Find out if you should include different oils in your sports nutrition diet and what dosages to use for maximum effect. Pro-athletes often use flaxseed oil, but this cannot be said about bodybuilding enthusiasts. Linseed oil is a vegetable product and is obtained using the cold pressing technology from flax seeds. Thanks to this method of obtaining the product, all the nutrients are preserved in it.
If we talk about the benefits and dangers of flaxseed oil in bodybuilding, then it is necessary to immediately mention that this product contains the maximum amount of various polyunsaturated fats. These include omega-3, 6 and 9, as well as others. In addition to these substances, flax seed oil contains a large number of other nutrients.
You should be aware of the importance of omega fatty acids, but it is not enough to consume them in the required amount. It is very important to maintain the ratio between omega 3 and 6. Flax seed oil provides this opportunity. Note that omega-6 is found in sufficient quantities in almost any type of vegetable oil. But omega-3 can only be obtained from fish and flaxseed oil.
Benefits of flaxseed oil
- Reduces the concentration of sugar in the blood, which is important for people with diabetes.
- Normalizes the balance of cholesterol, and also reduces the concentration of fats in the blood. This helps to prevent the development of diseases of the vascular system and heart.
- Reduces blood pressure.
- Used by the body to provide energy to the brain.
- Improves the condition of the skin and hair.
- Contains a large amount of trace elements.
- Contributes to the prevention of the development of cancer.
- Improves the functioning of the digestive system.
These were general health benefits that are essential for anyone. However, today we are talking about the benefits and dangers of flaxseed oil in bodybuilding and now we will focus on athletes. Scientists have found that flax seed oil can speed up the body's recovery after exercise. The fatty acids contained in the product are actively used by the body for energy, which allows you to increase the energy potential and increase the athlete's endurance. Also, linseed oil promotes faster recovery of ligaments after sprains received by them. An equally important property of the product is an increase in the metabolic rate. Every builder knows the importance of developing neuromuscular connections and flaxseed oil will help you improve them.
Contraindications to the use of flaxseed oil
You have probably already noticed that the benefits are great, and there is practically no harm from flaxseed oil in bodybuilding. Here it is appropriate to speak not about the negative properties of the product, but about contraindications to its use. First of all, this concerns problems with the work of the pancreas. Do not use flaxseed oil if you have gallstones or other biliary tract diseases.
Also, do not use oil for athletes suffering from high acidity of the stomach. The product helps to accelerate the production of gastric juice and if you have gastritis or an ulcer, then you can aggravate the situation. Do not use flaxseed oil for liver problems. The product is capable of severely stressing this organ. Individual intolerance to the product is also possible, although it is quite rare.
How to take flaxseed oil?
Today, flaxseed oil can be purchased in liquid form or in capsule form. However, most often the product is used in the form of oil. With the purchase of this type of oil, you definitely will not have any problems, since it can be found not only in a pharmacy, but also in any supermarket.
It should be said right away that the taste of flax seed oil leaves much to be desired. It cannot be used for cooking, as the oil loses much of its nutritional value when exposed to high temperatures. Thus, you have to take it "live". Experts recommend using one or two tablespoons of flaxseed oil from morning to breakfast.
It is very important to remember that it must be consumed cold and not heated. Store the product in the refrigerator, avoiding temperature drops. Also note that after the expiration date, most of the nutrients contained in the oil are destroyed. Therefore, always pay attention to the expiration date of the oil. If you pay attention to the composition of sports supplements containing omega fats, you will notice that very often one of the ingredients of these dietary supplements is flax seed oil. Sports nutrition manufacturers use this product in the manufacture of supplements no less actively in comparison with fish oil.
What benefits and harms flaxseed oil brings to the body, you will learn from this video:
