In the article we analyze flax seeds, their benefits and harms, and tell you how to take them correctly for medicinal purposes and for weight loss. By applying our tips you can improve the health of your body, lose extra kilos and improve the appearance of your skin and hair.
What are flax seeds? Translated from Latin, the word "flax" means "the most useful. "And this is not surprising. The plant is used in cosmetology, medicine and cooking. Its stems are used to produce highly hygroscopic and environmentally friendly fabrics.
Flax seeds are recognized as a valuable nutritional supplement and a universal remedy for many different diseases. How are flax seeds harvested? Raw materials are collected in September. The fruits (flattened spherical boxes) containing about 10 seeds are collected. Seeds gutted from boxes should be dried in places protected from direct sunlight.
How to store flax seeds
Flax seeds are susceptible to deterioration and oxidation. Therefore, keep the product in the refrigerator using tightly closed containers. Refrigerated whole grains retain all their beneficial properties for 1 year.
If you buy flax seeds in a store, pay attention to:
- Best before;
- packaging integrity (must be vacuum sealed);
- no signs of humidity.
Composition and beneficial properties of flaxseed.
Flaxseed includes a complete set of useful elements necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the human body:
- vitamins: groups B, C, E, K, PP and choline;
- macroelements: Ca, K, Mg, Na and P;
- trace elements: Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Se;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids: Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9;
- insoluble and soluble fiber;
- mono and disaccharides.
- Medicinal properties of flax seed.
Traditional medicine recommends the use of flax seeds to treat a wide variety of diseases.
A unique product helps in therapy:
- pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, colitis, intestinal atony, enteritis, ulcerative lesions, food poisoning, constipation);
- diseases of the respiratory system and throat;
- weakened immune system;
- inflammation of the bladder and kidneys;
- sinusitis;
- hypertension;
- Mellitus diabetes;
- liver dysfunction;
- tuberculosis;
- parasitic infestations;
- arthritis, gout, rheumatism, heel spurs;
- neuralgic pain;
- furunculosis, barley, burns;
- oncological diseases;
- cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, stroke, thrombophlebitis, ischemia, myocardial infarction).
And this is not a complete list of pathologies for which flaxseed helps.
flax seed oil
The main characteristic of flaxseed oil is its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which enter the body only through external sources. It is better to buy a cold-pressed product. It is during this production that it retains useful substances. The high-quality oil is sediment-free and has a pleasant sweet, nutty flavor. Exposure to light and heat causes the oil to oxidize (begins to taste bitter). This product is extremely harmful to the body and can even cause cancer.
Linseed meal
Many recipes use ground flaxseed. You can make flour yourself with a coffee grinder or buy a ready-made product.
Flax seeds, flour and oil.
Homemade flaxseed meal has a short shelf life: just 6 to 16 weeks, if stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The product purchased in the store does not contain oily components, so it can be stored for a long time.
Flax seeds: benefit or harm
The main benefit of flaxseed lies in the high content of 3 main components:
- Fiber: improves the functioning of the digestive tract and eliminates harmful cholesterol.
- Polyunsaturated acids: ensure the restoration of the body's cells and prevent the appearance of blood clots.
- Lignans have antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial effects. Restores hormonal levels in women.
- The therapeutic effect of flaxseed is enhanced by vitamins (B, E) and microelements (magnesium, iodine, manganese, calcium, chromium, potassium, copper, iron).
Benefits for the body
Flax seeds provide broad positive effects on the body:
- reduce cholesterol;
- strengthen the immune system;
- normalize liver function;
- protect against vitamin deficiency;
- reduce sugar;
- reduce the risk of blood clots;
- normalize high blood pressure;
- prevent the formation of tumors (including malignant ones);
- clean the intestines;
- activate peristalsis;
- improve fat metabolism;
- remove harmful substances and toxins from the body;
- provide improvement in the structure of the skin and hair at the cellular level;
- promote rapid healing of the skin and mucous membranes;
- eliminate sexual dysfunctions in men;
- regulate hormonal levels, thereby improving the condition during menopause;
- have a laxative effect;
- soften severe dry cough.
Contraindications
The use of flaxseed is prohibited for:
- intestinal obstruction;
- individual intolerance;
- stones in the urinary or gallbladder;
- exacerbation of cholecystitis or pancreatitis;
- liver cirrhosis, hepatitis;
- endometritis, uterine fibroid, polycystic disease in women;
- Inflammation of the prostate gland in men.
Abuse of the product can cause flatulence and diarrhea. The allowed daily dose is 5 to 50 g.
How to take flax seeds to lose weight.
Many women actively use flaxseed for weight loss. Nutritionists consider this method to be very effective and explain how the product works:
- It swells in the stomach, providing a feeling of fullness with a small volume.
- Fiber stimulates peristalsis, promoting rapid intestinal cleansing.
- Acids activate metabolic processes and accelerate fat burning.
- Flax seeds for weight loss are used in the form of a decoction or infusion, as well as as an additional ingredient in jellies, cocktails, tea, compotes, dietary dishes, etc.
Flaxseed drinks will prepare the body to digest food, activate the metabolic process and prevent the absorption of fats through the walls of the stomach. To lose weight, take ground flaxseed (2 tablespoons) twice a day with a glass of water. To enhance the therapeutic effect, drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 liters) throughout the day.
Flax decoction
Pour 2 tbsp. l. Flax seeds 500 ml of boiled water and simmer for about half an hour, after boiling, then let the broth cool and strain it. This drink should be consumed 25-30 minutes before meals, 100 ml.
Flax infusion
The infusion is made at night, 2 tablespoons are poured into a thermos. l. flax seeds, pour 1 liter of boiling water over them and let them steep until morning. Drink the strained drink 20 minutes before meals, in an amount of 100-150 ml.
Drinks with flax seeds to lose weight.
In addition to the usual decoction or infusion, you can add flax seeds to your favorite drinks, the effect will be no less effective. Compote: cook berry compote, add flax seeds to it, equivalent to 1 tablespoon. l. seeds per 500 ml of gelatin (compote), let cool. The gelatin should initially be liquid, since after adding the flax it will thicken.
Tea: Add 1 teaspoon to brewed tea. flax seeds, green tea is more suitable for weight loss. You can drink this drink no more than 2 times a day.
Cocktail: mix 250 ml carrot juice, 1 tsp. linseed oil and 1 tbsp. l. flax seeds, add a few drops of lemon juice. This cocktail can be consumed 3 times a day. For best results, replace one lunch and one evening dish with it.
Flax drinks should always be fresh, the shelf life of prepared decoctions and infusions is 24 hours, after 24 hours they lose their beneficial properties and can be dangerous. Use the decoction or infusion for two weeks and then take a break for ten days.
With the help of flax, it is possible to eliminate the consequences of exhausting and unbalanced diets and restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. With proper use of flax seeds, you can lose about 2 kilograms per week, practically without changing your diet. Flaxseed contains a lot of fiber and is low in carbohydrates, so once in your stomach, the seeds begin to swell, making you feel full by eating less food. In addition, flax helps to accelerate metabolic processes, the body will burn more calories and burn accumulated fat reserves.
Flax seeds for colon cleansing.
Flaxseed helps cleanse the intestines of toxins, reduce sediment in the body and improve the functioning of the digestive system.
Classic Cleansing Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 50 g.
- Water – 1 liter.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over flax seeds in a glass container. Make sure you close it with a lid. Wrap the container well and leave it to infuse for 6 hours. Strain before using.
Instructions for use: Drink the first portion (150 ml) 30 minutes before breakfast, on an empty stomach. You can add a little honey to the drink. You should drink the entire infusion (1 liter) during the day. Drink the drink only warm. Do this cleaning daily for 2 weeks. You can repeat the course only after 6 months.
Result: the infusion cleanses the body of toxins, reduces cholesterol, relieves constipation and activates intestinal motility. Flax mucus ensures the healing of mucosal ulcers. Regular consumption of the drink cleanses the blood, liver and improves the condition of the skin.
Cleansing with kefir
Flax seeds with kefir
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 15-45 g.
- Low fat kefir – 100 ml.
How to prepare: Mix kefir with flaxseed. You can use whole grains or crushed flour. Instructions for use: Consume flaxseed with kefir in the morning, on an empty stomach, instead of breakfast. The cleansing course lasts 3 weeks. Do it according to the following scheme: during the first week, use 15 g of seeds with kefir, in the second - 30 g; in the third, increase the amount of seeds to 45 g. You can repeat the course only after six months.
Result: flaxseed with kefir eliminates toxins, improves the appearance of the skin, restores intestinal microflora and activates peristalsis. Thanks to the normalization of metabolism, weight loss occurs.
It does not cause any particular harm, but it is not advisable to take it in:
- pregnant women;
- people with gallbladder problems;
- those who suffer from exacerbation of pancreatitis, colitis, flatulence.
Be sure to see your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- pancreatitis;
- cholecystitis
- liver cirrhosis;
- hepatitis;
- gallstones (causes colic);
- low pressure;
- intestinal inflammation.
Check with your doctor if you are taking the following medications:
- of allergies,
- antidepressants,
- birth control pills.
Flax improves blood clotting, can reduce blood pressure or slow down the absorption of medications. The use of flaxseed oil and seeds may be incompatible with other medications.
Including flax seed in your diet provides:
- normalization of hormonal levels;
- fight against chronic diseases of the digestive system;
- reduction of constipation;
- minimize the development of serious pathologies of the nervous system in the fetus;
- protecting the baby from viral infections.
It is strictly prohibited to take flaxseed without consulting your gynecologist. Despite the significant benefits, the product can cause uterine tone, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Only a doctor can prescribe and select the correct flaxseed intake regimen for pregnant women.
When breastfeeding
Active use of flaxseed during lactation is undesirable. Some substances that enter a child's body with milk can complicate its functioning. But sometimes doctors recommend flax seeds in small quantities to nursing mothers (for certain pathologies). Pregnant and lactating women can best consume the product by adding it to baked goods or salads.
For constipation
Ingredients:
- Flax seed – 2 teaspoons…
- Warm boiled water – 1 tablespoon.
How to prepare: Flaxseed can be ground if the whole grain is difficult to swallow. Instructions for use: At night, take flaxseed with water. Repeat the procedure for 2-3 days. Result: The product activates peristalsis and helps cleanse the intestines naturally. For chronic constipation, a 7-day treatment is recommended.
Ground flaxseed
For pancreatitis
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 2 tablespoons. l.
- Water – 0. 4 ml.
Honey: to taste, but no more than 2 tablespoons. l.
How to prepare: Grind the raw material and pour boiling water over it. Cook the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes and then leave for 1 hour. Strain the flaxseed jelly through a sieve. Add honey to your taste. Instructions for use: Take 200 ml of the drink twice a day on an empty stomach, 15-20 minutes before meals. The duration of treatment is from 3 weeks to several months.
Result: Flaxseed gelatin provides an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect on the pancreas. Fiber activates the elimination of toxins and accelerates metabolism.
For gastritis
Ingredients:
- Flax seed – 1 tablespoon. l.
- Water – 0. 5 liters.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over raw materials. Leave the product for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Strain the drink through a strainer. Instructions for use: Drink the infusion twice a day on an empty stomach, 200-250 ml. Continue treatment for 1 month. Result: The infusion provides an anti-inflammatory effect. The treatment eliminates pain, nausea and heartburn.
For diabetes
Ingredients:
- Seeds – 2 tablespoons. l.
- Boiling water – 100 ml.
How to cook: Pour boiling water over the flaxseed. Leave the mixture for about 10 minutes. Then add 150 ml of cold boiled water. How to use: Drink the infusion once a day, in the morning on an empty stomach or 20 minutes before meals. The treatment lasts 10 days – 1 month. Result: the drink reduces sugar well. The seeds contain monosaccharides, so people with diabetes should only consume flaxseed after consulting a doctor.
To lower cholesterol
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 1 tablespoon. l.
- Aloe juice – 0. 5 tablespoons. l.
- Water – 1 tablespoon.
How to prepare: Grind the seeds. Pour boiling water over them and leave for about 2 hours. Add the aloe juice. It is not necessary to strain the drink. Instructions for use: Take 0. 5 cups in the morning on an empty stomach and at night, 4 hours after meals. Continue therapy for 1-3 months. Result: the drink normalizes cholesterol, improves the condition of blood vessels and prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
Preparation of flax seeds to use in dietary dishes that include flax seeds to lose weight:
Hercules with flaxseed
Soak 2 tbsp. l. flax seeds in warm water. Cook oatmeal porridge with 100-150 g of oats, add swollen flax seeds to it and stir. If you wish, you can add a small amount of finely chopped fruit or nuts; apples and plums are perfect.
Porridge with sprouted wheat and flax seeds.
3 tbsp. sprouted wheat and 1 tbsp. l. flaxseed, soak in boiled water for two hours and then drain the remaining liquid. Add to the porridge 50 g of coarsely grated apples and some dates, previously soaked in water.
Nuts and flax seeds to lose weight.
Soak 2 tbsp. l. flax seeds in water cooled to a temperature of 40-45 degrees and wait until they swell. Pass the dried fruits scalded with boiling water through a meat grinder: prunes, dates and dried apricots, 3 pieces each. all. Add flax seeds and 1 tablespoon to the resulting minced meat. l. Rice flour, mix the ingredients well (if you wish, you can add a little cocoa powder, but the dish will turn out to be more caloric). Form into balls, roll them in coconut and place them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. The most delicious diet dessert is ready!
Flax seeds in cosmetology.
The useful product can be used externally. It allows you to eliminate a number of cosmetic problems and provides healthy looking skin and hair.
Face mask
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 1 tablespoon. l.
- Boiling water – 0. 5 tbsp.
- Cream (for sensitive and dry skin) – 1 tablespoon. l.
- Oatmeal (for oily and problem skin) – 1 tablespoon. l.
How to cook: Pour boiling water over the flaxseed. Simmer the product in a water bath for 15 minutes. Strain the broth. Add the required component (oatmeal or cream).
Instructions for use: Apply the product to clean facial skin. After 15 minutes, wash it off. Repeat the mask 2-3 times a week. Result: The product cleanses the skin, nourishes it, closes pores and eliminates oil. The mask smoothes wrinkles and normalizes the metabolism of the epidermis.
hair mask
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 2 tablespoons. l.
- Boiling water – 125 ml.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over the raw materials and beat the mixture well in a blender. Instructions for use: Apply a warm mask to the roots and along the hair. Put a plastic cap on your head and wrap it with a towel. After 2 hours, wash off the mask. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week. Result: The mask will ensure silky and soft hair. Strengthens the hair follicle and improves hair growth.
Hair after linen mask.
Flax seeds - recipes.
In alternative medicine there are universal remedies that can be taken for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies.
Kissel
Recipe Description: Kissel is tasteless and odorless. To ensure a pleasant flavor, add honey, cinnamon, vanilla, berries and chicory.
Will need:
- flax seeds - 1 tbsp. l. ;
- water – 0. 5 liters;
- cinnamon, honey, berries, chicory, vanilla - to taste.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over the seeds. Leave the mixture for 8 hours. It is not necessary to strain the gelatin. Add cinnamon, vanilla, honey and berries. Calorie content: per 100 g of gelatin (in its pure form, without additives) – 5. 2 kcal, and per 100 g of gelatin with the addition of honey (1 teaspoon) – 8. 4 kcal.
Decoction
Recipe description: The decoction provides comprehensive cleansing of the body, normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, cleanses the blood, liver, improves the functioning of the kidneys and urinary system. It is better to add sour juice to the drink.
Will need:
- seeds - 1 tbsp. l. ;
- water – 0. 5 liters;
- sour juice (pomegranate, cherry, lemon) – 1 tsp.
How to prepare: Cover flaxseed with water. Boil the mixture in a water bath for 30 minutes. Then wrap the container with the broth in a warm cloth and leave the solution for another 3-4 hours. Strain the broth. Add sour juice. Calorie content: per 100 g of decoction with pomegranate juice – 5. 4 kcal.
what to remember
You can consume flax seeds only after consulting a doctor. The product provides great benefits to the body, but it can also cause damage. The daily dose of seeds is 5 to 50 g, abuse of which causes diarrhea and flatulence. Store flax products (seeds, flour, oil) in a dark, cool place and always in a tightly closed container.