How to take flax seeds correctly and what is their benefit and harm?

Flax seeds - the benefit and harm of this product for the body is a popular topic among supporters of a healthy lifestyle. Flaxseed is considered not only a valuable food additive, but also a universal remedy for treating many diseases. Apply it in its raw form, prepare decoctions and infusions and even receive from seeds flour, which is added to baking, porridge or taken internally for medicinal purposes.

The seed source is an annual herb flax. This is the oldest oilseed crop, the value of which can not be overestimated. Flax fiber is used for making clothes, it is used in the construction industry. From seeds, valuable flaxseed oil is obtained, which is used in cosmetology, for culinary and technical purposes. Separate attention deserves the seeds of flax. They are today the topic of our article, in which we will dwell on the composition, useful properties and features of the application of this product.

Flax seeds - use or harm: composition

Photo: Flax seeds

Flax seeds - glossy, rounded, with a pointed tip, have a small size and characteristic yellowish or dark brown color. Their value is determined by the rich mineral composition, which is characterized by a high content of fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and trace elements.

Flaxseed composition:

• proteins;
• fats;
• carbohydrates;
• sugar( galactose, glucose, fructose, sucrose);
• fiber( dietary fiber);
• vitamins( A, C, D, E, K, group B);
• micro- and macroelements( potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, etc.);
• alkaloids, plant styrenes;
• more than 20 varieties of valuable amino acids;
• saturated and unsaturated fatty acids;
• polyunsaturated fatty acids( Omega-3, Omega-6).

Such a rich composition determines the healing properties of flaxseed. The product is of high energy value. Caloric content of seeds is 540 Kcal per 100 g of product.

Useful properties of flaxseed

The chemical composition of the product is characterized by a number of advantages that provide the therapeutic properties of flaxseed:

• High content of natural phytoestrogens - lignans, reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood and makes this product an excellent preventive against atherosclerosis and diseases of the cardiovascular system. Its use as a remedy helps to counteract cancer diseases and such serious, life-threatening conditions as heart attack and stroke. And lignans are contained only in the seed, in linseed oil there are none.
• The complex of fatty acids( Omega-3, Omega-6) are responsible for the health of the cells of the body and the integrity of the cell membranes. The lack of these substances provokes malfunctions in the work of the nervous and cardiovascular system, causes chronic fatigue, depressive states, inability to resist stress and negative influence of the environment. Omega fatty acids are not synthesized in the body, so it is so important to get them from the outside in sufficient quantities. This will help reduce the risk of developing diabetes, asthma, joint diseases and will have a beneficial effect on appearance, improving the condition of hair, skin and nails.
• Vegetable fiber, contained in the seed, has the most beneficial effect on the digestive system. Soluble dietary fiber contains a high concentration of gluten, when swollen it envelops the walls of the stomach, which allows you to remove pain and inflammation. Insoluble fiber slows the absorption of toxins and other harmful substances, which makes it possible to use flaxseed to detoxify the body for poisoning of various kinds. In addition, it removes excess cholesterol and other carcinogens from the body and serves as a preventive measure for bowel cancer. Fiber from the seeds of linseed-the benefit and harm of this component practically does not cause controversy. Experts believe that it promotes the improvement of the intestinal microflora, normalizes the digestive process, eliminates constipation.
• A complex of vitamins and microelements normalizes metabolic processes, maintains vascular health, strengthens the body's defenses and promotes immunity. Of particular value are antioxidants, including vitamin E, which interfere with the production of free radicals and prevent the formation of cancer cells.

Watch the video from the program "Live healthy", where Malysheva will tell in detail about the beneficial properties of flax seeds, as well as the contraindications for its use:

Seeds of white flax

The healing properties of flax seeds are largely determined by the content of glycoside, linamarin, mucus and fatty oils. It is these components that protect the sensitive receptors of the gastrointestinal mucosa from irritation and prevent the development of inflammatory processes. Encouraging the digestive tract, they prevent the risk of ulcers and promote the improvement of internal organs.

Flax seeds are recommended for functional constipation. They contribute to the cleansing of the intestine, improve its function and peristalsis. Getting inside the rectum, the seeds continue to swell, loosening the stool and ensuring their further advancement and excretion.

Dietary fibers contained in seeds act as absorbents, absorbing toxic substances and removing them from the body. With lesions of the gastrointestinal tract( gastritis, ulcer), the ingestion of a decoction or infusion from flaxseed has an enveloping effect, reduces pain and irritation accelerates the regeneration processes, and promotes rapid healing of the damaged mucosa. The intake of flaxseed is useful in diseases of the heart and blood vessels, atherosclerosis, obesity, disorders of the nervous system. The use of this product provides the following therapeutic effect:

• Photo: cleansing the body of toxins

  normalizes the digestive system and internal organs( liver, kidney, gallbladder);

• cleanses the body of toxins, surplus cholesterol and harmful decomposition products;
• exerts a mild laxative effect, relieves chronic constipation;
• strengthens the vessels, improves the functioning of the heart and nervous system;
• serves as a means of preventing cancer;
• improves thyroid function;
• protects bronchi and lungs, helps to soften dry cough;
• acts as a natural immunostimulant, strengthens the defenses of the body.

Such a variety of useful properties has determined a range of indications in which the use of flaxseed will be beneficial.

Indications for use

First of all, flax seeds are recommended for taking in order to reduce the inflammatory process, pain and irritation in gastric ulcer, chronic gastritis, colitis, enteritis, esophagitis. The reception of this remedy helps to establish the process of digestion and eliminate constipation.

Photo: Cleansing the body

Traditional medicine recommends taking a valuable product in diabetes, allergies, urological problems, respiratory diseases.edema, neuropsychiatric disorders, depressive states. Receiving broth or infusion from flaxseed allows you to get rid of alcohol and drug addiction.

Flaxseed helps to eliminate sexual dysfunction in men and women, protect the body from the effects of radioactive radiation, clean it of toxins, slag and heavy metal salts. The herbal remedy has antiparasitic properties and is used to treat helminthic invasions.

Decoction of seeds is recommended for taking with obesity, it helps to reduce weight and maintain harmony in the future. In the postoperative period, this remedy is useful to take to improve immunity and prevent complications.

Photo: flax seeds for women

Flax seeds for men are advised to take to restore men's strength and increase potency. The benefits and harms of flax seeds for women deserve special attention. In addition to normalizing the digestive processes, taking this product helps to lose weight and prevents aging processes due to the high content of antioxidants. In addition, seed-based preparations and linseed oil are widely used in cosmetology, they help maintain skin, hair and nail health.

Flax seeds contain phytoestrogens that help regulate the hormonal background of a woman and are substitutes for a female sex hormone( estrogen).Regular reception of the product allows you to adjust the menstrual cycle and to ease the condition during the menopause. Admission of flaxseed is recommended during pregnancy. This product contains many valuable microelements and other useful substances necessary for the full development of the fetus.

Harm from flaxseed can be associated with increased sensitivity, in which case the use of the product may cause allergic reactions. In addition, women should not take this product in endometritis, polycystic or uterine fibroids.

Contraindications to

Contraindications to the use of flaxseed are the following conditions:

1. intestinal obstruction;
2. exacerbation of pancreatitis or cholecystitis;
3. hepatitis, cirrhosis;
4. stones in the gallbladder or bladder;
5. individual intolerance of the product.

During lactation, the intake of flaxseed is undesirable, since active substances can reach the baby with the mother's milk and provoke an allergic reaction.

This product contains monosaccharide in its composition, so with special caution and only after consulting a doctor can be used in diabetes. It should not be treated with flaxseed in the presence of inflammatory diseases of the prostate gland in men. Excessive use of the product can lead to the development of diarrhea and flatulence. Therefore, if you decide to apply flax seeds for medicinal purposes, consult a doctor beforehand and find out possible restrictions that prevent the use of the product.

How to take flax seeds correctly?

Photo: Shredded flax seeds

Flax seeds are taken internally in powdered form, they should be prepared immediately before use, as in the air the product quickly oxidizes and loses its useful properties. To make the ground mass easier to swallow, you can dilute it in water, or drink the product with a sufficient amount of liquid.

For prophylaxis, it is enough to take 5 g of flaxseed per day, while treating diseases - up to 50 g daily. The way of application and preparation of the product largely depends on what purpose and at what disease you are taking it.

For the treatment of ulcerative and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract use mucous infusion. To make it, 1.5 tsp.seeds are brewed with 200 ml of boiling water and insist 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then remove the seeds, infusion filter and take inside in a warm form of 50 ml for half an hour before eating. The procedures are repeated for 2-3 weeks.

To eliminate constipation, it is recommended to take 2-3 tsp 2 times a day.seeds, washed down with a glass of boiled water at room temperature. With the same purpose it is possible to prepare an infusion of flaxseed. To do this, 1 tsp.curative raw materials are covered in a thermos, pour a glass of steep boiling water and insist for 4 hours. Drink the finished drug before going to bed, without filtering.

To purify the intestine, flax seeds insist on sunflower oil. First 100g of grains are ground in a coffee grinder, then the resulting powder is placed in a glass jar, filled with a glass of unrefined vegetable oil, covered with a lid and removed for a week into a dark, warm place. During the infusion, the contents of the jar should be shaken periodically. Ready infusion take three times a day for an hour before meals for 1 tbsp.l.for 10 days.

Photo: Wash flax seeds with water

Tincture in oil is contraindicated in cholelithiasis, severe liver and pancreas lesions. In this case, you can prepare medical infusion on the water. To do this, 1 tsp.seeds are put in a thermos, pour 200ml of boiling water and leave to infuse for a day. The finished product is drunk without filtering, a glass a day for 2-3 weeks.

With diabetes mellitus 3 tsp.raw stuff pour a glass of boiling water, insist 3 hours and drink in full before bed. For the treatment of dry cough, a curative composition is prepared on the basis of flaxseed( 3 tsp), honey( 400 g), 5 tsp.crushed licorice root, 2 tsp.seed anise. All the ingredients are mixed, poured 500ml of water and cooked in a water bath for 10 minutes. The composition is cooled, filtered and taken 50 ml three times daily before meals.

For sinusitis flaxseed( 2 tablespoons) is boiled in milk( 500ml) for 3-5 minutes. And then they make a steam bath, that is, they breathe hot steam until the mixture cools down.

For slimming

The effectiveness of flaxseed when used in various diets is explained by the fact that this product improves the work of the digestive tract and helps to remove toxic substances from the body. In addition, it has a laxative effect and helps to cleanse the intestines from the decay products that have accumulated in it for a long time. In addition, flaxseed improves health, improves blood circulation, normalizes metabolism and increases immunity.

Those who want to lose weight, nutritionists recommend consuming up to 4 tbsp.l.milled seeds a day, squeezed with enough water. You need to start with a minimal dose and during the week bring the daily volume of the product to 50 g per day. In parallel, you should increase the amount of liquid drunk to 2 liters per day. Flaxseed should be taken within 2 weeks, then take a break for 7 days, then repeat the 2-week course of admission.

Benefits and harm of flax seed flour

Flax seeds and flaxseed flour have a number of significant differences. First of all, it should be noted that there are no oil components in flour, since nonfat vegetable materials are used for its production. Due to this feature, flour can be stored for a long time without changing its taste qualities. In this case, flax flour retains all the useful properties of seeds and is a source of protein, carbohydrates of vitamins, trace elements, fiber and other valuable substances.

The scope of flax flour is also quite extensive. This product is used in cooking, it makes baking more useful and extends its shelf life. Buns, bread or pies, which contain linseed flour, are kept much longer. In addition, flour is used:

Photo: bread made from linseed flour

• For cleansing the intestines. For this purpose 3 cups of st.l.flax flour, mix well and take a dairy product in the morning or before bedtime.
• To fight overweight. Nutritionists advise to stir 1 tbsp.l.flour in 200 ml of low-fat kefir or natural yogurt and drink instead of dinner before bed.
• For the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and internal organs, flour is recommended to dilute in water or skim milk drinks and drink them before eating. The duration of treatment will be determined by the doctor, depending on the problem and the severity of the symptoms.
• For the prevention of digestive diseases, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular, endocrine diseases, disorders of the nervous system, it is recommended to take a course of the medicinal product in a volume of up to 3 liters.in day
• In addition, in order to prevent cancer, flax flour is advised to be added to cereals or pastries.

Photo: linseed flour

But linseed flour may not only be useful. You need to know the specifics of its application, so as not to harm the body. At primary reception of this product there can be a bloating, increased gas formation, flatulence. Therefore, the use of flour should start with small doses( no more than 1 tsp) and gradually increase this volume as the body becomes accustomed to the product.

Flax flour is an excellent absorbent, which means it can provoke dehydration if it is not accompanied by a sufficient amount of liquid. Nutritionists advise using this drug to drink more liquid( ideally, purified drinking water).

Flax derived from flax seeds contains cyanide in small amounts. It helps to accelerate the metabolism, but with excessive use of the product can trigger symptoms of poisoning. Therefore, experts advise not to exceed the permitted dosage and do not consume more than 3 tbsp.l.flour per day. In addition, it should be taken into account that this product can not be taken with individual intolerance and the presence of stones in the bile and bladder.

For whatever purpose you do not use flax flour( medicinal or culinary), remember that this is a very specific product that does not suit everyone. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to consult a specialist beforehand and find out possible contraindications in advance.

See video: Flax seeds for weight loss, health and beauty

See video: Flax seeds. Cleansing the intestines with a soft method

Feedback on the application of

Testimonial №1

I took flaxseed with the goal of losing weight. I bought a package of seeds in a pharmacy, and I used pre-shredded seeds three times a day, before eating. In a dry form, they are hard to swallow, so I bred them with water or milk and so took.

In general, this tool really works, for a month managed to get rid of 5 extra pounds. She noted that the digestive processes were normalized and the constipation disappeared. In all the body appeared lightness and it is not in vain, because the flax seeds remove from the body all harmful substances and toxins. So for those who want to lose weight, this is a very useful product.

Irina, Moscow

Review No. 2

I have a chronic gastritis and when exacerbating the disease I drink an infusion of flaxseed. My grandmother taught him to do it. This remedy well helps, it relieves pain, as it envelops the walls of the stomach and eliminates irritation.

In addition, it does not harm the body, in contrast to chemicals. Flaxseeds are useful not only for the stomach, but also for the heart, blood vessels, nervous system. In this product there are many valuable substances for the body and its medicinal properties at altitude.

Alia, Samara