The beneficial properties of flaxseed have made it an integral part of the traditional cuisines of Africa, Asia and America. In terms of nutritional value, this product is virtually unrivaled. Flax is a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, lignins and alpha-linolenic acid. Through a combination of these components, he can fight a wide range of diseases and conditions. This article will discuss the beneficial properties of flaxseed and methods of its use for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
Useful components
The composition of flax seeds includes:
- Lignins. These are plant polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants and inhibit the activity of cancer cells.
- Cellulose. This component is endowed with absorbent and enveloping properties. It improves the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, and also accelerates the elimination of cholesterol and toxins from the body.
- Unsaturated fatty acids (FA) omega-3/6/9. Since these components are not produced by the body on their own, they should be obtained in sufficient quantities from food. Omega - fatty acids have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, normalize blood pressure, prevent blood clots, stimulate brain activity, strengthen the immune system and blood vessels. In addition, they have antihistamine properties, as well as a mild choleretic and laxative effect.
- Vitamins A, B, C, E and F. These substances improve vision, the condition of the skin, nails and hair. In addition, they take part in lipid metabolism and hormonal processes, increase hemoglobin and, finally, have a diuretic effect.
- Linumin. In the composition of this protein are almost all amino acids that are necessary for the human body. It serves as a structural material for cells, stimulates the production of antibodies to various viruses and is involved in metabolic processes.
- Trace elements. Flaxseed contains many useful trace elements: iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium and magnesium. They take part in biochemical processes, regulate blood acidity and blood pressure, strengthen immunity, and also improve blood coagulation. Selenium protects the body from viruses and cancer.
- Phytosterols. To reduce cholesterol in flaxseed, in addition to fatty acids, phytosterols are useful. It is important to note that these substances also suppress cancer cells.
What treats flaxseed?
The use of flax seeds in the treatment of diseases of the heart and circulatory system is due to the action of fatty acids, vitamins and trace elements.
Phytosterols and fiber normalize digestive processes. They help in the treatment of the following gastrointestinal pathologies: gastritis, colitis, gastric ulcer, enteritis, constipation, gastric catarrh and dysbiosis. Due to the antioxidant and enveloping properties of flaxseed, it is used to cleanse the intestines of toxins and parasites.
The strengthening of the immune system and the fight against viruses are achieved through the mineral and vitamin complex of flaxseed and its polyunsaturated acids. With this product, you can cure bronchitis, otitis media, influenza, sinusitis and tonsillitis.
Selenium and lignins can fight oncology. These components prevent the formation of hormone-dependent tumors.
The effectiveness of flaxseed in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system is due to the content of fatty acids and trace elements in it, which have an anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect.
In the treatment of obesity and for weight loss, flaxseed is also used. The trace elements contained in it, vitamins, phytosterols and fiber perfectly stimulate metabolic processes and cleanse the body. Flax vegetable protein due to the rich content of various amino acids can partially replace the animal. In addition, this product is useful in that it contains few carbohydrates.
The beneficial properties of flaxseed allow it to be used in the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis and stomatitis. Crushed seeds are used even with erosion and purulent wounds. The trace elements contained in it, fatty acids and fiber have an enveloping and anti-inflammatory effect.
Due to the fact that flax seeds are not rich in carbohydrates, they can be introduced into the diet of people suffering from diabetes. In addition, the trace elements contained in them stimulate the natural restoration of pancreatic cells responsible for the secretion of such a hormone as insulin. This leads to a decrease in blood sugar.
How to take flaxseed?
The calorie content of flax is 534 kilocalories per 100 grams. This product can be used in its pure form (fresh, crushed, dried) or as decoctions and tinctures. It is important to remember that in the first case, the seeds must be washed down with still water (200-250 ml per 1 tbsp. Spoon). With a lack of water, flax swelling can lead to bowel obstruction. In addition, this miraculous product is used as a food additive to salads, pastries, dairy products and cereals.
Slimming
Before using flaxseed for weight loss, it is worth understanding the principle of its action. The components that make up this product reduce appetite. Swelling in the stomach, they cause a feeling of fullness. For the intestines, flaxseed, which contains a lot of fiber, serves as a means of gentle cleansing and elimination of toxins. In parallel with this, microelements act that regulate the metabolism and prevent the deposition of excess fats.
For weight loss, this product is used in any form, the benefit of recipes with flaxseed abound. Raw seeds are consumed on an empty stomach, washed down with water or kefir. Previously, they can be mixed with honey in equal proportions. During the day you need to eat 2 tbsp. tablespoons of seeds. It is most convenient to divide this amount into two doses. After two weeks, you need to take a week break, and after three months (taking into account the breaks) to complete the course.
Also, with the aim of losing weight, flax can be consumed in the form of jelly. It is prepared quite simply: 2 tbsp. tablespoons of seeds should be placed in a thermos, pour boiling water and leave for a couple of hours. After filtering the resulting jelly, it is drunk 100 milliliters twice a day, one hour before a meal.
To improve metabolism, they use flaxseed flour, which is simply added to cereals, salads and pastries.
Digestive organs
With constipation, flaxseed can improve intestinal motility and normalize its work. In addition, freshly chopped sunflower seed oil has a laxative effect. They take flax in crushed form, washed down with water. At one time, use 1-2 tbsp. spoons. The frequency of receptions is 2-3 per day.
With gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers and colitis, flaxseed envelops the walls of the stomach, protects them from inflammation and irritation, and also reduces the acidity level of gastric juice. Raw seeds or oil tinctures can harm those with a stomach ulcer, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or cirrhosis. Therefore, in the treatment of these diseases, infusions and decoctions are used. You will learn how to make flaxseed and how to make tincture from it to treat a particular disease below.
To treat gastritis, an infusion is made: 20 g of grains are poured with a liter of water and left for 5 hours, then filtered. This tool should be taken 2 times a day on an empty stomach, 100 ml each.
To cleanse the body, a remedy is made of 100 grams of ground seeds and 250 milliliters of unrefined sunflower oil. After mixing the components, they are left for a week, stirring occasionally. The resulting infusion should be taken 3 times a day, before meals, 1 tbsp. spoon. The course of body cleansing lasts 10 days.
For the treatment of stomach ulcers, a decoction of flaxseed is used. It is prepared simply: 1 tablespoon of the product is filled with 200 ml of water and boiled for 5 minutes on low heat. The resulting broth must be left for two hours, so that it settles down. In its structure, it resembles jelly, since fiber, interacting with water, secretes mucus. You need to take a decoction for 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day on an empty stomach for several weeks.
In chronic pancreatitis, to relieve the condition, they drink a decoction of flaxseed. It is made from 2 tablespoons of the product and 400 ml of boiling water. The mixture needs to be boiled for 5 minutes and let it brew for two hours. It is necessary to use it in the form of heat, 100 milliliters half an hour before meals. Before brewing flaxseed, you can add medicinal herbs to it: sage, St. John's wort, plantain, or coltsfoot. With an exacerbation of the disease, it is worth abandoning flax.
Diabetes treatment
Type 1 diabetes can only be treated with water tinctures of flaxseed. Decoctions can not be used, since they contain linamarine glycoside, which has toxic properties. The infusion is very simple: pour 2 teaspoons of seeds with 200 milliliters of boiled water, and leave for 3 hours. It is used at a time, on an empty stomach before going to bed.
In type 2 diabetes, flax seeds are consumed in their pure form. They increase the body's sensitivity to insulin in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Flax also inhibits pancreatic depletion. It is not out of place for people who are at risk to use this product for prevention.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Flax seeds help women to cope with toxicosis, normalize the digestive tract and get rid of excess fat during gestation and during breastfeeding. For the health of expectant mothers, a decoction will be useful, which must be prepared in the same way as with gastritis. It should be consumed twice a day in 50 ml.
Before taking flaxseed, you must consult a doctor so as not to harm the unborn baby. The fact is that vitamins and minerals contained in this product are involved in the formation of sex hormones. With excessive use during pregnancy, a woman may experience a hormonal imbalance that increases the tone of the uterus. This unpleasant condition can lead to premature birth. The benefits and harms of flaxseed depend on a competent approach to its use. The use of this product, and indeed any kind of alternative treatment, should be approached meaningfully, with strict adherence to the rules.
According to reviews, flaxseed, or rather, the oil contained in it, enhances lactation in lactating women. However, it can cause harm to a child who feeds on mother’s milk. Since the baby’s body is difficult to digest a large number of FAs, it can cause colic.
Cosmetology
The beneficial properties of flaxseed are actively used to care for skin, nails and hair.
Face masks are made from flaxseeds and flour at home. They help the skin gain elasticity and a radiant appearance. A mask of seeds is made in this way: 1 tablespoon of seeds is poured with 100 milliliters of water and boiled for 15 minutes, then filtered. Having distributed the resulting mass over the skin of the face, it is left for 20-30 minutes, after which it is carefully washed off with water. This recipe is for those who have dry skin. In the same way, a mask of linen flour is made.
For those who have oily skin, masks made of flaxseed and oatmeal will be useful. These ingredients are mixed in equal proportions and poured with warm milk. When the mixture swells, it is applied to the face and left for 20 minutes, after which it is washed off. After such procedures, the skin acquires a healthier color, cleansed of comedones and blackheads.
When acne, sores or wounds appear on the face, infused flax can be used to relieve inflammation.
According to reviews, flaxseed helps with strengthening hair. The mineral and vitamin composition of this product allows you to improve their structure, and also prevents loss and brittleness. To care for hair, use a mask, which is done as follows: 2 tbsp. tablespoons of seeds you need to pour 400 ml of boiling water and mix until a jelly-like mass is formed. The resulting product is applied to the scalp, after which the head is wrapped with a film and a towel for 1-1.5 hours. This mask is done 2 times a week.
Flax flour
Flax is used to make flour, which retains most of its useful properties, but it is stored much longer than ordinary seeds. The short shelf life of the seeds is due to the presence of fats in them, which are rapidly oxidized. Flour from flax seeds is especially useful for the stomach and intestines, as it consists of a third of fiber. In cooking, this food supplement can be used almost everywhere. Usually it is added to cereals and pastries. The calorie content of flax flour is 270 kcal per 100 g. Just these 100 grams are the daily norm for the use of this product.
Sprouted seed
Another option for preparing flax seeds for use is their germination. This procedure is carried out not at all difficult and even exciting. In order for the seeds to sprout, they must be thoroughly rinsed and laid out on a damp towel. The process is carried out at room temperature, without exposure to sunlight. Literally in a day, seeds will begin to hatch from the seeds, and after two weeks, leaves will appear. All the beneficial substances that make up the seed are concentrated in the sprouts. In this form, flax is used to treat stomach ulcers, cleanse the digestive tract, lower blood sugar, treat pancreatin and, finally, strengthen the body.
Flaxseed contraindications
It is worth refusing to use flaxseed in food in such cases:
- Obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease. Since phytosterols and fiber stimulate the digestive tract, eating flax can worsen the condition of the patient.
- Urolithiasis disease. Since flax has a diuretic effect, once in the body, it can exacerbate this ailment.
- Acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis. Due to the strong choleretic effect of flaxseed after its use, the movement of stones along the ducts may begin.
- Uterine fibroma, endometritis, polycystic ovary syndrome. The product in question stimulates the production of hormones, so it can worsen the condition of a sick woman.
- Allergy to the components that make up the product.
Recommendations for use
Speaking about the benefits and dangers of flaxseed, it is worthwhile to understand that it all depends not on the product, but on the literacy of its use and dosage.
There are several rules that should not be neglected when introducing flax into the diet:
- You can take no more than 50 grams of flaxseed per day. Otherwise, you can at least get poisoned by protein decay products. Symptoms of such poisoning are: fever, diarrhea, nausea, pain in the intestines and staining of urine in a dark color.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman must consult with a good doctor before resorting to the use of flax.
- Due to the properties of fiber, flaxseed disrupts the absorption of beneficial components by the walls of the stomach and intestines. Therefore, when treating with drugs, it is worth observing an interval of two hours between their use and the use of flax.
- When treated with estrogen-containing preparations, flax, which contains phytoestrogens, reduces the effectiveness of medications.
- It is pointless to use flaxseed with antibiotics, as it will lose its healing properties.