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 practically unmatched. Flax is a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, lignins and alpha-linolenic acid. Thanks to the combination of these components, it can fight a wide range of diseases and conditions. This article will discuss the beneficial properties of flaxseed and how to use it for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
Useful ingredients
Flax seeds include:
- Lignins. These are plant polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants and inhibit the activity of cancer cells.
- Fiber. This component is endowed with absorbent and enveloping properties. It improves the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, and also accelerates the excretion of cholesterol and toxins from the body.
- Unsaturated fatty acids (FA) omega-3/6/9. Since these components are notproduced by the body itself, they should be obtained in sufficient quantities from food. Omega - fatty acids have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, normalize blood pressure, prevent thrombosis, stimulate brain activity, strengthen the immune system and blood vessels. In addition, they have antihistamine properties, as well as mild choleretic and laxative effects.
- Vitamins A, B, C, E and F. These substances improve vision, skin, nails and hair. In addition, they take part in lipid metabolism and hormonal processes, increase hemoglobin and, finally, have a diuretic effect.
- Linumin. This protein contains almost all the amino acids that the human body needs. It serves as a structural material for cells, stimulates the production of antibodies to various viruses and is involved in metabolic processes.
- Microelements. The composition of flaxseed includes many useful trace elements: iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium and magnesium. They take part in biochemical processes, regulate blood acidity and blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and also improve blood clotting. 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 does flaxseed treat?
The benefits of flax seeds in the treatment of diseasesheart and circulatory system 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 pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, colitis, stomach ulcers, enteritis, constipation, gastric catarrh and dysbacteriosis. Due to the antioxidant and enveloping properties of flaxseed, it is used to cleanse the intestines of toxins and parasites.
Strengthening the immune system and fighting viruses are achieved through the mineral-vitamin complex of flaxseed and its polyunsaturated acids. With this product you can cure bronchitis, otitis, flu, sinusitis and tonsillitis.
Selenium and lignins can fight cancer. These components prevent the formation of hormonally 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 anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects.
In the treatment of obesity and weight loss, flaxseed is also used. The trace elements, vitamins, phytosterols and fiber contained in it perfectly stimulate metabolic processes and cleanse the body. Due to the rich content of various amino acids, flax vegetable protein can partially replace the animal protein. In addition, this product is useful because it contains few carbohydrates.
Useful properties of flaxseed allow it to be used in the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis and stomatitis. Crushed seed is used even for erosions and purulent wounds. It containstrace elements, 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 microelements contained in them stimulate the natural restoration of pancreatic cells responsible for the secretion of a hormone such as insulin. This leads to lower blood sugar levels.
How to take flaxseed?
Calorie content of flax is 534 kilocalories per 100 grams. This product can be consumed 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 non-carbonated water (200-250 ml per 1 tablespoon). With a lack of water, swelling of flax can lead to intestinal obstruction. In addition, this miracle product is used as a food additive to salads, pastries, dairy products and cereals.
Slimming
Before you use flaxseed for weight loss, you should understand 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, flax seed, which contains a lot of fiber, serves as a gentle cleanser and removes toxins from toxins. In parallel with this, microelements act, which regulate metabolism and prevent the deposition of excess fat.
For weight loss, this product is used in any form, the benefit of recipes withplenty of flaxseed. 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. spoons 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 (including breaks) finish the course.
Also, for the purpose of losing weight, flax can be consumed in the form of jelly. It is prepared quite simply: 2 tbsp. spoons of seeds should be placed in a thermos, pour boiling water and leave for a couple of hours. After straining the resulting jelly, they drink it 100 milliliters twice a day, an hour before meals.
To improve metabolism, they use flaxseed flour, which is simply added to cereals, salads and pastries.
Treatment of digestive organs
With constipation, flaxseed can improve intestinal motility and normalize its work. In addition, the oil of fresh crushed seeds has a laxative effect. Take crushed flax 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 level of acidity of gastric juice. Raw seeds or oil tinctures can harm those with stomach ulcers, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or cirrhosis of the liver. Therefore, in the treatment of these diseases, infusions and decoctions are used. How to brew flaxseed and how to make ittincture for the treatment of a particular disease, you will learn below.
For the treatment of gastritis, an infusion is made: 20 g of grains are poured with a liter of water and left for 5 hours, then filtered. This remedy should be taken 2 times a day on an empty stomach, 100 ml.
To cleanse the body, a remedy is made from 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 body cleansing course 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 poured into 200 ml of water and boiled for 5 minutes over low heat. The resulting broth should be left for two hours to settle. In its structure, it resembles jelly, since fiber, interacting with water, secretes mucus. You need to take a decoction of 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day on an empty stomach for several weeks.
In chronic pancreatitis, to alleviate 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 should be boiled for 5 minutes and let it brew for two hours. It must be consumed warm, 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.
Treatment of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes can betreat only with water tinctures of flaxseed. Decoctions cannot be used, as they contain linamarin glycoside, which has toxic properties. The infusion is very simple: 2 teaspoons of seeds are poured into 200 milliliters of boiled water, and left for 3 hours. It is used at a time, on an empty stomach before bedtime.
In type 2 diabetes, flax seeds are consumed in their pure form. They increase the body's susceptibility to insulin in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Flax also prevents the exhaustion of the pancreas. People who are at risk will benefit from using this product for prevention.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Flax seeds help women cope with toxicosis, normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and get rid of excess fat during childbearing and during breastfeeding. For the he alth of expectant mothers, a decoction will be useful, which must be prepared in the same way as for gastritis. It should be consumed twice a day, 50 ml each.
Before taking flaxseed, it is necessary to consult a doctor so as not to harm the unborn child. The fact is that the vitamins and minerals contained in this product are involved in the formation of sex hormones. With their 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. To the application of this product, yesand in general, any folk treatment should be approached meaningfully, with strict adherence to the rules.
As the reviews show, flaxseed, or rather, the oil it contains, enhances lactation in lactating women. However, it can be harmful to a child who is fed on mother's milk. Since it is difficult for the baby's body to digest a large amount of fatty acids, he may experience colic.
Cosmetology
The beneficial properties of flaxseed are actively used for skin, nail and hair care.
Face masks are made from flaxseeds and flour at home. They help the skin to acquire elasticity and a radiant appearance. The seed mask is made in this way: 1 tablespoon of seeds is poured with 100 milliliters of water and boiled for 15 minutes, then drained. After distributing the resulting mass over the skin of the face, it is left for 20-30 minutes, after which it is gently washed off with water. This recipe is suitable for those with dry skin. In the same way, a mask is made from flaxseed flour.
For those whose facial skin is oily, flaxseed and oatmeal masks 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 he althier color, cleared of comedones and blackheads.
When acne, sores or wounds appear on the face, infused flax can be used pointwise to relieve inflammation.
As reviews show, flaxseedIt also helps in strengthening hair. The mineral and vitamin composition of this product improves their structure, and also prevents loss and brittleness. To take care of the hair, use a mask, which is done as follows: 2 tbsp. spoons of seeds should be poured with 400 ml of boiling water and stirred 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.
Linen flour
Flax is made into flour, which retains most of its useful properties, but it is stored much longer than ordinary seeds. The short shelf life of seeds is due to the presence of fats in them, which are quickly oxidized. Flaxseed flour is especially useful for the stomach and intestines, since it consists of fiber by a third. In cooking, this food additive can be used almost everywhere. Usually it is added to cereals and pastries. The calorie content of flaxseed flour is 270 kcal per 100 g. Just these 100 grams are the daily intake of this product.
Sprouted seed
Another option for preparing flax seeds for consumption is to germinate them. This procedure is not difficult at all and even exciting. In order for the seeds to germinate, they must be washed well and spread out on a damp towel. The process is carried out at room temperature, without exposure to sunlight. Literally in a day, sprouts will begin to hatch from the seeds, and after two weeks, andleaves. In the sprouts, all the useful substances that make up the seed are concentrated. In this form, flax is used to treat stomach ulcers, cleanse the digestive tract, lower blood sugar levels, treat pancreatin and, finally, general strengthening of the body.
Contraindications for flaxseed
From the use of flaxseed in food should be abandoned in such cases:
- Obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease. Since phytosterols and fiber stimulate the digestive tract, eating flax may worsen the patient's condition.
- Urolithiasis. Since flax has a diuretic effect, once in the body, it can exacerbate this disease.
- Acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis. Due to the strong choleretic effect of flaxseed, after its use, stones may begin to move along the ducts.
- 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 harms of flaxseed, you should understand that everything 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 products.decay. 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 should definitely consult 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 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 medicines.
- Eating flaxseed along with antibiotics is pointless, as it will lose its healing properties.
