In the article we discuss flaxseeds, their benefits and harms and explain 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 pounds and improve the appearance of your skin and hair.
What are flaxseeds? Translated from Latin, the word "linen" 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.
Flaxseeds are recognized as a valuable dietary supplement and a universal remedy for many different diseases. How are flaxseeds harvested? The raw materials are harvested in September. The fruits (flattened spherical boxes) containing about 10 seeds are collected. The seeds gutted from the boxes must be dried in places protected from direct sunlight.
How to store flax seeds
Flaxseeds are subject to deterioration and oxidation. Therefore, store the product in the refrigerator using airtight containers. If refrigerated, whole grains retain all their beneficial properties for 1 year.
If you buy flax seeds in a store, pay attention to:
- Expiration date;
- integrity of the package (must be vacuum-packed);
- no sign of humidity.
Composition and beneficial properties of flax seeds
Flaxseeds include 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 seeds
Traditional medicine recommends the use of flaxseed 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;
- diabetes mellitus;
- 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 flax seeds help.
Linseed oil
The main feature of flaxseed oil is its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which enter the body only from external sources. It is best to purchase a cold-pressed product. It is during this production that it preserves useful substances. The high-quality oil contains no sediment and has a pleasant sweet, nutty flavour. Exposure to light and heat causes the oil to oxidize (starts to taste bitter). This product is extremely harmful to the body and can even cause cancer.
Flaxseed flour
Many recipes use ground flaxseed. You can prepare the flour yourself using a coffee grinder or purchase a ready-made product.
Flaxseeds, flour and oil
Homemade flaxseed meal has a short shelf life: only 6-16 weeks, when 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 advantage of flax seeds lies in the high content of 3 main components:
- Fiber - improves the functioning of the digestive tract, removes harmful cholesterol.
- Polyunsaturated acids: ensure the restoration of body cells, prevent the formation of blood clots.
- Lignans have antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial effects. Restores hormone levels in women.
- The therapeutic effect of flax seeds is enhanced by vitamins (B, E) and microelements (magnesium, iodine, manganese, calcium, chromium, potassium, copper, iron).
Benefits for the body
Flaxseeds provide comprehensive 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 skin and hair structure at the cellular level;
- promote rapid healing of the skin and mucous membranes;
- eliminate sexual dysfunctions in men;
- regulate hormone levels, thereby improving the condition during menopause;
- have a laxative effect;
- relieve severe dry cough.
Contraindications
The use of flax seeds is prohibited for:
- intestinal blockage;
- individual intolerance;
- stones in the urinary tract 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 permitted daily dose is from 5 to 50 g.
How to take flaxseeds for weight loss
Many women actively use flax seeds to lose weight. Nutritionists consider this method 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 cleaning of the intestine.
- 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 for jellies, cocktails, tea, compote, diet dishes, etc.
Flaxseed drinks will prepare the body for digestion of food, activate the metabolic process and prevent the absorption of fats through the walls of the stomach. To lose weight, take ground flaxseeds (2 tablespoons) twice a day with a glass of water. To enhance the therapeutic effect, drink plenty of liquids (at least 2 liters) during the day.
Flax decoction
Pour 2 tbsp. L. Flaxseed 500 ml of boiled water and cook over low heat for about half an hour, after boiling, then let the broth cool and filter it. This drink should be consumed 25-30 minutes before meals, 100 ml.
Linen infusion
The infusion is prepared at night, pour 2 tablespoons into a thermos. L. flaxseed, pour 1 liter of boiling water over it and let it brew until morning. Drink the filtered drink 20 minutes before meals, in an amount of 100-150 ml.
Drinks with flax seeds for weight loss
In addition to the usual decoction or infusion, you can add flaxseed to your favorite drinks, the effect will be no less effective. Compote – cook the berry compote, add flax seeds, equal to 1 tablespoon. L. seeds per 500 ml of gelatin (compost), leave to cool. Gelatin should initially be liquid, as after adding flax it will thicken.
Tea: Add 1 teaspoon to brewed tea. flaxseed, green tea is more suitable for weight loss. You can drink this drink no more than 2 times a day.
Cocktail – mix 250 ml of carrot juice, 1 tsp. flaxseed 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 dish and one evening dish with it.
Flax drinks should always be fresh, the shelf life of ready-made 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, then take a ten-day break.
With the help of flax you can eliminate the consequences of unbalanced and exhausting 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. Flax contains a lot of fiber and is low in carbohydrates, so once in your stomach the seeds begin to swell, making you feel full with less food eaten. In addition, flax helps to accelerate metabolic processes, the body will burn more calories and burn accumulated fat reserves.
Flaxseeds for colon cleansing
Flaxseeds help cleanse the intestines of toxins, reduce sludge in the body and improve the functioning of the digestive system.
Classic Cleansing Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 50 g.
- Water – 1 l.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over the flaxseeds in a glass container. Make sure you close it with a lid. Wrap the container well and leave to infuse for 6 hours. Filter before use.
Directions 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. The entire infusion (1 l) should be drunk throughout the day. Drink the drink only lukewarm. Do this cleaning every day 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. Linen mucus ensures the healing of mucosal ulcers. Regular consumption of the drink purifies the blood, liver and improves skin condition.
Cleansing with kefir
Flaxseed with kefir
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 15-45 g.
- Low-fat kefir – 100 ml.
How to prepare: Mix kefir with flax seeds. You can use whole grains or crushed flour. How to use: Use flax with kefir in the morning, on an empty stomach, instead of breakfast. The cleaning course lasts 3 weeks. Perform 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: flax seeds with kefir remove toxins, improve the appearance of the skin, restore intestinal microflora and activate peristalsis. Thanks to the normalization of metabolism, weight loss occurs.
It does not cause particular harm, but it is not advisable to take it for:
- pregnant women;
- people with gallbladder problems;
- those suffering from exacerbation of pancreatitis, colitis, flatulence.
Be sure to consult your doctor if you suffer from the following conditions:
- pancreatitis;
- cholecystitis
- liver cirrhosis;
- hepatitis;
- gallstones (causes colic);
- low pressure;
- intestinal inflammation.
Consult your doctor if you are taking the following medications:
- from allergies,
- antidepressants,
- birth control pills.
Flax improves blood clotting, can lower blood pressure or slow the absorption of medications. The use of flaxseed and oil may be incompatible with other medications.
Including flax seeds in your diet provides:
- normalization of hormone 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;
- protect the child from viral infections.
It is strictly forbidden to take flaxseed without consulting your gynecologist. Despite 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 regime for taking flaxseeds for pregnant women.
During breastfeeding
Active use of flaxseed during breastfeeding is undesirable. Some substances that enter the body of a baby with milk can complicate its functioning. But sometimes doctors recommend flaxseeds in small quantities to nursing mothers (for some pathologies). Pregnant and breastfeeding women can best consume the product by adding it to baked goods or salads.
For constipation
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 2 teaspoons…
- Hot boiled water – 1 tbsp.
How to prepare: Flax seeds can be ground if the whole grain is difficult to swallow. Directions for use: In the evening, take flax seeds with water. Repeat the procedure for 2-3 days. Result: the product activates peristalsis and helps clean the intestines naturally. For chronic constipation, a 7-day treatment course 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 materials and pour boiling water over them. Cook the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes, then let it rest for 1 hour. Strain the flaxseed jelly through a sieve. Add honey to your taste. How to 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 jelly has an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect on the pancreas. Fiber activates the removal of toxins and speeds up the metabolism.
For gastritis
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 1 tbsp. L.
- Water – 0. 5 l.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over the raw materials. Leave the product to act for 1 hour, shaking occasionally. Filter the drink through a strainer. Directions 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 flaxseeds. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes. Then add 150 ml of boiled chilled 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 consume flax seeds only after consulting a doctor.
To lower cholesterol
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 1 tbsp. L.
- Aloe juice – 0. 5 tablespoons. L.
- Water – 1 tbsp.
How to prepare: Grind the seeds. Pour boiling water over it and leave for about 2 hours. Add the aloe juice. It is not necessary to filter the drink. Directions for use: Take 0. 5 cups in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening 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 flaxseeds for use in dietary dishes that include flaxseeds for weight loss:
Hercules with flaxseeds
Dip 2 tbsp. L. flax seeds in warm water. Cook porridge from 100-150 g of oatmeal, add swollen flax seeds and mix. If desired, you can add a small amount of finely chopped fruit or dried fruit; apples and plums are perfect.
Porridge with sprouted wheat and flax seeds
3 tbsp. L. sprouted wheat and 1 tbsp. L. flax seeds, soak them in boiled water for two hours, then drain the remaining liquid. Add 50 g of coarsely grated apples and some dates, previously soaked in water, to the porridge.
Dried fruit and flax seeds for weight loss
Dip 2 tbsp. L. flax seeds in water cooled to a temperature of 40-45 degrees and wait for them to swell. Pass dried fruits scalded with boiling water through a meat grinder: prunes, dates and dried apricots - 3 pieces each. everyone. Add flax seeds and 1 tablespoon to the resulting minced meat. L. rice flour, mix the ingredients well (if desired, you can add a little cocoa powder, but the dish will turn out to be more caloric). Form balls, roll them in coconut and put them in the fridge for a couple of hours. The most delicious dietary dessert is ready!
Flaxseed in cosmetology
Useful product can be used externally. It allows you to eliminate a number of aesthetic problems and provides healthy-looking skin and hair.
Face mask
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 1 tbsp. L.
- Boiling water – 0. 5 tablespoons.
- Cream (for sensitive and dry skin) – 1 tbsp. L.
- Oatmeal (for oily and problem skin) – 1 tbsp. L.
How to cook: Pour boiling water over flaxseeds. Simmer the product in a bain-marie for 15 minutes. Filter the broth. Add the required component (oatmeal or cream).
How to use: Apply the product to cleansed facial skin. After 15 minutes, wash it off. Repeat the mask 2-3 times a week. Result: the product cleanses the skin, nourishes it, tightens pores and eliminates greasiness. The mask smoothes wrinkles and normalizes metabolism in 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. How to use: Apply a warm mask to the roots and along the hair. Place 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 guarantee silky and smooth hair. Strengthens the hair follicle and improves hair growth.
Hair after the 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 has neither taste nor smell. To ensure a pleasant taste, add honey, cinnamon, vanilla, berries, chicory.
You will need:
- flax seeds - 1 tbsp. L. ;
- water – 0. 5 l. ;
- 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, berries. Calorie content: per 100 g of gelatin (in its pure form, without additives) – 5, 2 kcal, and 100 g of gelatin with the addition of honey (1 teaspoon) – 8, 4 kcal.
Decoction
Recipe description: The decoction ensures complete cleansing of the body, normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, purifies the blood, liver, improves the functioning of the kidneys and urinary system. It is better to add acidic juice to the drink.
You will need:
- seeds - 1 tbsp. L. ;
- water – 0. 5 l. ;
- sour juice (pomegranate, cherry, lemon) – 1 tsp.
How to prepare: Cover the flaxseeds 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. Filter the broth. Add the sour juice. Calorie content: per 100 g of decoction with pomegranate juice – 5, 4 kcal.
What to remember
You can consume flaxseeds only after consulting a doctor. The product brings great benefits to the body, but can also cause harm. The daily dose of seeds is 5-50 g, abuse leads to diarrhea and flatulence. Store flax products (seeds, flour, oil) in a dark, cool place and always in an airtight container.