Most of all we know the use of flax as a raw material for the manufacture of ropes and fabrics. However, this low plant from the family of oleaginous plants, pleasing the eye with its blue flowers, is the source of a product most valuable for human health. Flaxseed is obtained from it.
And not without reason in the translation from Latin the word "flax" means "most useful." In the seeds of this plant there is a storehouse of unique fats and valuable substances necessary for the body to maintain health, beauty and youth.
A bit of history
Human flax cultivation was begun many centuries ago. Historians know for certain that in ancient Egypt, the fibers of this plant served as raw materials for the manufacture of the finest fabrics. Most likely, even then flax seeds were used for medicinal, food and cosmetic purposes.
The wonderful qualities of this gift of nature were written by Ibn Sina and Hippocrates. Medieval healers also had an idea about the benefits of flax seeds. In Russia, a plant with blue flowers has been cultivated and used since about the 9th century.
To date, the benefits and dangers of flax seeds are well known to those who advocate a healthy lifestyle. People who actively use what nature has given us use this product as a universal remedy for getting rid of many diseases and as a valuable nutritional supplement. So, they use raw seeds, prepare infusions and goods from them, and also grind them into flour, adding to baking or cereal.
The properties possessed by flax seeds, as well as its derivatives, continue to be studied by major research centers around the world. This product has been widely used in Western Europe and in America. As for Russia, flax seeds here are not yet so popular. How can this be explained? It is possible, due to the fact that the amazing properties of flax seeds are not familiar to many.
Appearance and release form
What are flax seeds? These are fruits of a flattened unequal shape, which are somewhat rounded on one side and pointed on the other. At the same time, their surface is shiny and smooth. If you look at it in a magnifying glass with a 10-fold increase, you can see the seed light yellow scar.
The thickness of flax seeds reaches 3 millimeters, and the length is up to 6 millimeters. The color of the fruit is different. Its boundaries range from yellowish tones to deep brown. The seeds have no smell.
Flax fruits are sold in bags made of polyethylene or paper. Their packaging may be a different amount. This is 50 or 75, as well as 100 or 150 grams.
Structure
What valuable substances do flax seeds contain? The most useful of its many components are:
- Omega 3. According to the content of these polyunsaturated fatty acids, flax seed is ahead of only salmon and fish oil. But omega-3 is a vital element of cell membranes, the state of which directly affects many metabolic processes in the body. In addition, Oomega-3 is a powerful antioxidant. Due to the fact that PUFAs are practically not formed in the human body, it becomes necessary to ensure the supply of these acids from the outside to maintain health.
- Lignans, which are classified as phytohormones. It is worth noting that these valuable substances contain only flax seeds. There are no lignans in the oil obtained from them. The action of these phytohormones is still being actively studied, but to date, very interesting results have been obtained that suggest that their use allows us to provide invaluable assistance in the treatment and prevention of oncology. And first of all, this refers to malignant tumors of the hormone-dependent type.
- Cellulose. A lot is already known about the benefits of this substance. Fiber is a very valuable component necessary for the normal functioning of the intestines.
In addition to these substances, the benefits of flax seeds are also manifested due to their constituents:
- B vitamins (1, 2, 6 and 9), choline, vitamin PP and K, E and C;
- minerals: selenium and manganese, copper and zinc, iron and phosphorus, potassium and sodium, magnesium and calcium;
- mono- and disaccharides;
- proteins;
- carbohydrates;
- plant styrenes, alkaloids;
- valuable amino acids (more than twenty items);
- FFA omega-6 and 9.
It is thanks to this rich composition that flax seeds receive positive feedback. They not only give health, but also differ in energy value. Per 100 g of seeds, their calorie content is 540 Kcal.
Beneficial features
Before recovering from flax seeds, the properties and contraindications of this natural product must be studied without fail. So, its use allows you to:
- Normalize blood cholesterol, which is possible due to the significant content of natural phytoestrogens into which lignans are transformed in the large intestine. These components make flaxseeds a wonderful preventative that prevents atherosclerosis and vascular and heart diseases. The use of a natural remedy allows the body to withstand oncology and life-threatening ailments such as stroke and heart attack. It should be noted that lignans are present only in seeds, and are absent in the oil obtained from them.
- Eliminate malfunctions in the functioning of the cardiovascular as well as the nervous system. The omega-3 and -6 complex affects this. Thanks to these components, chronic fatigue, depressive states are eliminated, the body's resistance to stresses and the harmful effects of the atmosphere increases. Obtaining a sufficient amount of omega-fatty acids helps reduce the risk of asthma and diabetes, as well as joint diseases, beneficially affecting the appearance and condition of nails, skin and hair.
- To have a positive effect on the digestive organs due to the presence of fiber in the product. Soluble dietary fiber contains a high concentration of gluten. When swollen, it envelops the stomach walls, relieving inflammation and pain. Being in the digestive tract, insoluble fiber significantly slows down the process of absorption of toxins and other harmful substances. Such an effect on the body allows the use of flaxseeds for its detoxification during various types of poisoning. In addition, a natural product allows you to remove excess cholesterol and other carcinogens. Its use helps prevent bowel cancer. Fiber at the same time helps to improve the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, normalizing digestion and eliminating constipation.
- Improve metabolic processes, strengthen immunity and support vascular health, which is directly influenced by the complex of trace elements and vitamins that make up the seeds. Antioxidants, including vitamin E, play a special role in this task. These healthy substances prevent the formation of free radicals, protecting the body from the formation and growth of cancer cells.
Indications for use
Flax seeds, the contraindications and healing properties of which should be studied before taking, are recommended to reduce the irritation that accompanies inflammatory and peptic ulcer diseases. The list of such pathologies includes colitis and enteritis, gastric ulcer and esophagitis, gastritis, etc. In addition, seeds are an excellent remedy for constipation. Their external use is indicated in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases and burns.
Traditional medicine uses this tool to treat respiratory ailments, rid the body of parasites, and also to protect all organs and systems of the body from the negative effects of radioactivity. Healing seeds are recommended for diabetes, pathologies of the urogenital tract, as well as for those ailments whose occurrence is associated with a lack of prostaglandins. Flaxseed is recommended in case of sexual dysfunction in women and men, with allergies, edema, and also to eliminate some mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. A healing herbal product helps with drug and alcohol addiction.
They recommend a decoction of flax seeds for women and men who seek harmony and who want to eliminate extra pounds. Ground product is indicated in the postoperative period. Its reception helps to strengthen the immune system and prevents the development of inflammation.
Lignans in the composition of flax seeds are a wonderful support for hormonal balance and are on the path to the development of hormone-dependent tumors. A similar property allows the use of plant materials for cancer prevention.
Selection and storage
Flax seeds are sold in health food stores. Moreover, they are not only brown, but also white. When choosing them, you should not pay attention to color. Indeed, the effect of the product in both cases will be the same. Seeds that differ in color have only a slight difference in taste. The light flax fruits are more tender and resemble raw sesame.
After opening the package, it is necessary to pour the purchased seeds into a dry, tightly closed jar. It should be borne in mind that if moisture gets into the container, then flax will immediately begin to mold and secrete mucus. Part of its useful properties in this case will be lost. The product does not require special storage conditions. It is enough if the container with it is placed in the kitchen cabinet.
Eating
How to take flax seeds? In order to strengthen the body, as well as for the purpose of prevention, the product is consumed daily in the amount of 5-10 g. If the seeds are added to drinks or ready meals, then they should be crushed by doing this immediately before eating. The ground product, prepared in advance, is oxidized in air with the loss of some important healing properties.
Flax seeds can either be added to cereals and soups, salads, pastries or main dishes, or simply eaten, after which they need to be washed down with a glass of compote, water, fruit or vegetable juice. Flax combined with kefir is especially useful. In this case, plant seeds will cleanse the intestines, and lactic acid beneficial bacteria will normalize and improve the further work of this organ.
It is important to remember that the daily norm of a plant product should not exceed two tablespoons, otherwise harm will be received from flax seeds.
Bowel cleansing
A herbal product is a great help for the digestive system. It is especially useful to use flax seeds for the intestines. Indeed, every day a large number of processed products and unnecessary substances settle on its walls. These deposits are a fertile environment for the development of putrefactive bacteria and parasites. Such contaminants do not allow the colon to fully work and cleanse. This causes problems at first with stools, and then with health. The skin is very painful for a similar condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Acne and inflammation begin to form on it, disturbances in the sebaceous glands work.
How to avoid such problems? It is enough to conduct bowel cleansing twice a year, using flax seeds. Recipes that include this product, folk medicine men offer quite a lot. From this amount, you can always take for yourself that most suitable option, which will take into account the person’s lifestyle and his abilities.
The easiest way recommends using only flax and water. For the manufacture of a therapeutic agent, you need to grind 2 tbsp. l seed. the resulting raw materials should be added to 150 milliliters of hot water. The mixture must be stirred and aged for 10 minutes to 2 hours. The finished drug is consumed on an empty stomach for 30 days daily.
You can drink a healing solution before bedtime. After dinner, in this case, at least 3 hours should pass. The course of such cleansing by the seeds of intestinal flax will be 30 days. After 6 months, the drug can be started again.
You should know how to take flax seeds. Benefits for the body will be obtained only if during this period the volume of liquid drunk by a person is increased. This will allow the fiber to swell, otherwise it will not cleanse the body and will only provoke the formation of constipation.
Stomach treatment
Flax seeds, when combined with water, begin to produce mucus, which can greatly benefit the entire digestive system. At the same time, traditional medicine recommends it for the prevention and treatment of certain gastric diseases. Flax seed intake is contraindicated in case of exacerbation of an ulcer or gastritis. Such a warning will avoid unforeseen reactions.
How to take flax seeds to eliminate stomach pathologies? To do this, you need to prepare 1.5 tbsp. this product, as well as 200 ml of water and 1 tsp. honey. If you are intolerant of the last of these ingredients, you can replace it with maple syrup. In this case, the properties of the finished product will change slightly, but this is quite acceptable. Seeds should be ground in a mortar, bay prepared raw materials with hot water. After this, the mixture is stirred and divided into 4 servings, each of which is added ÂĽ teaspoon of honey. Use the drug 30 minutes before each meal, after shaking for even distribution of hard shells. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for one day. I drink it in a warm state, for which it is slightly warmed before use. The course of treatment with such a remedy lasts from three weeks to three months.
For women's health
Flax seeds not only gently cleanse the intestines. They normalize the functioning of the entire digestive tract, inhibiting oxidation processes, thereby slowing the aging of the body.
The composition of flax seeds contains such a valuable and rare element as selenium. The body needs it to form proteins, as well as to strengthen immunity, maintain normal liver function, and activate the process of excretion of heavy metal ions, including cadmium. In addition, selenium is considered a powerful carcinostatic element, and, very importantly, it is in easily digestible form in flax seeds.
The benefit of a plant product for women lies in its ability to:
- cleanse the body, fighting acne;
- relieve PMS by eliminating discomfort and menstrual pain;
- normalize hormonal levels;
- quickly restore the body after an abortion or miscarriage;
- eliminate the discomfort during menopause.
No less valuable is the product for normalizing the emotional background. It allows you to relieve tension, fight stress, as well as prolonged depression.
For men
Flax seeds are useful not only for women. They also help men cleanse the intestines, eliminate constipation and strengthen immunity. But some of the properties of this valuable product are related to the gender of the person. So, using flax seeds, men can:
- increase potency;
- improve sperm quality;
- increase body stamina;
- build muscle faster.
As a means of support, the product is recommended by folk healers for male infertility. In addition, it will increase stamina and give strength to those who play sports and hard physical labor.
To eliminate excess weight
Flax seeds are often used for weight loss. They are included in various diets to improve the digestive tract and remove toxic substances from the body. The use of flax seeds for weight loss is also associated with their laxative properties. It is thanks to this action that the intestine gets rid of the decay products that have accumulated in it over a long period. In addition to this, judging by the numerous reviews of supporters of traditional medicine recipes, the product heals, boosts immunity and normalizes metabolism.
How to take flax seeds for weight loss? For this purpose, the product is consumed up to four tablespoons. during the day in a ground state, pour it with a sufficient amount of water. Reception of flax seed for weight loss begins with a minimum dose, bringing the healing volume to 50 g per day for a week. At the same time, it is necessary to increase the amount of fluid consumed to 2 liters during the day.
Judging by the reviews of nutritionists, to get the desired result, you need to drink funds from flax seeds for 2 weeks. Subsequently, a seven-day break is required. Further, the course of admission is repeated and lasts 2 weeks.
In order for the seeds to please their result, it is better to combine their intake with a diet. At the same time, alternative medicine offers a lot of options for their use. , , , . - 100 . , , 2 .. () .
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Contraindications
It should be borne in mind that you can not always use flaxseed. Contraindications to their use are conditions such as:
- exacerbations of cholecystitis and pancreatitis;
- bowel obstruction;
- cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis;
- stones in the bladder or gall bladder;
- individual intolerance to any of the components of the product.
Flaxseed intake during lactation is also undesirable. The fact is that its active substances, getting into the baby’s body along with mother’s milk, can provoke allergic reactions in the baby.
In connection with the presence of monosaccharides in the composition of flax seeds with extreme caution, they should be taken by people suffering from diabetes mellitus. It is better if such patients previously consult with a doctor.
Flaxseed treatment is not recommended for those men who suffer from inflammatory ailments of the prostate gland. You should not be too fond of the product. The use of flaxseed in large quantities provokes the development of flatulence and diarrhea. Judging by the reviews of the people who used this product for healing, it is advisable to consult a doctor so that he gives recommendations regarding possible restrictions and dosages of the natural remedy.
Application in home cosmetology
Flax seeds or extracts produced from them are often included in cleansing foams, anti-aging masks and creams. Based on this product, home skin care products can be made. Judging by the numerous reviews of women, such cosmetics allowed them to solve a number of problems, improving the condition of the skin and its appearance.
So, changing flax can be used to make scrub. The result is a cleanser used as the basis for a foam or gel for washing. Its composition is quite simple. It includes 1 tsp. flaxseed and 2 tsp means for washing. The plant product must be pre-milled and slightly ground in a coffee grinder. A cleanser is added to the raw materials thus prepared. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed and left for a quarter of an hour. The product is applied to the face and massage the skin for 2-3 minutes. After that, wash it with warm water.
Judging by the reviews, a wrinkle mask made on the basis of flaxseed is also very effective. It perfectly rejuvenates mature and aging skin of any type. To prepare it, you need to take 1 tsp. product, the same amount of honey and 2 tsp. cream. You need to grind the seeds into flour, and then combine them with the dairy product and leave for 0.5 hours. This time will be quite enough to isolate mucus and valuable substances. Honey is added to the resulting mass and mixed thoroughly. The prepared product is applied to the neck and face, which must first be cleaned. After 10 minutes, the product is washed off with warm water.