Wearing linen can not only improve your sleep, but its good for your health too.
Linen is the unsung hero of the textile world, with its natural properties it not only feels great to wear, but it is highly beneficial to your health too. And here’s why…
Linen is naturally antibacterial, hypoallergenic, antistatic, hygroscopic, and breathable.
But what does that even mean?
To put it simply, linen fabric is less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin, and being a breathable fabric, it also supports health and healthy skin in those who don’t have sensitive skin because our skin needs air and moisture circulation to function properly.
Linen is also hygroscopic – a fancy word which means it absorbs moisture quickly, wicks it away and then dries rapidly. This makes linen cool to wear. This also makes linen the perfect option for bedding, with many users of linen bedding finding they sleep deeper and better when compared to other sheet types.
Wearing linen fabric protects our bodies from the build up of static-electricity and radon (which static clothing attracts from the surrounding environment).
Linen is a natural fiber made from the flax plant
Linen is the oldest known fabric in the world. According to Wikipedia, linen fabrics made from wild flax are thought to date back over 30,000 years. The flax plant thrives in dry, arid soil and needs minimal water, fertilizers or pesticides, making linen an eco-friendly fiber with minimal chemicals required in its creation.
Linen fabric gets softer every time it is washed, so it literally gets better with age. It is also highly durable and long lasting, meaning it will last you for years.
The flax seed – known as the miracle seed?
People have been using the flax seed for food, clothing and health benefits for thousands of years. Flax seeds are a good source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, they are high in fiber to help with digestion, and are great for your cardiovascular system as they can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Studies have also shown that flax seeds when consumed daily are beneficial during menopause and post-menopause to reduce symptoms and hot flashes, and research shows they can help lower the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Natural vs synthetic fibers in fashion
Compared to petroleum based plastic fibers, which are predominately available in today’s fashion industry, natural based fabrics are less toxic.
Overwhelming, in today’s fashion industry, our clothing, textile and bedding options are predominately made from plastic based fibers such as polyester (which is derived from petroleum).
Even the manufacturing process of synthetic fibers has significant environmental impact, let alone the detrimental health effects. Polyester and other plastic based fibers break down slowly every time you wash them, releasing millions of plastic micro fibers into the water supply, contributing to plastic pollution in our air and waterways.
Plastic microfiber pollution is currently considered the biggest source of debris in our oceans.
Does wearing linen actually promote health within the human body?
Studies have been conducted into the scientific reasons why linen is better for your health. Naturopath Heidi Crawford-Yellen has conducted research into the properties of fabric by measuring frequencies and found that the human body registers at 70 – 90 units of energy, whereas linen has a frequency of 5000.
Her studies showed that anything above the frequency of the human body was considered health promoting and increased energy, and anything below was considered draining to the body.
Polyester, viscose, silk and rayon all measured at 0-15 units of energy, cotton at 40, and organic cotton at 100.
Considering converting to linen?
Here’s what you need to know:
If you are considering changing to linen, keep in mind you can start with small changes. 100% linen will give the better benefits, but don’t discount linen-cotton blends as they still will give you some of the linen benefits.
Due to its long wearing nature, investing in some 100% linen pieces is a long-term investment your body and health will thank you for.
If you are looking for some options to get you started, we love these products:
Why not try linen and let Outback Linen Co. know what changes you notice in your health and well-being?
