFAs encourage thinning of the oily sebum that clogs pores. ** Promote healthy hair and nails:** The abundant omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to contribute to healthy hair growth (in fact, low levels of these acids may cause dry and lackluster locks). Hair problems exacerbated by psoriasis or eczema of the scalp may respond to the skin-revitalizing and anti-inflammatory actions of flaxseed oil as well. Similarly, the oil's EFAs work to nourish dry or brittle nails, stopping them from cracking or splitting.

-Minimise nerve damage that causes numbness and tingling as well as other disorders:
The EFAs in flaxseed oil assist in the transmission of nerve impulses, making the oil potentially valuable in treating conditions of numbness and tingling. The oil's nerve-nourishing actions may also help in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative disorder of the nervous system, and protect against the nerve damage associated with diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

-Reduce cancer risk and guard against the effects of ageing:
The lignans in flaxseed oil appear to play a role in protecting against breast, colon, prostate, and perhaps skin cancer. Although further studies are needed, research undertaken at the University of Toronto indicates that women with breast cancer, regardless of the degree of cancer invasiveness, may benefit from treatment with flaxseed oil. Interestingly, the oil's lignans may protect against various effects of ageing as well.

-Treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility and endometriosis:
Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) in flaxseed oil help stabilise a woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle, and relieve the hot flashes of perimenopause and menopause. Flaxseed oil may also improve uterine function and thus treat fertility problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to block production of prostaglandins, hormonelike substances that, when released in excess amounts during menstruation, can cause the heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis. To relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome simply take 1 teaspoon of flax seed oil three times daily for one month.

-Fight prostate problems, male infertility and impotence:
The EFAs in flaxseed oil may help to prevent swelling and inflammation of the prostate, the small gland located below the bladder in males that tends to enlarge with age. Symptoms of such enlargement, such as urgency to urinate, may lessen as a result. The EFAs also play a role in keeping sperm healthy, which may be of value in treating male infertility, and they can improve blood flow to the penis, a boon for those suffering from impotence.

List of other benefits-
Curing colon and breast cancer
Curing skin problems such as acne and eczema
Curing asthma and diabetes
Lowering high blood pressure
Curing rheumatoid arthritis
Lowering cholesterol levels
Improving the immune system
Healing sprains and bruises
Fighting obesity
Treating dandruff

Some uses of Flax Seed oil:

Constipation Home Remedy
Surprisingly, flaxseed oil is also useful in controlling constipation. The dietary fiber content in the oil is considerable and helps to ease bowel movements. As it has been known to combat inflammation, it is useful in repairing any intestinal tract damage. It has been known to keep those gallstones at bay and sometimes dissolve existing stones.
-Take 3 tablespoons of flax seeds and grind them in regular coffee grinder.
-Add one tablespoon to a glass of warm water, and repeat this once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening.
-Repeat this for 3 days.

If symptoms don't go away after 3 days, consult your doctor since there may be some other cause of the constipation. Also remember to drink lots of water throughout the day when experiencing symptoms of constipation.

Natural Cure for Diabetes, Arthritis, and Heart Ailments
For chronic disease such as diabetes, arthritis, gall disorders, and heart ailments, use the following home remedy:
-Combine 4 oz. of cottage cheese with 1.5 oz. of flax seed oil and 1 oz. of milk into a blender.
-Add honey or fresh fruits to add sweetness.
-Blend this mixture and drink daily each morning.

It is important to note that there are also side effects of taking Flaxseed Oil. Although not necessarily harmful, they can be a bit uncomfortable. Some people experience increased flatulence or bloating when they first begin to incorporate flax seeds into their diet. Therefore, it is recommended that you start with a small amount, such as one teaspoon, and slowly build yourself up to your intake goal. When increasing fiber intake in the diet, it is also a good idea to increase fluid (water) consumption as well. Scientific studies have safely used up to 30 grams (1/4 cup) of flax seeds daily without side effects.


Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is one of the healthiest oils. It is a vegetable oil that is naturally trans fat-free, cholesterol free, and low in saturated fats. Peanut oil is high in unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturated fat, like olive oil. It is also a source of the antioxidant, vitamin E and phytosterols, which benefit heart-health. Peanut oil is also a perfect choice for healthier frying because it can be heated to a higher temperature than other oils, and this results in lower oil pick up in the food. Oil makes up 47 to 50 percent of the peanut kernel. The peanut oil consists of the monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid and the polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid. According to the "Journal of Oleo Science" in 2010, peanut oil contains vitamin E and the minerals of sodium, phosphorus and potassium. Peanut oil supplies a compound similar in structure and function to cholesterol, called phytosterols. According to the Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute, plants like peanuts produce phytosterols. The phytosterols exert their effect by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestines.
Health Benefits of Peanut oil:

-Cholesterol, Heart Disease and Peanut Oil
The phytosterols in peanut oil inhibit the intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Consequently, a reduction in LDL, known as "bad" cholesterol, and total cholesterol occurs as a result of the phytosterols in peanut oil. Replacing vegetable oil with peanut oil in the diet brings down the LDL and overall cholesterol level. According to the University of Florida, diets high in monounsaturated fat from oils such as peanut oil and olive oil lower the risk of heart disease by 21 percent.


-Diabetes and Peanut Oil
The monounsaturated fatty acid in peanut oil improves insulin sensitivity. The journal, "Lipids in Health and Disease," in 2009 described the ability of peanut oil to reduce blood glucose to a normal range in a mouse model. A high intake of peanuts and other nuts produced a lower risk of developing diabetes indicated from the Nurses' Health Study and published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" in 2002. Peanut oil in small amounts produces positive health benefits in diabetes.


Cancer and Peanut Oil
According to Zhion.com, phytosterols in peanut oil exhibit a protective role in preventing cancer in the colon, prostate and breast. "Nutrition and Cancer" reported in 2000 that peanut oil contains the phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, that functions as the active compound in the cancer prevention. Another substance, resveratrol, in peanut oil demonstrates the ability to reduce the risk of cancer in animal studies. Peanuts represent a highly beneficial food for cancer prevention.


One example to add to the side effects of Flaxseed, my brother was taking some for a while with his protein shakes a few years ago and after awhile he started having stomach pains for several days. He didn't didn't know why. It turns out that he was consuming too much of the flaxseed. If you do decided to take it just be aware of how much you are. Regarding peanut oil, I'm sure a lot of you have been to a Chinese buffet. If you have then maybe you've noticed certain ones having peanut oil among the food in a pot or jar or something. Next time you go to one you should consider putting some on your plate. Now that you know some of it health benefits it will be a good idea to try it out.
As always, this thread is open for discussion and additional facts and information. Next week I'll do the topic on Fish Oil and an undetermined oil.
Hope you enjoyed the read.