In recent years, interest in natural remedies has been increasing. Many people prefer to take herbal supplements over drugs. And one of the popular remedies for healing and cleansing the body is flax - seeds, reviews about the use of which are mostly positive. This plant has been popular for several thousand years. And in ancient times they knew about its beneficial properties. Therefore, flax was used not only for making clothes, but also as a food supplement that improves health.
Flax Seed Composition
It was previously believed that this tool is suitable for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, since it contains a lot of fiber and mucus. But recent research by scientists has studied in more detail the composition of flaxseed. They found in it almost 20 types of protein, essential amino acids and many vitamins and minerals. According to the latest data, flax seeds contain:
- about 40 types of fatty acids, including polyunsaturated ones - Omega-3 and Omega-6;
- a large number of lignans, also called phytoestrogens for their ability to strengthen cells, improve immunity and resist the development of cancer;
- a lot of soluble and insoluble fiber, which cleanses the body and improves digestion;
- a large number of rare trace elements such as selenium and vitamin F.
What is useful flax seeds?
Reviews of those people who tried to add this remedy to food, note that the state of health after that is significantly improved. Research scientists have confirmed these facts and found out how flax seeds are useful for the body:
- lower blood cholesterol;
- improve protein metabolism;
- relieve pain with inflammation of the joints;
- strengthen immunity;
- normalize blood sugar;
- prevent the appearance of cancerous tumors;
- strengthen the heart muscle;
- normalize hormonal balance;
- improve digestion;
- cleanse the intestines of toxins and deposits of fecal stones ;
- stop the inflammatory process;
- wounds heal.
In what cases are flax seeds used?
Reviews on the use of this product indicate its beneficial effect in many diseases. They are successfully used in such cases:
- to relieve inflammation in gastritis;
- to normalize brain activity;
- with hemorrhoids, gout and rheumatism;
- to prevent blood clots;
- with high blood pressure;
- in patients with diabetes;
- with allergies and asthma;
- to cleanse the body of toxins;
- with a tendency to alcoholism and drug addiction;
- with diseases of the thyroid gland;
- as an expectorant for coughing;
- to normalize kidney function;
- to improve vision.
Effective and outdoor use of flax. Its decoctions restore the skin after burns and frostbite, treat boils and abscesses, promote wound healing and relieve pain in muscles and joints. They are useful for improving the condition of the skin and hair.
But most often flax seeds are used for constipation. Such use is recognized even by official medicine. Recently, flax seeds have also become popular for weight loss. Reviews about this are quite controversial. Those who expected a quick effect were disappointed. Indeed, weight loss under the influence of this product occurs due to the cleansing of the body, improve digestion and reduce appetite.
Contraindications to the use of flax seeds
In case of serious diseases, treatment with flax seeds should be carried out only after consulting a doctor. But in general, it is such a product useful for the body that its only negative effect is diarrhea. Therefore, it is not recommended to take flax seeds for digestive disorders and diarrhea. It is strictly contraindicated to eat them for such diseases:
- with hepatitis;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- acute intestinal diseases;
- with acute cholecestitis.
Doctors also do not recommend the use of flaxseed during pregnancy, endometriosis and allergies. And with cardiovascular diseases, pancreatitis, ulcers and gallstone disease, you can use them only in the form of a decoction. But even healthy people need to follow the norm in taking this remedy. Experts recommend taking them no more than 2 tablespoons per day. For children, the dose should be reduced by half. According to the results of studies, an overdose can cause nausea, stomach pain, weakness, increased blood sugar and even bowel obstruction.
Dietary Flax Seeds
It is very useful to add this product to regular dishes. They give a pleasant taste to pastries: cakes and pancakes, cookies and gingerbread cookies. It is recommended to add flax seeds to salads, cereals and dairy products. You can use them whole or grind in flour. Ground flaxseeds are more convenient to add to pastries, yoghurts and cereals. In this form, they are absorbed much better. Flax porridge is very healthy .
It is prepared very simply: ground flaxseeds need to be poured with hot water, but not boiling water, and cover. After some time, a healthy and nutritious product is ready. You can add honey, nuts or dried fruits to the porridge to taste.
Ways to use flax seeds
On sale now you can find this product in any form. Flaxseed oil contains more polyunsaturated fatty acids, flaxseed is better absorbed. But most of all - whole seeds. Indeed, it is in their shell that contains lignan, which has a beneficial effect on health and protects a person from cancerous tumors. Therefore, it is in this form that they are best used. How to drink flax seeds correctly?
- You can cook jelly. To do this, pour a tablespoon of seeds with a glass of boiling water and simmer for half an hour over low heat. After insisting, it is consumed with seeds.
- It’s easier to make such an infusion in a thermos. Concentration - a tablespoon in two glasses of boiling water.
- You can cook a decoction without a thermos. You need to insist it in a sealed container all night.
It should be remembered that such decoctions are stored for no more than a day, so every day you need to cook a fresh portion. You can also add flax to compote, porridge or vegetable dishes.
For external use, ground seeds are used. They are tied in a rag bag and dipped in boiling water for several minutes. After cooling, impose on the affected area of the body.
Cleansing the body with flax seeds
A large amount of fiber allows you to effectively remove toxins from the body and soften stool. When using this product, it is very important to drink more water, so the cleaning process is easier. Flax seed cleaning can be done in several ways.
- For three weeks, instead of breakfast, a mixture of flax flour and kefir is used. In the first week, take 1 dessert spoon of seeds, in the second - 2, and in the third - 3. Kefir needs 100-150 ml.
- For a month, eat linen porridge for breakfast, which is cooked in the evening. Half a glass of whole seeds should be poured with warm water. In the morning, eat them without salt and sugar. The next meal is possible only after 4 hours.
- You can grind the seeds on a coffee grinder and eat them during the day for 2-3 tablespoons. You can just drink them with water, mix with honey, yogurt or add to porridge.
- A more intensive cleaning process takes place with a decoction. You need to drink it 5 times a day in a glass. For better absorption, the broth should be warm.
Folk recipes with flaxseed
- If you mix flaxseed powder with honey, you get an effective tool to strengthen the immune system. It can be given even to children over three years old.
- How to drink flax seeds for constipation? It is recommended to drink a decoction or infusion of them half a glass in the morning on an empty stomach.
- If taken for half an hour before each meal, 100 ml of flaxseed jelly, this will help reduce appetite and reduce weight.
- If you pour ground seeds with sunflower or olive oil and insist in a dark place for a week, you will get an excellent tool for restoring the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.
- With hemorrhoids and fissures of the rectum, an enema should be made from warm flaxen jelly.
- Inhalations from flaxseed in milk help with sinusitis.
Treatment Reviews
Most often, people use flax seeds for constipation. There are many positive reviews about this treatment, not only from patients, but also from doctors. They note that decoctions of seeds restore intestinal activity, improve digestion and heal the gastric mucosa with gastritis.
Many also successfully use flax jelly to cleanse the body and lose weight. Those who understand that losing weight with this product will not work out with enthusiasm note a feeling of lightness and an improvement in overall health. Many also like the effect of flax seed masks on skin and hair. And negative reviews about this product, which can sometimes be found on forums, are most often associated with its misuse.