Although there are many studies on flaxseed oil and acne, flaxseed supplements are a popular acne treatment among acne sufferers and acne sufferers alike. Flax seed is traditionally used as a natural laxative, providing large amounts for stool and lubrication. But flaxseed oil has many other benefits, it is rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids.
Essential fatty acids are so named because we need to get them from our diet - our body does not make them. They are important for normal growth and development, brain function and help prevent chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
Essential fatty acids come in many forms, commonly known as omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 6 fatty acids are found in large quantities in our Western diet, including safflower, sunflower, corn, sesame and other oils. Omega 6 fatty acid deficiencies can occur if the diet is based solely on omega 3 fats, such as flax and fish oils as the main type ***. Or taking large amounts of omega 3 fatty acids for one and a half to two years to restore the omega 3 deficiencies. But most of all, omega 6 fatty acids are consumed in excess of omega 3. Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiencies include dry skin, sticky platelets and tissue inflammation. Since inflammation is of particular concern to acne sufferers, it is easy to see why increasing the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet is a popular natural acne treatment. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in some types of fish, such as salmon and mackerel, and in flaxseed oil. And in addition to reducing inflammation, omega 3 accelerates healing - again, important for acne sufferers - and reduces platelet adhesion. Platelet viscosity is more important than heart health when you consider that blood cells supply oxygen to the cells in our skin, including the cells involved in healing. 3 types of omega 3 fatty acids are important.
They are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA or LNA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA (or LNA, often abbreviated) is converted by the body into EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are the most readily available forms of omega 3 for the body. Supplementation with ALA reduces inflammation and improves dry skin. Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of ALA, averaging 55% and above. But to convert to EPA and DHA, the body needs good levels of zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6.
The recommended intake of ALA is 2,220 mg per day. High doses are recommended to treat defects or certain conditions. There is no real standard recommendation for acne sufferers because there are not enough studies done on acne.
Flax Seed Oil
Linseed oil, also known as linseed oil or linseed oil, is a yellow oil obtained from the dried, ripe seeds of the flax plant. Flaxseed oil is a triglyceride. This oil is different from other oils in that it contains high amounts of a linoleic acid, which has a specific reaction with oxygen in the air.
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