Learn To Psoriasis Free For Life!!!
Click Here
Psoriasis Flax Seed Oil
Natural Skin Care with Flax
Not so long ago, the use of flax became a "buzz word" in health and fitness circles. In fact, even the great Mahatma Gandhi was once quoted as saying that flax is a"wonder seed." "Wherever flax seed becomes a regular food item among the people, there will be better health.", Gandhi proclaimed.
Some nutritionists, researchers, and scientists believe that it could be the most important health-promoting supplement next to a multivitamin. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil's natural properties, including the cardiovascular system, immune system, circulatory system, reproductive system, nervous system, as well as the joints.
Flax seed oil comes from a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. Also known as Linseed Oil, flaxseed oil is highly recommended as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that are needed to sustain health. Flax seed is composed of oil, fiber, protein and mucilage.
Twelve percent of flax seeds is mucilage which makes it a gentle, non-irritating, natural laxative. Flax mucilage is perfect for those who have a sensitive stomach, acting as a buffer for excess stomach acids, soothing ulcers or irritable bowel disorders.
Flax seeds are natural skin care components that are very rich in Omega-3 oils, those essential fatty acids that are so important for our health, especially to the skin. There are many skin problems today such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis that may be caused by the lack of omega 3 essential fatty acids. As a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, flax seed is able to replenish the correct body levels of these fats and so it is a natural skin care gift from nature.
A lot of people are also using flax seed oil directly on their skin in order to make it smoother and less dry. Some even report that directly applied flax seed reduces skin inflammations, but much more research is needed before we can know for sure whether this is true, brought on by a completely different factor, or simply a case of placebo effect. Skin products made from flax seed oil can easily become rancid, especially pure flax seed oil where no preservatives have been added. Heat, light and oxygen will break down flax seed oil. To preserve its efficacy, flax seed oil should be placed in an air-tight container that should be kept away from direct sunlight. A spray top bottle with an extra lid is better than a normal bottle with a single lid because the spray construction reduces the possibility of air getting into the bottle. To prevent natural skin care products such as flax seed oil skin from turning bad, you should always store them in the refrigerator. The best flax seed oil skin products are usually those processed at low temperatures in dark environments.
Flax oil and flax seeds are being rediscovered as true health foods. They definitely merit being included on any top ten list of natural skin care products that are good for everyone.
About the Author
Find tips about arthritis in horses and shoes for arthritis at the Arthritis Types website.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Skin Health
Though omega-6 fatty acids are not discussed as often as omega-3 fatty acids, these misunderstood essential fatty acids are critical components in everything from proper cell development and metabolic regulation to reproduction health and the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. While there are numerous health concerns that can develop from a lack of essential fatty acids in one's diet, skin disorders are often the first to appear and, of course, the most readily apparent. Low intake of essential fatty acids, including omega-6 fatty acids, has been linked to a higher risk of skin infections such as dermatitis and eczema, as well as lowered overall immunity to ward all types of skin conditions. Additionally, mothers who lack essential fatty acids during pregnancy can sometimes pass the risk of infection and certain skin disorders onto their infants.
Recent research suggests that linoleic acid (LA), the mother compound of omega-6 fatty acids, may be beneficial in treating psoriasis, acne and other skin conditions. One study in particular found that flax seed oil, high in both LA and omega-6 fatty acids, is especially helpful in treating eczema. Additionally, another form of omega-6 fatty acid, gamma-lineolic acid (GLA), has been shown to offer positive results for those suffering with eczema. While GLA is converted within the body to arachidonic acid (AA) – a compound that has been linked to inflammation – it is almost always converted further into dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid (DGLA) which is capable of counteracting any inflammatory effects. A healthy intake of vitamins – especially magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin C – can help GLA convert fully into DGLA.
Scientists have recently discovered that eczema sufferers lack the enzyme responsible for converting LA into GLA, preventing such individuals from developing the omega-6 fatty acids capable of regulating and soothing the condition. LA is easy to get through food, as it is prevalent in many vegetable oils, but GLA is difficult to obtain through dietary sources. Rarely present in traditional foods, GLA is found most commonly in borage seed oil, black currant oil and evening primrose oil. One unique double-blind study on children suffering from eczema involved putting borage seed oil on the inside of undershirts for two weeks. The results were remarkably positive, as symptoms were greatly reduced for most participants. Similar effects have also been achieved by people of all ages – suffering not only from eczema, but an array of skin conditions – after adding borage seed oil or essential fatty acid supplements containing the oil to an already healthy diet.
Though Americans tend to get plenty of omega-6 fatty acids in their diets, not everyone focuses on obtaining it from healthy sources such as raw nuts and seeds, unsaturated vegetable oils and legumes. Most people are also unaware of how a proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a healthy diet can help improve overall skin health, in addition to having positive effects on conditions as wide-ranging as depression and heart disease. One of the easiest ways to reap the benefits of all the essential fatty acids, from improved skin health to healthier heart function, is to add a balanced supplement containing omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.
About the Author
For more info on essential fatty acids, visit Top Form Supplements
