Flaxseed: benefits and harms, how to use

The benefits and harms of flax seeds are of great interest to fans of healthy food and traditional medicine. The product is found in many medicinal recipes. In order to understand when to use seeds, you need to carefully study their features.

Flaxseed chemical composition

The healing properties of flax seed are due to the rich composition of the product. The seeds contain:

• a wide range of vitamins from subgroup B - from B1 to B9;
• vitamins E, K and C;
• a nicotinic acid;
• potassium, iron, copper and zinc;
• selenium, manganese, calcium and phosphorus;
• fatty acids and amino acids;
• fiber and natural sugars;
• starch and glycosides;
• phytosterols.

There are 2 varieties of seeds in stores - brown and white flax. The benefits of white flax seeds are that they contain more antioxidants and lignans, therefore they show particular effectiveness in the prevention of cancer.

Benefits of flax seeds

The benefits of flaxseed for the body extend to many systems. When eating flax:

• promotes weight loss and accelerates metabolic processes in the body;
• protects the respiratory system from diseases;
• maintains visual acuity;
• increases immune resistance to viruses and infections;
• helps cleanse blood vessels - this is the benefit of flax seeds for the liver;
• lowers blood pressure in hypertension and strengthens the vascular walls;
• protects the heart and brain from ailments;
• improves reproductive functions;
• helps to cope with inflammatory processes and removes toxins;
• has a beneficial effect in the treatment of burns, skin diseases and frostbite.

The health benefits of flaxseed include its anti-cancer properties - regular consumption of the product reduces the risk of cancer.

For women

The benefits of flax seeds for a woman's body is that the product has strong anti-aging properties. When applied internally and externally, the seeds slow down natural aging and help maintain the elasticity and freshness of the skin. Flax seeds are beneficial for women with menopause, they even out the hormonal balance and reduce the frequency of hot flashes. Since healthy flax improves the functioning of the reproductive system, it is recommended to take it when planning a baby and after pregnancy.

For men

Flax seeds are beneficial for the body of men. Since the product has a beneficial effect on blood circulation, it not only protects men from early heart attacks, but also improves sexual function.The use of healthy seeds increases potency, and also promotes a quick and trouble-free conception of a child.

Flax seeds during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The beneficial properties of flax seed for women are clearly manifested during the period of bearing a child. The valuable vitamins, minerals and acids in the composition of the product contribute to the correct development of the baby in the mother's womb and, moreover, strengthen the health of the woman herself. Of course, in this case, it is necessary to remember about the daily dosages, it is impossible to take flax in excess quantities, it can be harmful.

It is better to refuse the product during the period of breastfeeding. The benefits of flaxseed for women remain the same, but the product can harm babies - flax often causes allergies.

Can flax seeds be given to children

Flax seeds are beneficial for children, they can be offered to babies both for medicinal purposes and for prevention. However, for the first time, it is possible to offer a product to a child only after reaching 3 years of age, and the daily dosage should be no more than 5 g.

Daily intake

The benefits of flax seeds for the human body largely depend on the correct dosage. In large quantities, the product is harmful, as it leads to flatulence and diarrhea. In addition, the seeds contain glycosides that can cause poisoning. Therefore, it is necessary to use a useful product in an amount of no more than 5 small spoons per day.

How to take flax seeds for weight loss

There will be benefits from flax seeds for weight loss, they reduce hunger, because they quickly swell inside the stomach and take up free space. In addition, if you chew flax seed on an empty stomach, the benefits will manifest itself in a laxative effect - the product will help to quickly remove all toxins and excess substances from the intestines.

Also, flax seed infusion will benefit for weight loss. A large spoonful of seeds should be poured with 2 cups of hot water, kept covered for 8 hours and taken twice a day, 100 ml. In total, it is recommended to use the remedy for 2 weeks, in combination with healthy food, a useful infusion will help get rid of extra pounds and improve bowel function.

The use of flax seeds in traditional medicine

Home medicine knows about the health benefits of flax seeds, it uses the product in many effective recipes. Flax is able to assist in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments.

For constipation

The intestinal benefits of flaxseed are great with irregular bowel movements. The following remedy helps against constipation - 5 small tablespoons of seeds are poured with 2 glasses of water and kept in a sealed container for several hours.

When the healthy seeds are soaked, you will need to take 2 small spoons three times a day with water. It is recommended to continue treatment until the bowel function is finally improved.

With diabetes mellitus

The medicinal properties of flaxseed can relieve diabetes. The recipe looks like this:

• 3 small spoons of raw materials are poured with a glass of hot water;
• 3 hours kept under the lid;
• shortly before bedtime, take in the amount of a full glass.

The benefits of steamed flaxseed will be that the product will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver, blood vessels and pancreas. With its proper use, the level of glucose and cholesterol in the blood will decrease.

With gastritis

Benefits of a flax drink for gastritis - the product quickly relieves heartburn, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, pain and nausea. A couple of large spoons of raw materials need to be poured into 350 ml of water and insisted for only 10 minutes, and then drink 100 ml on an empty stomach throughout the day.

The infusion gently envelops the mucous membranes and relieves irritation, therefore, with gastritis with increased production of gastric juice, its properties will be very useful.

Stomach ulcer treatment

The benefits of decoction of flax seeds are manifested in peptic ulcer disease, since a drink based on the product has enveloping and healing properties. With an ulcer, 1-2 small tablespoons of raw materials are recommended to be poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for a quarter of an hour.

When the broth is ready, you will need to strain it from the seeds and drink 3 sips three times a day on an empty stomach. So that the beneficial properties of flaxseed do not harm the stomach, you need to take the broth warm, and in total, you need to continue treatment for 3 weeks.

To lower cholesterol

Flaxseed infusion benefits blood vessels, lowers cholesterol levels and protects the body from the development of atherosclerosis. Take a useful remedy for 3 weeks, while the dosage is gradually increased. If in the first days it is necessary to drink the infusion three times a day, just a couple of large spoons, then the volumes are increased to half a glass per dose.

To prepare a remedy, pour 4 large tablespoons of seeds with hot water and insist under a lid until it cools completely. Before use, the infusion is filtered, leaving only the liquid.

From worms

The properties of the product allow you to quickly get rid of worms. In particular, there will be benefits from flax seeds with kefir, 1 small spoonful of seeds is poured into a glass of drink, infused for an hour, and then drunk three times a day.

You can also add seeds to salads, snacks and any cold dishes - the results will not be so quick, but the product will still have an antihelminthic effect.

From cough

Flaxseed with honey is beneficial for coughs and other cold symptoms. A small spoonful of raw materials must be poured with boiling water in the amount of 1 cup and kept for about an hour. When the infusion becomes warm, you will need to add a large spoonful of honey and the same amount of lemon juice to it.

The benefits of flax seeds with honey will be especially great if you take the medicine at night - by the morning the symptoms of a cold will noticeably weaken.

From edema

Linseed decoction is beneficial for the kidneys - its properties help get rid of puffiness. The recipe looks like this:

• 4 small spoons of seeds are poured with a liter of water;
• simmer over medium heat for about a quarter of an hour;
• then removed from the stove and left under a closed lid for another hour.

Just before use, you can add a spoonful of lemon juice to the broth. They drink the remedy a few sips every 2 hours, after 2 days of taking the broth, you need to take a break for 3 days, and then resume treatment, and so on for 3 weeks.

For cancer prevention

The medicinal properties of flax seeds are appreciated as the prevention of cancer - the product contains many antioxidants. To prevent the development of tumors, it is necessary to consume raw seeds for 4 months, take them 2 small spoons a day with water. The beneficial properties of white flax seeds will be most in demand - they contain more antioxidants.

For the health of the heart and blood vessels

The benefits of flax seeds for the health of blood vessels and the heart system are great. Regular consumption of the product helps to equalize blood pressure and eliminate symptoms of arrhythmia. The infusion has the best effect - 2 large tablespoons of seeds are poured with a glass of boiling water, they wait until the drink has completely cooled down, and are taken three times a day on an empty stomach.

It is recommended to continue the course for 10 days, at the end of it many unpleasant symptoms will go away.

For immunity

Flax grains benefit from weakened immunity, vitamins and minerals in the composition of the product improve the body's resistance. To prepare a healing agent, 3 small tablespoons of raw materials must be mixed with a spoonful of honey and there is a small spoon for 2 weeks three times a day.

After 2 weeks of using the medication, you need to take a break for a week to avoid harm, and then, if necessary, repeat the course.

How flax seeds are used in cosmetology

The benefits of flaxseed are well known in home cosmetology. The product is actively used for skin and hair care, the seeds help maintain beauty and youth.

Facial masks

The benefits of flax seeds are in skin rejuvenation - homemade masks based on the product are effective in combating skin aging. To get rid of the first wrinkles, you can prepare the following mask:

• 10 g of raw materials are poured into 100 ml of water;
• in a water bath, the product is boiled for about 10 minutes;
• wait for the broth to cool completely and filter it.

Useful liquid is spread over the skin for 5 minutes, and then washed off. The epidermis after such a mask becomes soft and smooth, and the number of wrinkles decreases. The benefits of brown flax seeds are not only in their rejuvenating properties - washing with a solution eliminates dry skin, helps fight inflammation and acne.

Flax seeds for hair

Flaxseed decoction is beneficial for hair, it prevents strands from falling out, makes curls more voluminous and restores healthy shine to them. It is recommended to do this mask on a regular basis:

• a couple of tablespoons of raw materials are poured with boiling water and insisted for about an hour;
• when the seeds are softened, they are ground to a state of gruel and distributed through the hair;
• the curls are wrapped in a thick film and a warm towel for 40 minutes.

After this time, the gruel is washed off with plain water. The beneficial properties of flax seed decoction not only improve the condition of the hair, but also have a healing effect on the scalp and eliminate dandruff.

The benefits and harms of sprouted flax seeds

In culinary and medical treatment, flax sprouts are especially beneficial, they contain several times more fiber, amino acids and natural sugars than regular grains. Therefore, when eaten and in drinks, sprouts:

• stimulate metabolism and have a strong laxative effect;
• quickly and effectively improve the health of hair, skin and nails;
• have a powerful cleansing effect on the body - the benefits of flax sprouts are especially in demand for liver ailments;
• strengthen resistance to viruses and infections - it is very useful to use sprouts in the winter.

The benefits of sprouted flax seeds are highly appreciated by athletes and vegetarians. Due to the increased content of amino acids, the grains make up for the lack of protein in the body, help to increase strength and endurance.

As for the harm of sprouts, it is better to refuse to use them for gastritis, ailments of the gallbladder, ulcers and intestinal inflammation. The high fiber content in the product can be harmful and irritate the mucous membranes of internal organs.

How to germinate flax seeds

You don't have to look for sprouts in stores, you can cook them yourself at home.

• Raw seeds should be thoroughly rinsed and placed on a damp gauze or towel in a shaded but warm place.
• As it dries, the gauze or towel should be moistened to maintain a stable seed condition.
• The first seedlings will appear just a day later, but after that the seeds should be kept in conditions of high humidity for a few more days, the sprouts need to increase in size and strengthen.

When eating sprouts, it is important to observe the daily dosages - the same as for ordinary seeds. If you are prone to digestive disorders, it is better to further reduce the amount of sprouts consumed, otherwise the intestines may be harmed.

Flaxseeds in cooking

Benefits of flax seed on an empty stomach in the morning, but at the same time, the seeds are actively used in the preparation of a wide variety of dishes. Seeds can be found:

• in cereals and side dishes, soups and main courses;
• in bakery products, bread with the addition of grains is especially useful;
• in fermented milk products - cottage cheese and yoghurts.

You can add grains to juices and compotes, to kefir and natural honey. Seeds are allowed to sprinkle on omelets and casseroles, this will only increase the benefits of the dishes.

The harm of flax seeds and contraindications for use

The benefits of flaxseed broths, infusions, raw and processed seeds are not the same for everyone, sometimes the product causes serious harm. It is not recommended to eat grains:

• with a tendency to diarrhea and increased gas production;
• with pancreatitis and stones in the gallbladder;
• with poor blood clotting and bronchial asthma;
• with individual allergy to flax;
• with epilepsy and thyroid diseases.

It is better to refuse to use the product for nursing mothers and men suffering from prostatitis. With caution, seeds should be approached with diabetes mellitus and during pregnancy, they can be harmful to health.

How to grind and store flax seeds

In cooking and healing recipes, whole grains and flour can be used equally, they have the same beneficial properties. However, ground seeds are much easier to use for making baked goods and bread, and when creating infusions and decoctions, the flour softens faster, this allows you to spend less time on cooking.

• It is better not to buy flour, but to cook it yourself from whole seeds, so the product will retain more benefits.
• Grinding seeds is very easy and can be done using a coffee grinder, blender, spice grinder, or a regular hand mortar.
• The required amount of seeds is properly crushed by any of the above methods, then the flour is passed through a fine sieve and, if necessary, large residues are crushed again.

As for shelf life, whole grains retain their beneficial properties up to a year if kept in a dark and dry place. But flour remains useful for a very short time - in a few hours the fatty acids in it oxidize and begin to harm. Therefore, every time before preparing a medicinal infusion or culinary dish, the grain must be ground again and the flour must be used immediately.

Can you eat dry flaxseeds?

Dry flax grains do not need to be heat treated and soaked in water. You can even eat them dry, while drinking plenty of water - it will not do any harm, the seeds will swell right in the stomach.

However, with gastritis, ulcers and other inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines, it is better to refrain from eating dry seeds. They can irritate mucous membranes and cause harm.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of flax seeds depend on the presence of contraindications and on dosages. If there are no strict prohibitions on the use of the product, small quantities of the grains will bring significant benefits to all body systems.

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