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What is the Connection Between Flaxseed Oil and Weight Loss?
Research shows that there is a positive connection between flaxseed oil and weight loss. According to the studies, the healthy fats that it contains are highly nutritive and thus have the ability to reduce food cravings. They are also able to increase energy levels and burn off excess fat cells. Flaxseed oil is available as a nutritional supplement and a cold-pressed oil, or it can be obtained directly from the seeds.
According to research, it seems to be the omega-3 fatty acids that connect flaxseed oil and weight loss as the oil has a high omega fat ratio of about 1 to 4 of omega-6 to omega-3. A healthy ratio is considered to be around 3 to 1 of omega-6 to omega-3. Most diets, however, contain excess amounts omega-6, and thus, flaxseed oil is beneficial in restoring healthy levels of omega-3. Once in balance with each other, the healthy oils can help to build more muscle mass, which in turn helps to burn off excess calories and fat cells.
When the body does not receive enough healthy fats and nutrients, it begins to crave for sugary foods, carbohydrates, and foods that are high in unhealthy fats. In this case, flaxseed oil and weight loss are once again connected as the oil contains essential fats that help reduce hunger. The nutrients help to replenish the body and thereby contribute to a lasting feeling of fullness after a meal. As a result, food cravings and snacking are reduced in between meals.
Studies have found flaxseed oil to be effective in speeding up the metabolism. This is another connection between flaxseed oil and weight loss as a high metabolism increases energy levels. High energy levels encourage more exercise and other fat-burning activities, which are essential for weight loss. Another virtue that connects flaxseed oil and weight loss is that the oil will not accumulate within the body when taken in moderation. Rather, the nutrients that it contains help to increase the breakdown and elimination of excess fat cells.
Cold-pressed flaxseed oil can be purchased in bottles and is suitable for using in salad dressings, smoothies, and fruit and vegetable juices. It is also available as a nutritional or weight loss supplement. The seeds are rich with the oil as well, and they can be ground up and used in smoothies, bread doughs, and other foods. In addition to the oil, the seeds are high in fiber, which cleans out the digestive tract and is also helpful for losing weight.
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![Flaxseed.]()
By: ElenathewiseFlaxseed. -
![Flaxseed oil and flax seeds.]()
By: WimLFlaxseed oil and flax seeds. -
![Flaxseed oil speeds up metabolism, which can help dieters lose weight.]()
By: ElenathewiseFlaxseed oil speeds up metabolism, which can help dieters lose weight. -
![A healthy green breakfast smoothie may feature spinach or kale in addition to flaxseed oil.]()
By: Johan LarsonA healthy green breakfast smoothie may feature spinach or kale in addition to flaxseed oil. -
![If weight is not lost in a healthy and normal manner, it will generally be gained right back after normal food is eaten again.]()
By: LsantilliIf weight is not lost in a healthy and normal manner, it will generally be gained right back after normal food is eaten again. -
![Healthy fats help eliminate cravings for sugary and fatty foods.]()
By: Syda ProductionsHealthy fats help eliminate cravings for sugary and fatty foods.
Discussion Comments
Several people at work have told me they have been using flaxseed oil along with exercise and calorie counting to drop a few extra pounds. I am always concerned about taking pills or supplements that claim to be good for weight loss. I think we've all heard those so called miracle weight loss products.
Reading this article, what jumps out at me about flaxseed oil is that it may be able to increase metabolism. Increasing metabolism is something people try to do naturally by working out, so this is a natural and safe approach. The problem with so many weight loss pills is they do weird things to our bodies in order to help us lose weight, and this can eventually be more harmful for us than the weight we are actually trying to lose.
@Laotionne - Logically, you would think eating whole flaxseed would be the best way to get all of the nutrients from this food, like eating an apple is the better than buying apple juice and drinking that. However, there is a major difference with the whole flaxseed that makes it a little different.
Because of the protective shell of flaxseed, the human body has a difficult time getting all of the nutrients from the food before the flaxseed passes through the digestive system. This means that we get more out of the flaxseed when it is ground up. For this reason flaxseed oil benefits are going to be greater than the benefits we get from the whole flaxseed.
Since flaxseed oil is good for weight loss and weight control wouldn't simply eating the natural flaxseeds be even better for me than buying the flaxseed oil supplements you can get in the health stores?
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