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Many people swear by flaxseed oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA. Flaxseed EPA's decrease swelling, which is why our grandparents used it for RA. Recent research has indicated flaxseed oil as a novel pain reliever for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. As the research team notes, flaxseed oil is used in traditional Persian medicine for a variety of things, including as a pain reliever. The scientists say that their study has confirmed that the oil can be applied topically for pain relief. The team wrote, “Flaxseed oil is effective in pain relief of patients with knee osteoarthritis, especially in improving the severity of symptoms and functional status of patients.”
Past research has indicated that the omega-3 fatty acids found in flax may be responsible for its pain-relieving properties. According to the U.K.'s Express, omega-3 fats are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Given that flaxseed contains nearly 1600 milligrams of the stuff in just one serving, flaxseed surely contains enough omega-3s to impart such benefits.
Many of us suffer with degenerating joints as a result of the natural ageing process. It has long been believed that omega 3 fatty acids, such as those produced by the body using building blocks from flaxseed oil, help to reduce inflammation. As a result they may reduce problems such as joint discomfort and reduced flexibility.
A study aiming to identify exactly how polyunsaturated fatty acids help to ease joint pain found that they seem to act in at least two manners. Firstly, they help to suppress proteins in the body known as “cytokines” that act as “messengers” and encourage an inflammatory response. Secondly, omega 3 oils seem to also suppress enzymes known as “proteases” which are responsible for the physical breakdown of joint cartilage. In doing so, omega oils like EPA help to slow the progression of degenerative joint conditions.
It is also interesting to highlight that when comparing the impacts of different omega 3 oils, experts found that “EPA was more effective than DHA”. This is reassuring because, as previously discussed; it is EPA levels that tend to rise most significantly after consumption of flaxseed oil.
Another study provided existing rheumatoid arthritis sufferers with either 1.8 grams of EPA per day or a placebo tablet to measure any impact on their condition. After 12 weeks of ongoing supplementation the EPA group saw measurable improvements in “morning stiffness and number of tender joints”. Just as interestingly, once the experiment ceased and the EPA group stopped taking their supplement they began to “deteriorate significantly”, suggesting that ongoing consumption is crucial for long-term protection.
Current research suggests that fatty acids like those derived from flaxseed oil aren't just useful for treating pre-existing conditions; they may even help to reduce the onset of such symptoms in the first place.
A fascinating study asked 32,232 women born between 1914 and 1948 to complete a questionnaire outlining their diet, and hence their average intake of beneficial omega 3 oils. After seven years the scientists compared the results of those that had been unlucky enough to contract rheumatoid arthritis in the meantime with comparable healthy participants. They found that a long term intake of long-chain omega 3 oils higher than 0.21 grams per day “was associated with a 52% decreased risk” of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Source: https://www.simplysupplements.co.uk/healthylife/supplements/flaxseed-oil?srsltid=AfmBOopdyO0t_Kh9FzYYwrlNcSbL8wZAzbrHfOSxFmEBlugj8fTgkXa4
Taken internally, Flax Seed Oil main content, Omega-3 fats, help our body produce Prostaglandins Series 1 and 3, which are anti-inflammatory hormone-like molecules. These molecules help reduce the inflammation associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
Therefore, Flax Seed is often believed to be a natural cure for arthritis. Simply take one tablespoon of Flax Seed or the Oil 3 times daily.
For breakfast, add Flax Seeds to your cereal, muffin, or bread, or mix ground Flax Seeds into chocolate/strawberry milk or orange juice.
For lunch and dinner, Flax Seeds can be ground and sprinkled directly onto almost any meal.
Flax Seed Oil can also be used instead of the raw seeds. Take 1 teaspoon of Flax Seed Oil 3 times daily. The oil can be added to food as well. Continue this remedy for at least one month to cure the primary forms of arthritis.
Topical use of Linseed oil can be found in Proprietary Liniments from the 1850's – 1950's listed as LINSEED OIL. Your grandparents know that flaxseed oil had a direct effect on inflammed tissue therefore they used it as a carrier oil in there liniments for arthritis problems.
