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 the health of your body, lose extra pounds and improve the appearance of your skin and hair.
What are flax seeds? Translated from Latin, the word "flax" 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 food supplement and a universal remedy for many different ailments. How are flax seeds harvested? The raw materials are collected in September. Fruits are aggregated (flattened spherical boxes) containing about 10 seeds. The seeds gutted from the boxes should 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 a refrigerator using airtight containers. When stored in the refrigerator, whole grains retain all their beneficial properties for 1 year.
If you buy flaxseed in a store, pay attention to:
- best before date;
- package integrity (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;
- macronutrients: 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 flaxseed
Traditional medicine recommends the use of flax seeds to treat a wide variety of ailments.
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;
- 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 in which flaxseed helps.
Linseed oil
The main characteristic of linseed oil is the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which enter the body only from external sources. It is better to buy a cold-pressed product. It is during this production that it retains useful substances. The high-quality oil does not contain sediment and has a pleasant sweet-nutty taste. Exposure to light and heat causes the oil to oxidize (begin to taste bitter). This product is extremely harmful to the body and can even cause cancer.
Flaxseed meal
Many recipes use ground flaxseed. You can make flour yourself with a coffee grinder or buy a ready-made product.
Flaxseed, flour and butter
Self-prepared flax meal has a short shelf life - only 6-16 weeks if stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The product bought in the store does not contain oil components, so it can be stored for a long time.
Flaxseed - benefit or harm
The main benefit of flaxseed is the high content of 3 main components:
- Fibers - improve the work of the digestive tract, remove harmful cholesterol.
- Polyunsaturated acids - ensure the recovery of body cells, prevent the formation 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 trace elements (magnesium, iodine, manganese, calcium, chromium, potassium, copper, iron).
Benefits for the body
Flax seeds have a complex positive effect on the body:
- lowering cholesterol;
- strengthening the immune system;
- normalization of liver function;
- protects against vitamin deficiency;
- reduce sugar;
- reducing the risk of blood clots;
- normalizes high blood pressure;
- preventing the formation of tumors (including malignant);
- bowel cleansing;
- activate peristalsis;
- improving fat metabolism;
- removal of harmful substances and toxins from the body;
- improve the structure of the skin and hair at the cellular level;
- promotion of rapid healing of the skin and mucous membranes;
- elimination of sexual dysfunctions in men;
- regulate hormonal levels, thus improving the condition during menopause;
- have a laxative effect;
- soften a severe dry cough.
Contraindications
The use of flaxseed is prohibited in:
- intestinal obstruction;
- individual intolerance;
- stones in the bladder or gall bladder;
- exacerbation of cholecystitis or pancreatitis;
- cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis;
- endometritis, uterine fibroids, polycystic 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, diet 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. For weight loss, take ground flaxseed (2 tablespoons) twice a day with a glass of water. To enhance the therapeutic effect, drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 liters) throughout the day.
Decoction of flax
Pour 2 tablespoons of flaxseed 500 ml of boiled water and cook on low heat for about half an hour after boiling, then let the broth cool and strain. This drink should be consumed 25-30 minutes before meals, 100 ml.
Infusion of flax
The infusion is made at night, pour 2 tablespoons of flax seeds into a thermos, pour 1 liter of boiling water over them and leave to infuse until morning. The strained drink is drunk 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 berry compote, add flaxseed equal to 1 tablespoon to it. l. seeds per 500 ml of jelly (compote), let cool. Initially, the jelly should be liquid, because after adding flax it will thicken.
Tea - 1 teaspoon of flax seeds is added to the brewed tea, 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 of linseed oil and 1 tbsp of linseed, add a few drops of lemon juice. This cocktail can be consumed 3 times a day. For best results, replace one lunch and one dinner meal with it.
Flax drinks must always be fresh, the shelf life of ready-made decoctions and infusions is 24 hours, after 24 hours they lose their useful 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 work of the gastrointestinal tract. With the correct use of flax seeds, you can lose weight by about 2 kilograms per week, practically without changing your diet. Flax is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, so once it hits 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.
Flaxseed for colon cleansing
Flaxseed helps to cleanse the intestines of toxins, reduce waste in the body and improve the work of the digestive system.
Classic cleansing ingredients:
- Linseed - 50 g.
- Water - 1 l.
Method of preparation: Flaxseed in a glass container is poured with boiling water. Do not forget to close it with a lid. Wrap the container well and let it 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 some honey to the drink. The entire infusion (1 L) should be drunk during the day. Drink the drink only warm. Do this cleanse 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 mucilage ensures the healing of mucosal ulcers. Regular consumption of the drink purifies the blood, the liver and improves the condition of the skin.
Cleansing with kefir
Flax seeds with kefir
Ingredients:
- Linseed - 15-45 g.
- Low-fat kefir - 100 ml.
Method of preparation: Mix kefir with flax seed. You can use wholemeal or semolina flour. How to use: Use flax with kefir in the morning, on an empty stomach, instead of breakfast. The cleansing course lasts 3 weeks. Do it according to the following scheme - in 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: flaxseed with kefir removes toxins, improves the appearance of the skin, restores intestinal microflora and activates peristalsis. Thanks to the normalization of the metabolism, weight loss occurs.
It does not cause any particular harm, but it is not recommended to take it if:
- pregnant women;
- people 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 (causes colic);
- low pressure;
- inflammation of the intestines.
Consult your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:
- from allergies,
- antidepressants,
- contraceptives.
Flax improves blood clotting, can lower blood pressure or slow the absorption of medications. The use of flaxseed oil and seeds may be incompatible with other medications.
Including flaxseed in your diet provides:
- normalization of hormonal levels;
- combating chronic diseases of the digestive system;
- reduce 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 choose the right scheme for taking flaxseed for pregnant women.
When breastfeeding
Active use of flaxseed during breastfeeding is undesirable. Some substances that enter the child's body with milk can complicate its functioning. But sometimes doctors recommend flaxseed in small quantities to nursing mothers (for certain pathologies). Pregnant and lactating women can best consume the product by adding it to baked goods or salads.
For constipation
Ingredients:
- Flaxseed - 2 tsp.
- Warm boiled water - 1 tablespoon.
Method of preparation: Flaxseed can be ground if the whole grain is difficult to swallow. How to use: Take flaxseed with water in the evening. Repeat the procedure for 2-3 days. Result: The product activates peristalsis and helps the natural cleansing of the intestines. A 7-day course of treatment is recommended for chronic constipation.
Ground linseed
For pancreatitis
Ingredients:
- Flaxseed - 2 tbsp.
- Water - 0. 4 ml.
Honey - to taste, but no more than 2 tablespoons. l.
Method of preparation: Grind the raw materials and pour boiling water over them. The mixture is boiled over low heat for 10 min. Then the mixture is left for 1 hour. Strain the flax 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 has an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect on the pancreas. Fiber activates the removal of toxins and accelerates metabolism.
With gastritis
Ingredients:
- Flaxseed - 1 tbsp.
- Water - 0. 5 l.
Method of preparation: Pour the raw materials with boiling water. Leave the product for 1 hour, shaking occasionally. Strain the drink through a strainer. How to use: Drink 200-250 ml of the infusion twice a day on an empty stomach. Continue treatment for 1 month. Result: The infusion provides an anti-inflammatory effect. The treatment relieves pain, nausea and heartburn.
For diabetes
Ingredients:
- Seeds - 2 tbsp.
- Boiling water - 100 ml.
How to cook: Flaxseed is poured with boiling water. Leave the mixture for about 10 minutes. Then add 150 ml of boiled cooled water. How to use: Drink the infusion once a day - in the morning on an empty stomach or 20 minutes before a meal. The treatment lasts 10 days - 1 month. Result: The drink reduces sugar well. The seeds contain monosaccharides, so people with diabetes should consume flaxseed only after consulting a doctor.
To lower cholesterol
Ingredients:
- Flaxseed - 1 tbsp.
- Aloe juice - 0. 5 tablespoons. l.
- Water - 1 tbsp.
Method of preparation: Grind the seeds. Pour boiling water over them and leave them for about 2 hours. Add aloe juice. You don't 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 a meal. 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 linseed
Soak 2 tbsp of flaxseed in warm water. Boil porridge from 100-150 g of oatmeal, add swollen flax seeds to it and mix. If you like, you can add a small amount of finely chopped fruit or dried fruit, apples and prunes are ideal.
Porridge with sprouted wheat and linseed
3 tablespoons of sprouted wheat and 1 tablespoon of flaxseed, soak in boiled water for two hours, then drain the remaining liquid. 50 g of coarsely grated apples and a few dates, pre-soaked in water, are added to the porridge.
Dried fruits and flax seeds for weight loss
Soak 2 tablespoons of flax seeds in water cooled to a temperature of 40-45 degrees and wait until they swell. Pass through a meat grinder dried fruits, scalded with boiling water: prunes, dates and dried apricots - 3 each. everyone. Add the linseed and 1 tablespoon of rice flour to the resulting minced meat, mix the ingredients well (if desired, you can add a little cocoa powder, but the dish will turn out to be more caloric). Roll into small balls, roll them in coconut and put in the fridge for a few hours. The most delicious diet dessert is ready!
Flaxseed in cosmetology
The useful product can be used externally. It allows you to eliminate a number of cosmetic problems and provides a healthy look to the skin and hair.
Face mask
Ingredients:
- Flaxseed - 1 tbsp.
- Boiling water - 0. 5 tablespoons.
- Cream (for sensitive and dry skin) - 1 tbsp.
- Oatmeal (for oily and problematic skin) - 1 tbsp.
How to cook: Flaxseed is poured with boiling water. Let the product simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes. Strain the broth. Add the necessary 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 cleans the skin, nourishes it, narrows the pores and removes oiliness. The mask smoothes out wrinkles and normalizes the metabolism of substances in the epidermis.
Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- Flaxseed - 2 tablespoons. l.
- boiling water - 125 ml.
Method of preparation: Pour the raw materials with boiling water and beat the mixture well in a blender. How to use: Apply a warm mask to the roots and length of 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. Strengthens the hair follicle and improves hair growth.
Hair after a linen mask
Flaxseed - recipes.
In alternative medicine, there are universal means that can be used for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies.
Sour
Description of the recipe: Kisel has neither taste nor smell. To ensure a pleasant taste, add honey, cinnamon, vanilla, berries, chicory.
You will need:
- flax seed - 1 tablespoon;
- water - 0. 5 l. ;
- cinnamon, honey, berries, chicory, vanilla - to taste.
Method of preparation: Pour boiling water over the seeds. Leave the mixture for 8 hours. 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.
potion
Description of the recipe: The decoction provides a complete cleansing of the body, normalizes the work of the digestive system, purifies the blood, the liver, improves the work of the kidneys and excretory system. It is better to add sour juice to the drink.
You will need:
- seeds - 1 tablespoon;
- water - 0. 5 l. ;
- sour juice (pomegranate, cherry, lemon) - 1 tsp.
Method of preparation: Linseed is poured with water. The mixture was boiled in a water bath for 30 minutes. Then wrap the container with the broth in a warm towel and leave the solution for another 3-4 hours. Strain the broth. Add sour juice to it. Caloric 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 it 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 and cool place and always in an airtight container.