In the article we discuss flax seeds, their benefits and harms, and tell you how to properly take them for medicinal purposes and for weight loss. By applying our tips, you can improve your body health, lose extra pounds, and improve the appearance of your skin and hair.
What are flax seeds? 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 fabrics that are highly hygroscopic and environmentally friendly.
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 are collected (flattened spherical boxes) containing about 10 seeds. Seeds gutted from the boxes must be dried in places protected from direct sunlight.
How to store flax seeds
Flaxseeds are susceptible to spoilage and oxidation. Therefore, store the product in the refrigerator using hermetically sealed containers. Whole grains when refrigerated retain all their beneficial properties for 1 year.
If you purchase flax seed in a store, pay attention to:
- best before date;
- integrity of the packaging (it must be vacuum sealed);
- no signs of moisture.
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;
- 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 flaxseed helps.
Flax seed 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 better to purchase a cold-pressed product. It is during this production that it retains useful substances. High-quality oil does not contain sediment and has a pleasant sweetish-nutty flavor. Exposure to light and heat causes the oil to oxidize (it begins to taste bitter). This product is extremely harmful to the body and can even cause cancer.
Flax seed meal
Many recipes use ground flaxseed. You can make flour yourself using a coffee grinder, or purchase a ready-made product.
Flax seeds, flour and oil
Self-made flaxseed flour has a short shelf life - only 6-16 weeks, if stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The product purchased in the store does not contain oil 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, removes harmful cholesterol.
- Polyunsaturated acids - ensure the restoration of body cells, prevent the occurrence 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 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);
- cleanse the intestines;
- activate peristalsis;
- improve fat metabolism;
- remove harmful substances and toxins from the body;
- provide improvement in the structure of 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 gall bladder;
- 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 permissible daily dose is from 5 to 50 g.
How to take flax seeds for weight loss
Many women actively use flaxseed for weight loss. 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 bowel 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 to jelly, cocktails, tea, compote, dietary dishes, etc.
Flaxseed drinks will prepare the body for digesting 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. In order 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 cook over low heat 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, pour 2 tbsp into a thermos. l. flaxseeds, pour 1 liter of boiling water over them and let it brew until the morning. Drink the strained 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 flax seeds to your favorite drinks, the effect will be no less effective. Compote – cook berry compote, add flaxseeds to it, equal to 1 tbsp. l. seeds per 500 ml of jelly (compote), let cool. The jelly should initially be liquid, since after adding flax it will thicken.
Tea – add 1 tsp 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. flaxseed oil and 1 tbsp. l. flaxseeds, 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 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, 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 speed up 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 sludge in the body, and improve the functioning of the digestive system.
Classic cleansing ingredients:
- Flaxseed – 50 g.
- Water – 1 l.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over flax seeds in a glass container. Be sure to close it with a lid. Wrap the container well and leave to infuse for 6 hours. Strain before use.
How to 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) must be drunk during the day. Drink the drink only warm. Carry out this cleansing 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 healing of mucosal ulcers. Regular consumption of the drink cleanses the blood, liver, and improves skin condition.
Cleansing with kefir
Flax seed with kefir
Ingredients:
- Flaxseed – 15-45 g.
- Low-fat kefir – 100 ml.
How to prepare: Mix kefir with flaxseed. 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 cleansing course lasts 3 weeks. Carry it out 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 seed to 45 g. You can repeat the course only after six months.
Result: flaxseed with kefir removes 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 for:
- pregnant women;
- persons with gallbladder problems;
- those who suffer from exacerbation of pancreatitis, colitis, flatulence.
Be sure to consult your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- pancreatitis;
- cholecystitis
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- hepatitis;
- gallstones (provokes colic);
- low pressure;
- intestinal inflammation.
Check with your doctor if you are taking the following medications:
- from allergies,
- antidepressants,
- birth control pills.
Flax enhances blood clotting, can lower 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;
- minimizing the development of severe pathologies of the nervous system in the fetus;
- protecting the baby from viral infections.
It is strictly forbidden 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 regimen for taking flaxseed 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 seed in small quantities to nursing mothers (for certain pathologies). Pregnant and breastfeeding women can best consume the product by adding it to baked goods or salads.
For constipation
Ingredients:
- Flax seed – 2 tsp…
- Warm boiled water – 1 tbsp.
How to prepare: Flax seed can be ground if the whole grain is difficult to swallow. How to use: In the evening, 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 course of treatment is recommended.
Ground flaxseed
For pancreatitis
Ingredients:
- Flaxseed – 2 tbsp. l.
- Water – 0. 4 ml.
Honey - to taste, but not more than 2 tbsp. l.
How to prepare: Grind the raw materials and pour boiling water over it. Cook the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes. Then leave the mixture for 1 hour. Strain the flaxseed jelly through a strainer. 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 provides an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect on the pancreas. Fiber activates the removal of toxins and speeds up metabolism.
For gastritis
Ingredients:
- Flaxseed – 1 tbsp. l.
- Water – 0. 5 l.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over the raw materials. Leave the product for 1 hour, shaking occasionally. Strain the drink through a strainer. How to 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. Treatment eliminates pain, nausea, and heartburn.
For diabetes
Ingredients:
- Seeds – 2 tbsp. l.
- Boiling water – 100 ml.
How to cook: Pour boiling water over flaxseed. Leave the mixture 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. 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:
- Flaxseeds – 1 tbsp. l.
- Aloe juice – 0. 5 tbsp. l.
- Water – 1 tbsp.
How to prepare: Grind the seeds. Pour boiling water over them and leave for about 2 hours. Add aloe juice. There is no need to strain the drink. How to 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 flax seeds for use in dietary dishes that include flax seeds for weight loss:
Hercules with flaxseeds
Soak 2 tbsp. l. flaxseeds in warm water. Cook porridge from 100-150 g of oatmeal, add swollen flax seeds to it and stir. If desired, you can add a small amount of finely chopped fruit or dried fruit; apples and prunes are perfect.
Porridge with sprouted wheat and flax seeds
3 tbsp. l. sprouted wheat and 1 tbsp. l. flaxseed, soak in boiled water for two hours, then drain the remaining liquid. Add 50 g of coarsely grated apples and a few dates, previously soaked in water, to the porridge.
Dried fruits and flax seeds for weight loss
Soak 2 tbsp. l. flax seeds in cooled water to a temperature of 40-45 degrees and wait until they swell. Pass dried fruits scalded with boiling water through a meat grinder: prunes, dates and dried apricots - 3 pcs each. everyone. Add flaxseeds and 1 tbsp to the resulting minced meat. l. rice flour, mix the ingredients thoroughly (if desired, you can add a little cocoa powder, but the dish will turn out to be higher in calories). Roll into small balls, roll them in coconut and place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. The most delicious dietary 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.
Mask for the face
Ingredients:
- Flaxseeds – 1 tbsp. l.
- Boiling water – 0. 5 tbsp.
- 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 flaxseed. Simmer the product in a water bath for 15 minutes. Strain 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, narrows pores, and eliminates oiliness. The mask smoothes wrinkles and normalizes metabolism in the epidermis.
Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- Flax seeds – 2 tbsp. l.
- Boiling water – 125 ml.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over the raw materials and thoroughly beat the mixture in a blender. How to 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 smooth hair. It 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 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. There is no need to strain the jelly. Add cinnamon, vanilla, honey, berries to it. Calorie content: per 100 g of jelly (in its pure form, without additives) – 5. 2 kcal, and 100 g of jelly with the addition of honey (1 tsp) – 8. 4 kcal.
Decoction
Description of the recipe: 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.
You will need:
- seeds - 1 tbsp. l. ;
- water – 0. 5 l. ;
- 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 to it. 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 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 a hermetically sealed container.