Flaxseed beneficial properties and contraindications

Flax is a well-known plant, from which they produce a fabric of remarkable properties. Everyone knows her, loves her and likes to wear it. As for flax seeds, very few people, unfortunately, know what an inexhaustible storehouse of health is. What is useful flax seed? What are the contraindications and where is it used? How to use flaxseed with the greatest benefit?

Nutrients in flaxseed

Flax is known to man since ancient times. And at all times, he found application in economic needs, and in getting rid of ailments. Inside the small seed of this plant is stored such a huge reserve of nutrients that one of their listing will make a long list. Therefore, we will focus on the most basic of them:

• polyunsaturated fatty acids involved in metabolism in the human body. Their content in flax seed is 3 times higher than that of the famous fish oil!
• amino acids having nutritional value similar to soy proteins;
• high content of polysaccharides, providing a protective and energy reserve of the body and acting as structural components for the formation of tissues and bones;
• plant fiber, which supports immunity and reduces cancer risks;
• Lignans - powerful antioxidants with antibacterial, anti-cancer and antiviral effects;
• vitamins of groups A, B, E, F;
• selenium, which promotes the removal of heavy metals, productive brain activity and the preservation of vision. In addition, it prevents the formation of tumors of the most diverse origin.

Flaxseed - useful properties and contraindications

The above and other useful substances determine the list of categories of people to whom the use of flaxseed is recommended first. We list the main groups of diseases in which flax is very useful.

• Cardiovascular diseases, recovery after strokes and heart attacks. The "serious" content of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid affects cholesterol levels and normalizes pressure. Flax is an effective aid in the treatment of thrombosis, atherosclerotic lesions and other problems with vessels, a means of warning them.
• Ailments and disorders of the digestive tract. Flaxseed has a softening, protective-enveloping effect on the walls of the esophagus and stomach. Relieves unpleasant symptoms in gastritis and ulcerative lesions of the gastric mucosa. It has a laxative property, can be used for constipation, including chronic.
• Prevention of oncology and hormone dependent cancers. The risk is reduced due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and lingans, which are called "plant hormones".
• Asthmatic, allergic diseases and debilitating cough of different origin. Flax works as an excellent clearing agent.
• Excess weight. Obesity.
• Diabetes mellitus and its prevention. Flax makes the action of insulin more intense.
• Inflammatory processes of different genesis, especially in the region of the larynx and oral cavity. Benefit is provided by the antiseptic and antiviral action of lingans.
• Abscesses, furunculosis and diseases of the joints (externally in the form of compresses).
• Malfunction of hormonal background in the female body, including during menopause.
• Violation of the thyroid gland, kidneys and liver. The plant prevents the absorption of toxins and promotes their removal.
• Radiation sickness, the need for purification from radionuclides. Flaxseed is a powerful sorbent that has a huge advantage over artificial analogues. When cleansing the body of toxins, it does not have a destructive effect at the intracellular level.
• Weakened immunity.

When can flax seed harm?

However, in addition to the unique beneficial properties, flaxseed has contraindications that you need to be aware of. In addition, excessive consumption of the product is harmful. By absorbing flaxseed in unreasonable quantities, we overload the metabolic processes of our body.

Side effects when using flaxseed can, in particular, be caused by the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in their composition. In small quantities, they are constantly present in the human body and promote healthy metabolic processes. But their surplus immediately becomes a dangerous poison.

The permissible rate of consumption of flaxseed is no more than 50 g per day. This amount is absolutely safe for people who do not have contraindications. What can they be?

• Pregnancy and lactation. This contraindication is based on experiments made on rodents. In relation to the human body, the issue has not been studied enough. Therefore, it is a risk zone.
• When urolithiasis and gallstone disease, pancreatitis, cholecystitis - with caution because of the strong choleretic effect. With exacerbations - a categorical contraindication.
• Tendency to flatulence, colic, flatulence. Here everything is ambiguous. This is the case when the benefits and harms of flaxseed should be assessed individually. It should start with small doses and trace the dynamics.

How to minimize possible harm?

1. First of all, comply with permissible consumption rates. 2 tbsp. l product per day is a completely safe norm.
2. In the period of use of flaxseed, it is required to increase the amount of water consumed, since it is fiber.
3. Follow the rules of storage and use.
4. Do not eat expired or have been in the open air for a long time.
5. Follow the rules of storage!
6. The main enemy of flaxseed is air! Store it, like linseed oil, should be in a hermetically sealed container and always in the refrigerator. Both products are rapidly oxidized in air, synthesizing hazardous toxic substances.
7. Remember that ground seed has a shorter shelf life. Therefore, it is desirable to purchase vacuum packaging with the most recent release date.
8. If you store them in bottles, they should be opaque.

How to eat flaxseed?

Ways of use depend on whether you purchased this product as a whole or as a hammer.

• Ground seed does not need any treatment.
• Grind the whole before use and immediately use it.
• Grinding flax seeds for home use is not recommended due to the danger of oxidation.
• Use flaxseed as an independent medicine should be with plenty of water. The best is its reception in a mixture with jam or honey in a 1: 1 ratio.
• Pre-maceration is allowed only in case of inflammatory processes in the stomach.
• No heat treatment required!
• Flax seeds can be enriched baking (not chopping), salads, yogurts and other dairy products.

Decoctions and infusions

Cooking broth: 3 tbsp. l flaxseed brew boiling water in the amount of 0.5 liters, warm for half an hour in a bath under the lid and cool.

Infusion is prepared similar to the broth, but without heating in the bath. Steamed seeds should be put for 3 hours in a dark place.

Both drink 1/2 cup up to 3 times a day. Acceptable to dilute with water.

Flaxseed for weight loss - reviews, results

The effect of weight loss is achieved due to the enveloping properties of flax seed. On the mucous membrane of the stomach forms a kind of protective film. It plays the role of a barrier to the absorption of fat in the walls of the stomach and intestines.

In addition, the seeds of the plant intensively absorb moisture and swell rapidly in the stomach. This creates a feeling of fullness. Therefore, it is important to drink them with plenty of water.

Along the way, slags and fecal masses begin to be actively excreted, which facilitates metabolic processes.

Analyzing the published reviews on the results of flax change for weight loss, we can note the following:

• almost everyone notes a decrease in appetite;
• most of the weight goes mainly due to the reduction in the amount of food and improve digestion;
• there are cases of failure with the chair (diarrhea, constipation);
• there is an improvement in well-being and complexion.

Application in cosmetology and cooking

For cosmetologists valuable in flaxseed is the presence of vitamins A and E. Decoctions and infusions of it can be used for hair and skin. Masks, rinses, baths - recipes for use are many. External application moisturizes, brightens and tightens the skin. Recommended for dry skin of the face, hands, lips and décolleté.

In cooking, flax seeds are most often used in baking baked goods. However, you can add them to almost any dish. And, of course, do not forget about flaxseed oil, better than the first cold press. It retains the beneficial properties of seeds and can be used in any dishes.

Nature itself gives us a ready medicine for many ailments. Knowing the beneficial properties and contraindications of flaxseed, you can safely and confidently use this very rich source of health. Include it more actively in the diet, follow the norms of consumption and storage rules for this product, consider individual indications and contraindications - and the results will not keep you waiting.