Were you like people who get surprised to see flaxseed in the grocery store? Once undeservedly forgotten, this superfood has pushed the boundaries of drugstores into supermarket shelves. What is the secret of the popularity of nondescript seeds? We will tell you what you did not know yet – the beneficial properties of ordinary flaxseeds.
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Where Is Flax Seed Used?
Oddly enough, you can find flaxseed almost everywhere! This is a food product – we obtain flaxseed flour and vegetable flaxseed oil from it. It is a remedy in folk and traditional medicine, and dietary food for losing weight and improving metabolism.
Extracts from flax seeds are used in cosmetology. They contain phytoestrogens and antioxidants to preserve female beauty. From whatever side you look, this product is unique in its useful qualities.
How Flax Seed Affects the Body
Scientists found that flaxseed has many positive effects on the human body. Here are just the main ones:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Cleansing
- Anti-sclerotic
- Anti-cancer
And this is not surprising, because flaxseeds contain the richest set of nutrients necessary for all body systems.
Flax Seed Composition
Flaxseed is a nutritious product: a tablespoon of seeds is equivalent to 40 Kcal. The ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates is 12: 67: 21%. Flax grains contain:
- Polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 acids
- Proteins and amino acids
- Vitamins of group B, as well as A, E, C, and K.
- Potassium, necessary for the work of the heart muscle.
- Elements magnesium, phosphorus, calcium – the building material of bones and muscles.
- Trace elements: zinc, chromium, copper, selenium, and iron.
- Dietary fiber that works as a detox – purifier.
Doctors believe that white flax seeds have a more valuable nutritional composition than brown ones.
Health Benefits of Using Flax Seed
Flax Seed For Weight Loss
Flaxseeds have a beneficial effect on weight loss, removing toxins from the body, and suppressing parasites. The product normalizes metabolism, therefore it is used as a medicine. At home, flaxseed is easy to grind in a coffee grinder.
Recipe:
- Grind 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds, soak in a glass of hot water (not boiling water). Use the resulting infusion during the day.
- Add crushed seeds to cereals, jelly, salads, and yogurts.
- For weight loss, you can eat cereals with water for 2 weeks.
The only thing to remember: do not over-eat; you can eat no more than 50 g or 4 tablespoons per day. Flaxseed flour strengthens, so drink more water, at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day.
Flax Seed For Cleansing The Liver
Consumption of alcohol can severely damage the liver. But don’t worry the components of flaxseed have a healing effect on the liver and gallbladder. Those people who want to quit drinking alcohol should use flaxseed oil to relieve liver inflammation and regenerate cell tissue.
Recipe For Cleansing And Healing The Liver:
Use a teaspoon of ground seeds daily on an empty stomach, with a glass of warm water for 1 week.
Recipe For Relieving Pain Spasms
One-third of a glass of grains is taken for 1 liter of boiling water, boiled for 0.5 hours. A mucous broth is taken 1 tablespoon every half hour until the condition improves.
Flaxseed For Diabetes
Biologically active substances of flaxseeds reduce blood sugar in diabetic patients and remove excess cholesterol due to omega acids. Use the below recipe to improve the metabolic processes of the body.
Recipe:
- Pour 2 tablespoons of ground seeds with a glass of warm water.
- Let stand for 2 hours.
- Before going to bed, stir the infusion, and drink the whole glass.
Flax Seed For Diseases Of The Stomach And Intestines
The beneficial effect of flax seeds on the stomach and intestines is determined by the presence of mucus with an enveloping, healing effect. Flaxseed works best in liquid forms – broths and jelly. In the acute form of gastritis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, the use of flaxseed flour is not recommended, it can provoke constipation.
Recipe
- Take 3 tablespoons of seeds.
- Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water in it.
- Leave it for 5 hours.
- Drink ¼ glass of it a day.
You can also use another recipe:
- Pour 1 tablespoon of coarsely crushed grains with a glass of water.
- Cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Stir until mucus forms.
- Take 3 tablespoons several times a day.
Flax Seeds For Women’s Health And Beauty
You guessed it right; flaxseed is an invaluable product for women’s health. Lignans are excellent prevention of breast tumors. Phytoestrogens help to adjust the work of hormones, regulate the monthly cycle. Omega acids and antioxidants improve metabolism, which means the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
Women, who want to rejuvenate and join a healthy diet, take this product into service! Linseed oil is especially valuable in this respect. One teaspoon of flaxseed oil should be taken on an empty stomach before meals. Note that flaxseed is useful not only for women but also for men – to restore male strength.
Sprouted Flax Seeds
About the benefits of sprouted flax seed, we can add that this product is valuable for the body. It weakens the prolonged colds, allergies, and intestinal diseases. Sprouted grain is useful for diabetics, hypertensive patients, and patients with cardiovascular problems.
To germinate flax seeds, soak the grains in clean water. Then placed in a damp cloth and left in a warm room, not allowing the cloth to dry out. The sprouts are usually ready to eat in 5 days.
Risks To Use
Flaxseed can be harmful in some cases:
- Stones in the gallbladder and kidneys
- Acute stage of the stomach and intestinal ulcers
- Breastfeeding
- Individual intolerance
- People with a high tendency to constipation should use it with caution.
Conclusion
So, flaxseed is just a storehouse of nutrients and a superfood for a healthy diet. Take these useful recipes into your piggy bank and use them to maintain health and rejuvenate the body!