What is a flax seed? The calorie content of the product, its properties, benefits and contraindications will be discussed in the materials of this article.
General information
Linen is one of the oldest cultures. Our ancestors began to actively grow it during the period of the birth of a new craft at that time - weaving. In the process of development of medicine, the plant has become even more important due to its medicinal properties. Flax seed, the caloric content of which is low, is classified as pharmacopoeial. Modern medicine very often uses this product to treat various groups of diseases. The same applies to traditional medicine.
Flax seed: product calorie content
Surely there are no people who would doubt the benefits of flaxseeds. According to experts, this is a concentrate of proteins, minerals, vitamins and biologically active substances such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, lignans and fiber. It is to these components that the product in question owes its healing properties.
Can you get fat by eating seedflax? The calorie content of this product is so low that you will have to eat a lot of it to gain weight. One large spoonful of this herbal ingredient contains only 37 energy units. Flax seeds also include 1 gram of protein, 2 carbohydrates, 3 fat.
Chemical composition
What does a flax seed contain? The composition of this product is known to few. The seeds of the mentioned plant contain about 30-48% fatty drying oil, proteins, organic acids, carbohydrates, up to 12% mucus, sterols and linocinamarin.
What other components does flaxseed include? The composition of the product in question is as follows: glycerides of linolenic, stearic, palmitic and oleic acids. As for the shells of the seeds, they found methyl ester of P-hydroxy-p-methylglutaric acid and linamarin glucoside. It should also be noted that flax is the champion in terms of omega-3 fats. And they are very helpful. At the same time, the content of omega-6 fats in the seed is not very high.
Flax seed: medicinal properties and contraindications
Due to its unique composition, the product in question is very often used for therapeutic purposes. So at what diseases is the use of flax seeds indicated? Here is a list of them:
- Cancer. Studies by scientists have confirmed that the mentioned product is able to protect the mammary and prostate glands, as well as the colon from oncology. How does this happen? Omega-3 fatty acids slow down the development of tumors andformations, as well as various inflammatory processes. According to experts, such seeds affect only those formations that are sensitive to hormones. The drug "Tamoxifen" has the same effect. By the way, it is often used for chemotherapy for breast cancer. Flaxseed lignans block enzymes involved in hormonal metabolism and inhibit the spread and growth of cancer cells.
- Diseases of blood vessels and heart. What else do flax seeds treat? Due to the content of omega-3 fatty acids, such a product normalizes blood pressure, reduces the deposition of cholesterol in the vessels and restores the elasticity of the arteries. In addition, this component supports the natural rhythm of the heart, and also works well in the treatment of heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Diabetes. How and what do flax seeds treat? Daily use of this product improves blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The fiber contained in the seed prevents the intensive absorption of glucose in the small intestine, thereby protecting the patient's body from its sudden changes in the blood. Thus, sugar from food enters the systemic circulation evenly and slowly.
- Inflammatory processes. Flaxseed components such as lignans and omega-3 fatty acids are able to block and suppress the inflammatory processes that accompany many diseases, including asthma and Parkinson's disease.
In addition, flax seed, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are presented in this article, containsdocosahexaenoic acid. It is essential for the body to reduce the manifestations of depression, the normal functioning of brain cells, reduce anxiety, insomnia and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. As for contraindications, the product in question has practically none. See below for when to avoid flaxseeds.
Harm of plant product
There are many warnings about eating flaxseeds. For example, this product is forbidden to be used for lactation, inflammation of the prostate, pregnancy, as well as fibrocystic formations in women. However, official sources do not give any indications on this matter. Therefore, many people consider them fiction. Partly it is. But it should be noted that treatment with flaxseed preparations should be carried out only after consulting a doctor. The only confirmed contraindication for this product is acute diarrhea. This is because flaxseeds have a strong laxative effect.
Use Tips
Use the product in question should be extremely careful. This is due to the fact that it contains cyanogenic glycosides, which during heat treatment or overdose can cause serious harm to he alth. Therefore, it is recommended to use such seeds according to the following instructions.
It is necessary to start therapy with flax fruits with minimal dosages. On the first day of treatmenta portion of the product should not exceed 1 dessert spoon. On the second day, the volume can be increased to two tablespoons, on the third - up to 1 large spoon, and on the fourth - up to 20 g. When using flax seeds, you must carefully monitor your body. If even small problems with digestion begin, and the general condition of the patient worsens, then it is better to refuse further intake of the product. Remember the basic tips for using the product:
- The optimal dosage of this remedy is 2 large spoons a day, and the maximum is 3.
- Cooking of flax seeds is not allowed. Their content in buns, muffins and bread can be very harmful.
- Due to the fact that flaxseed contains a lot of fiber, introducing it into your diet should definitely increase the amount of fluid consumed.
- All products based on the product in question must be consumed fresh. It is forbidden to leave them for storage
Summing up
Now you know what a flax seed is. The benefits of how to take this product have also been explained above. Subject to all recommendations, flaxseeds can be used without any fear. This will allow you to get rid of many painful conditions, as well as feel much better.
