Flaxseeds: benefits and harms: how to take them. The benefits and harms of flax seeds, contraindications and how to take them? Treatment of diseases with flax seed

Irina Kamshilina

Cooking for someone is much more pleasant than cooking for yourself))

Content

Flaxseed benefits and harm to health, reviews of those who took flax - a plant with a thousand-year history. The first mentions of the benefits and harms of this plant are found in Ancient Egypt. The hot climate and unsanitary conditions were not an obstacle to healthy life Egyptians who sewed clothes from linen, added seeds to food and drinks, and received oil to strengthen hair. More than 100 species of this plant are scattered around the world. The popularity of linen clothing has not decreased over the years, and medicine is increasingly using the special phytoproperties of the grains and the resulting oil.

Beneficial properties of flax seeds

Rich mineral composition– about twenty amino acids, proteins; the same amount of vitamins and minerals; 2 times more fatty acids - makes flaxseeds a leader in valuable properties. Being a nutraceutical, the seeds protect against cardiovascular diseases and gently reduce blood pressure. With constant use, thanks to omega acids, they help protect artery walls from the formation of plaques and blood clots.

According to clinical studies, individuals who took a decoction of flaxseed, eliminating additional cholesterol blockers from the diet, improved their blood composition:

• cholesterol decreased by 15%;
• sugar level by 3-4%.

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of flaxseeds in protecting against cancer. Outstripping their closest competitors in terms of lignan content - phytoestrogens - by 7 times, these little defenders stabilize hormonal background, effectively fight breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in the stronger half of humanity. Fatty acids provide benefits in the form of a rejuvenating effect, improving skin color and cleansing the liver.

Soluble fiber or mucus of flaxseed, included in the daily diet in the form of porridges, jelly, due to valuable fibers, absorbs toxins in the intestines. For people with a history of gastritis or ulcers, flax seed benefits due to its membrane-static effect: it covers internal wounds and promotes the healing of damaged organ walls. People suffering from constipation will tell you why flaxseed with kefir is beneficial. A mild effect on intestinal motility is another valuable property of flax fruits.

The undeniable benefits of flaxseeds are represented by such properties as:

• fight against cancer, its prevention;
• normalization of liver activity;
• control of estrogen levels, thyroid function;
• anticholesterol effect;
• wound healing, scarring of ulcers and scars;
• mild laxative effect;
• protection of the respiratory system organs - bronchi, lungs - during dry cough;
• increasing potency;
• natural immunostimulant.

How to take flaxseed

The grains of this plant are not always useful for everyone. How to consume flaxseed without harming the body? To support immunity and improve metabolism, for preventive purposes, the daily volume of flax grains should be from 5 to 7 g. For various diseases, the benefits will be noticeable when flax seeds are included in the diet in the amount of 20-50 g. Achieving an immediate effect, some increase the dosage by one and a half to two times. This causes harm to the body.

Flax seeds added to porridge in the form of flour help solve problems with the kidneys, liver, and thyroid gland. For inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, they are good if poured with boiling water overnight. By adding kefir (200 ml) to 40 g of the mucous mixture, you will get a cocktail that is extremely valuable in terms of microelements and has healing properties. Decoctions will be useful in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism, oral infections, and dry cough.

Lotions based on flaxseed tinctures will bring benefit and relief to those suffering from furunculosis, poorly healing ulcers and burns. People at risk of developing cancer are recommended to take 10 g of freshly ground flaxseeds per day. Turned into flour in advance, they lose the most important microelement - lignan. They cannot do any harm, but there will be little benefit either.

For weight loss

The presence of polysaccharides in the mucilage of flax seeds benefits the body. Plant fiber cleanses the intestines of toxins and slagging. The result of daily intake of 25 mg of these “little wizards” will give a real miracle: weight loss of up to 5 kg. What other benefits are flax seeds? They cleanse the skin of acne, rashes, and morning puffiness. If you have contraindications and flaxseeds can be harmful, try using oil.

For women

The presence of phytoestrogens turns flaxseed into a powerful antioxidant that can effectively fight breast cancer. Being a natural analogue of hormones, they protect the endocrine system. Flax seeds bring important benefits to women over 50, softening, restoring the sharply reduced synthesis of sex hormones, without affecting weight gain.

1.5 – 2 tbsp. It is advisable for women to include spoons of crushed seeds in boiling water daily in their diet. A cocktail made from natural yogurt (250 ml) will be tasty and without harm to the body; ground previously soaked flaxseeds (2 tbsp.) and seasonal fruits (50 g). Please note that a large dosage is harmful, sometimes leading to increased internal bleeding if you are prone to the latter.

For face and hair

Omega-3 acids present in flax seeds do an excellent job of treating skin rashes, eczema and dermatitis. By reducing the secretion of the sebaceous glands, flaxseed oil quickly heals wounds and ulcers. manifests itself in strengthening the roots, thickening and natural “sealing” of split ends. The daily dose in such cases is 10 mg.

For the treatment of intestines and stomach

Your digestive tract will appreciate the benefits of taking a delicious mixture of dried apricots, raisins, flaxseeds and honey. A tablespoon of this tasty “medicine”, consumed on an empty stomach, will not only improve digestion, but also. Symptoms of duodenal ulcers and perforated ulcers will be “muffled” if you consume jelly, where you add flaxseed meal. Porridge with flax grains will help replenish the supply of healthy carbohydrates and microelements.

Harm and contraindications for use

Excessive consumption of flaxseeds causes harm to the body in the form of diarrhea and flatulence; worsening blood clotting. People suffering from individual intolerance to flax oil or allergic reactions are not recommended to consume miracle seeds. Pregnant and nursing mothers should be careful in using the product, as well as when taking medicines. To avoid harm to health, eating the seeds is not recommended:

• women with polycystic disease, endometritis, uterine fibroids;
• men with prostate problems;
• persons with poor blood clotting;
• for acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• patients with diabetes mellitus.

Video about the medicinal properties of flax seed and its oil

Golden flax seeds are a huge storehouse of health from nature. Our distant ancestors knew the most valuable oil and seeds. When purchasing flax fruits, pay attention to the smell, appearance and integrity. Well-dried, crispy seeds will help in the prevention and treatment of cancer, normalization of hormonal levels, and loss of excess weight. Why are flaxseeds and oil so important for women, especially during menopause? What harm is caused to the body by overusing flax seeds? Find out by watching the video below.

Where to buy and how much does flaxseed cost?

You can purchase flaxseed oil in most large supermarkets and stores. healthy eating. The price ranges from 135 to 200 rubles. for 500 ml. The “magic” oil is offered in capsules by cosmetology companies, beauty salons, and can be found in many pharmacies. The cost depends on the number of ampoules in the package: from 45 rubles. up to 200 rub. Flaxseed is available in pharmacies and organic markets. Online stores, virtual pharmacies herbs4u.ru, piluli.ru, apteka-ifk.ru offer to buy flax seeds in the price range of 50 - 80 rubles. per hundred gram package.

Flax seed is a unique natural product “for all diseases.” Read how to take it for medical purposes and more in this article.

Flax is a very useful crop that has been grown in Russia for many years. Flax seed contains a huge amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is used to treat cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and hormonal imbalances.

It has been proven that regular consumption of flaxseed can reduce the risk of cancer. Not so long ago, flaxseeds began to be used in dietetics.

The benefits and harms of flax seeds. What does flax seed cure?

We can talk about the benefits of flaxseed for a long time.

• It contains vitamins A, F, C, E. Minerals potassium, manganese, magnesium, amino acids and antioxidants necessary for the body, gluten, zinc, aluminum, iron, calcium, iodine. Just one tablespoon of flax seeds per day can replenish the reserves of these substances
• Flax seed has a mild relaxing effect on the intestines, improving peristalsis. Therefore, flaxseed is prescribed for constipation.
• The zinc, magnesium and potassium content of flaxseed makes it beneficial for heart health. vascular system. In addition, flaxseed can remove excess cholesterol from the body, thereby cleansing blood vessels
• Very often, the cause of depression can be a lack of fatty acids in the body. Sources of such acids are: fish, oils, nuts and various seeds, including flaxseed

Who can flax seed harm?

Flax has a strong choleretic effect, as a result of which sand is washed out of the kidneys. There are cases when, after taking flax, a stone came out of the kidneys. This process is very painful, so people who have sand or stones in the kidneys or liver should avoid taking flax seeds. Or carry out a course of treatment, but under the strict supervision of specialists.

The use of flax seeds in folk medicine. Recipes

There are so many recipes with flax seeds for this very reason. that the benefits of this plant are known to many. Today it is possible to cure a sufficient number of diseases, and we will consider recipes for the most important ones in the article.

Recipe for cleaning vessels with flax seeds

• To prepare it, take a third of a glass of raw flaxseeds, pour in a liter of water, and place on water bath for 3 hours
• Be sure to have exactly the same ratio of water and seeds (that is, for a glass of flax seeds you will need 3 liters of water)
• After removing the decoction from the water bath, cool it. You should get a kind of jelly
• This jelly is drunk in a course of 2 weeks, twice a day: before the first meal and before the last

How to brew flax seed for the stomach: recipe

Since flax seed has an enveloping effect, it is used to normalize the functioning of the stomach. The recipe in this case is much simpler than for cleaning vessels:

• It is necessary to grind 1-3 tablespoons of flaxseeds in a coffee grinder or blender and pour them with a glass of warm boiled water.
• The decoction is infused for about an hour. During this time, the flax seeds will swell significantly
• Divide the resulting decoction into 3 parts and drink three times a day before meals.
• The amount of flaxseed should be increased gradually, but you need to start with 1 tablespoon

How to cleanse the intestines with flax seeds: recipe

A standard colon cleansing with flax seeds is to consume the seeds in their pure form or as a food additive. Flaxseeds are great for salads, sandwiches, cereals and yogurts. They have a pleasant nutty taste, so they can complement any dish favorably. By swelling in the intestines, flax seeds enhance peristalsis, so in this case it is not necessary to grind them.

It is not necessary to take flaxseeds with food; they can be consumed separately. The norm for an adult is 1-3 tbsp. in a day.

Reviews:

Marina, 26 years old, Kaliningrad

Polina, 34 years old, Moscow

What products are there from flax seeds?

Flax seeds are used mainly for flour, and buns, pies are baked from flour, and dough for dumplings and dumplings is made. You can use flour to make delicious flaxseed porridge and bake pancakes. It is added to the dough instead of eggs for binding. In this case, the dough becomes a little darker and acquires a nutty taste.

Flax seeds are used in the preparation of cookies and crackers, as a decoration (instead of sesame seeds).

How to make flaxseed flour. What are the benefits of flaxseed flour?

Flaxseed flour is sold freely in stores in more or less large cities. But if you don’t have one, you can make it yourself from flaxseeds. To do this, the seeds are ground in a coffee grinder or blender until they become flour. This is done quite quickly and simply.

Flaxseed flour contains everything that flaxseed does. The only difference is that it is absorbed faster. Therefore, incredibly healthy and tasty porridges are prepared from it.

Flax seed porridge recipe

A distinctive feature of this porridge is that it does not need to be cooked. It is prepared extremely simply. Even a child can handle its preparation.

Recipe 1. Ground flax seeds are combined with water, a spoonful of oil (preferably mustard oil, it favorably highlights the taste of flax), berries and fruits and beat in a blender until a homogeneous paste is obtained. The consistency of the porridge is not very liquid, similar to pudding.

Recipe 2. Flax seeds are soaked overnight in water. In the morning, the water is not drained, but the seeds are ground right along with it in a blender. Then add any fruits and berries, maybe honey, water, oil. Beat again.

Flax porridge can be prepared with milk, but then its laxative effect will increase. For taste, you can add cocoa or melted chocolate to the porridge.

Beneficial properties of flax seeds for men

Flax seeds are beneficial for men primarily because they prevent the occurrence of prostate cancer. Flaxseed porridge is a healthy nutritious product that is beneficial for all people who have no contraindications to taking flax seeds.

For hemorrhoids, medicinal enemas from a decoction of flax seeds are prescribed, which are found to be very effective.

Beneficial properties of flax seeds for women

The beauty and health of a woman largely depend on the presence of essential fatty acids in her body. Eating flax seeds will help restore women's health and reduce the effects of premenstrual syndrome. With regular consumption of flax seeds, the complexion improves, the skin cleanses, the hair becomes softer and begins to shine. The skin of your hands becomes velvety and soft.

Antioxidants contained in flaxseed help preserve female beauty for a long time, slowing down the aging process.

How to prepare sprouted flax seeds?

Sprouted flax seeds are the most valuable product. In terms of nutritional value, it is much more valuable than ordinary flax seeds. When germinated, the amount of vitamins and microelements in flax seeds increases several times. The seed is getting ready to sprout and it needs energy and strength to sprout.

How to germinate flax seeds?

• The seeds must be sorted, washed, filled with warm water and left in a glass overnight
• In the morning, rinse again to remove mucus.
• Place them in an even layer on a flat plate and cover with damp gauze on top.
• Leave in a dark, warm place for 6 hours, then rinse again and cover with a cloth again.
• Usually seeds germinate in 2-3 days. The length of the seedlings should be no more than 3-4 mm
• After this, the seeds are carefully washed again so as not to damage the sprouts and eaten

IMPORTANT: if you want the seeds to germinate, be sure to wet the cloth with which you covered the plate with the seeds. It shouldn't be dry.

How to use flax seeds while breastfeeding?

• When breastfeeding, a woman should consume large amounts healthy products. These include flax seeds as well. However, consulting a doctor still wouldn’t hurt
• It is recommended to take flax seeds, as they help increase the immunity of the nursing mother, prevent some inflammatory processes and constipation. Particularly important is the fact that flaxseeds help normalize hormonal levels, which is very important for a woman who has recently given birth.
• It is not recommended to take flax oil during breastfeeding and during pregnancy
• Seeds are contraindicated for women suffering from pancreatitis and hypertension

Self-medication, as usual, is dangerous. You can seriously harm yourself if you don't know about kidney stones, for example. But if you have undergone a course of examination, and the doctor has confirmed that a decoction of flax seeds will not only not harm you, but will also help you, then feel free to take it.

Reviews:

Marina, 26 years old, Kaliningrad

I learned about flax seeds from a friend. I had an ulcer at the time, and Masha (a friend) learned from the pharmacist that flax seeds were a great help for ulcers. I got used to taking pills and refused to take the strange jelly for a long time. But then I decided to do it anyway. Changes began to occur within a week. I could easily eat apples without heartburn. So I drank for another 3 weeks, altogether - a month. Then after 3 months I repeated the course. I forgot to even think about the ulcer for a year. I am very pleased with the simple and budget solution.

Polina, 34 years old, Moscow

I learned about flax seeds by accident from the Internet. Then I had gastritis. Those who have had it understand how terrible it is. A bunch of pills that help temporarily or don’t help at all. All this is expensive and time-consuming. I decided to buy flax seeds because I was already desperate. Even diet did not help with attacks of heartburn and pain. I drank a decoction of flax seeds for 3 weeks. I began to feel noticeably better. Heartburn bothered me much less often. Included the use of flaxseeds on permanent basis into your diet. In addition, they helped normalize cholesterol levels in the blood.

Video:

Due to its unique composition, flaxseed can be considered a nutraceutical, i.e. a product that heals the human body.

This conclusion was reached by scientists around the world who summarized the results of research on flaxseed in scientific laboratories.

Linen- one of the oldest cultivated plants. Its seeds have been eaten since the Stone Age. Even the Bible mentions that the Israelites used flaxseed to bake bread and make oil. The discoverer of the medicinal properties of flax seeds was Hippocrates, who told the world a recipe for a decoction of flax seeds that helps with stomach diseases.
Avicenna and Dioscorides also mentioned the healing properties of flax. According to Avicenna’s descriptions, roasted flaxseed helps get rid of coughs accompanied by the release of large amounts of sputum, and ulcers of the bladder and kidneys. A decoction of flaxseed in an enema with rose oil is of great benefit for ulcerative colitis, and in combination with natural soda and figs it is a good medicinal dressing for freckles and acne.

And in later times in the East and in Kievan Rus flax seeds are used in folk medicine thanks to their softening, cleansing and bactericidal properties. Since ancient times, flax in Rus' has been one of the most popular plants. Clothing made of linen fabric helped well with scabies and excessive sweating, and saved from heat and bad weather. From flaxseed, our ancestors obtained flaxseed oil, which was used both for cooking and for the treatment of various diseases.

And already in the 80s of the last century, nutritionists different countries The world began to actively and deeply study the properties of flaxseed as a natural and healthy product. Well, in the 21st century, flax seed began to play a significant and important role in human dietary nutrition, thus taking part in the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases.

This is confirmed by data: In Germany, more than 60,000 tons of flax seed are used in the baking industry annually (on average, about 1 kg per person per year). And in Canada, flax seed is no longer considered as a food additive, but as a separate food product, and therefore a special National Program has been adopted, which recommends the inclusion of up to 12% of flax seeds in baked goods.

Nutritional value and composition of flax seed

The composition of flaxseed is rich in proteins, fats, gluten and fiber. Proteins are rich in essential amino acids: albumin and globulin. Globulins with high molecular weight predominate (58−66%). Albumin accounts for 20−42%. The nutritional value of flax seed protein is estimated at 92 units (casein is taken as 100).

Flax composition:
100 g of flax seeds contains

• about 450 kcal,
• 41 g fat,
• 28 g carbohydrates
• 20 g protein.

One tablespoon of flax seeds contains:

Calories: 40 kcal.
Protein: 1.6 grams
Carbohydrates: 2.8 grams
Fat: 2.8 grams (3 grams saturated, .6 grams monounsaturated, and 1.8 grams polyunsaturated)
Fiber: 2.5-8 grams
Sodium: 3 milligrams

♦ Polyunsaturated fatty acids

Flaxseed contains three types of valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids: omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, the correct balance of which is necessary for the normal functioning of all vital processes of the human body. And in terms of omega-3 content, flax seeds are superior to all food sources vegetable oils(there is 3 times more of this acid in flax seed than in fish oil!). Only yellow flax seeds contain very few omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fats help lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure.

Therefore, flax seeds are used for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack, thrombosis and other disorders of the cardiovascular system. Omega-3 fats also reduce the risk of hormone-dependent cancers.

♦ Fats
Flaxseed is rich in fat (41%), therefore it is very valuable. The uniqueness of flaxseed oil lies in its very high content of polyunsaturated alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an essential fatty acid in the human diet, contributes to the implementation of important biological functions in the human body, and is part of almost all cell membranes, participates in the regeneration of the cardiovascular system of the human body, in the growth and development of the brain. Today, a high content of ALA in the human diet helps to increase blood viscosity, has vasodilatory properties and has anti-stress and antiarrhythmic effects. Thus, introducing flaxseed or flaxseed oil into your diet becomes vital.

♦ Linseed oil
Linseed oil- the only food product based on flax seeds in Russian market. Only oil obtained by cold pressing is usually used for food. Flaxseed oil should be protected from exposure to light and air. You cannot fry or cook food on it. Oxidized or heated oil loses not only its taste, but also healing properties and accumulates toxic substances.
Flaxseed oil cannot be stored for long, it goes rancid very quickly - within a month. Therefore, after all, the most reliable thing is to eat flaxseed.

Flaxseed oil has pronounced therapeutic and prophylactic properties for lipid metabolism disorders, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Normalizes the functions of the liver, thyroid gland, and gastric intestines, increases potency, and has a rejuvenating and wound-healing effect.

♦ Protein
Protein contained in flax seed, according to amino acid composition similar to the composition of vegetable soy proteins, famous for their nutritional value. But flaxseeds are superior to soybeans in the amount of oil by almost 2 times and in the content of the most biologically active fatty acids in it by 35%, in the content of carbohydrates in it by 1.7 times.
These comparative data convincingly reflect the nutritional superiority of flax over soybeans, which prompted countries to displace soybeans from the food sector and replace them with flax. The needs of the world's population for flax seeds are constantly growing and reveal prospects for the further development of flax farming and providing people with food with a high content of biologically active flax protein.

♦ Cellulose
Flax seeds are an excellent source vegetable fiber(insoluble and soluble). And fiber, as is known, helps reduce the risk of cancer and has a beneficial effect on the immune system, reduces atherosclerosis and lipodemic deposits.
It activates intestinal activity. Fiber, swelling in the intestines, increases the volume of intestinal contents and thus stimulates its emptying, thereby helping to cope with chronic constipation.
Insoluble fiber helps empty the stomach and remove bile acids and cholesterol from the body that are found in the digestive tract. Soluble fiber helps absorb water and turn it into a jelly that fills the stomach and makes you feel full.

Microfibers (fiber) are the membranes of plant cells and consist of polysaccharides, including starch, which are almost not digested in the human body.

♦ Polysaccharides
Due to the high content polysaccharides When flax seeds are immersed in water, they quickly become covered with colorless mucus, which has an enveloping and bactericidal effect on the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, and is therefore indispensable in the treatment of gastritis and stomach ulcers.
A decoction of flaxseed is used to treat boils, abscesses, burns, and various inflammations in the mouth and throat.

♦ Lignans
Flax seeds contain special substances lignans (“plant hormones”), which are antioxidants, have antibacterial and antiviral properties and, like omega-3 fats, prevent the development of breast and prostate cancer.
Flax seeds contain 100 times more lignans than other plant foods. The most lignans are contained in the shell of flax seed. Flaxseed oil contains a small amount of lignans or does not contain them at all (depending on the production technology).

♦ Vitamins and microelements

Flax seeds contain vitamins F, A, E, B.
Vitamin F, actively participates in fat and cholesterol metabolism. Therefore, flax seed can also lower cholesterol levels, especially in women. Flax seeds are an excellent external source of vitamin F, which is important for the body - this vitamin is not synthesized in the body.

Vitamins A and E(“vitamins of youth”) have a beneficial effect on the skin - it is thanks to them that flaxseeds have found use in many cosmetic recipes.
Fat-soluble tocopherol, i.e. Vitamin E is found mainly in flaxseed
gamma-tocopherol, which is a natural bioantioxidant.

Flax seeds rich in minerals, especially rich potassium, which they contain about 7 times more than bananas in terms of dry weight.
Flax seeds are important source Selena., which, in turn, prevents the development of tumors, cleanses the body of heavy metals, helps improve vision and brain activity.
Flax seed is also rich in lecithin, so beneficial for humans (in particular, for the cardiovascular system and brain).

Flax seed in folk medicine

In folk medicine, flax seed is a well-known remedy for the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases.

♦ Linseed oil (flax seed oil), used externally, often brings relief and promotes healing. with cracking of the skin, with residual lesions scaly lichen (psoriasis), dry exanthema (skin rashes) and, above all, painful shingles. Even n ri warts(applied 2 times a day) and calluses flaxseed oil may have beneficial effects.

♦ Flaxseed mucilage - best enveloping, softening and anti-inflammatory effect in diseases digestive tract and respiratory tract: bronchi, hoarseness, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic colitis, inflammation of the bladder and kidneys. This is the best enterosorbent, hemosorbent, immunomodulator.
Flaxseed mucilage is used not only internally, but also externally. It is instilled into the eyes, and also lubricated on the affected areas for conjunctivitis.

♦ Infusion (tea) of flaxseed: Pour 1-2 teaspoons with the top of a whole seed into 0.2 liters of cold water and leave for 20 minutes, stirring from time to time. Strain the liquid without squeezing. Warm slightly before use.

♦ Powder used from flax seeds for burns and skin diseases.

♦ Compress with flaxseed : Place the ground mass of the seed in a gauze bag and hold it (suspended) for about 10 minutes in hot water, and then quickly apply it to the sore spot. It is impossible to explain what explains the effect of a compress with flaxseed gruel on an enlarged liver, but relief occurs.
Compresses made from flaxseed soften boils and abscesses, are used in the treatment of joint diseases, and tinctures from flax seeds are used in the treatment of inflammatory processes in the mouth and throat
Flaxseed boiled in milk is applied like a compress for treatment heel spurs.

♦ External remedy (in the form of a paste in a compress). Ground flaxseed is placed in a gauze bag, which is lowered for about 10 minutes in hot water, and then apply it hot to the sore spot and hold it until it cools down. The compress relieves pain and softens boils and abscesses.
Flax seed gruel is used in the treatment wounds, bruises, cracks, etc.

♦ Digestive system diseases
A decoction of flax seeds, due to its enveloping and softening effect, has a protective effect on the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach, and can be used for the treatment of stomach ulcers and gastritis. Fiber, which flax seeds are rich in, primarily activates intestinal activity, helping a person cope with with chronic constipation, especially in chronic colitis. This “laxative” effect of flax seeds is due to the fact that by swelling in the intestines, they increase the volume of intestinal contents and thus stimulate emptying.

For diarrhea 1 tbsp. a spoonful of seeds is poured into 0.5 cups of hot water, boiled over low heat for 15 minutes, filtered and used for an enema.

✔ Flaxseed laxative recipes:

• For the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases intestinal tract as an enveloping and mild laxative:
  2 tea. spoons of flax seeds are poured into 1 glass of boiling water and allowed to brew for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drink the mucous infusion 0.5 cups before meals 2-3 times a day.
• You can also boil 2 teaspoons of flax seeds in 300 ml of water, leave for 10 minutes, shake vigorously, then strain and take 100 ml on an empty stomach for intestinal atony.
• For chronic constipation, it is also recommended to take 1 glass of unstrained flaxseed infusion daily at night (1 teaspoon per glass of boiling water). Infusions and decoctions should always be fresh.

Taking 50 grams of flax seeds daily for two weeks is an effective traditional medicine for treating intestinal diseases even in older people with weak immune systems.
Regular consumption of flax seeds helps to significantly improve liver function, significantly inhibits the absorption of toxins, and helps cleanse the body of toxins.

♦ Diabetes
1. 1 table. l. flax seeds + 2 tbsp. l. pour blueberry leaves with 1 glass of cold water. Leave for 6 hours. Boil over low heat for 15 minutes. Strain and drink 0.5 cups. twice a day (morning and evening).

2. Flax seeds are added to the composition of the remedy. diabetes mellitus, which equally includes bean pods, blueberry leaves and oat straw. 3 tablespoons of the crushed mixture are poured into 3 glasses of hot water, boiled over low heat for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered.
Take half a glass of infusion 3 times a day until dry mouth and thirst disappear.
The same infusion is prescribed with inflammation of the bladder.
A decoction of flax seeds removes radionucleids, toxins, and other toxic substances.

♦ Edema
To prepare the decoction, take 4 teaspoons of seeds, pour 1 liter of water over them, boil for 10-15 minutes, then close the pan and place in a warm place for 1 hour. The finished broth does not need to be filtered. Add lemon juice for taste. It is better to drink the decoction hot, 100 ml every 2 hours, 6-8 times a day. This decoction relieves facial swelling caused by heart and kidney diseases. The result is achieved in 2-3 weeks.

♦ For burns
To do this, 20 g of powder must be mixed with water, boiled and applied to the burned surfaces of the skin in the form of compresses.

♦ To cleanse the kidneys
The following remedy is recommended: pour 1 teaspoon of flaxseed into 200 ml of water, boil and take the resulting decoction 100 ml every 2 hours during the day.

♦ To free the body from radionuclides
You can use the following recommendations. Take 2 cups of white honey, 1 cup each of flaxseed and juice from the meadowsweet herb, cook this mixture in a boiling water bath until it thickens. Take 0.5 teaspoon 1 hour after eating, holding it in your mouth, swallowing saliva until the mixture melts. Keep refrigerated.

You can use another remedy: pour 1 cup of seeds into 2 liters of boiling water and leave in a boiling water bath in a tightly sealed container for 2 hours, then cool and take 0.5 cups 6-7 times a day before meals. For radiation sickness, 1 tbsp. Place a spoonful of whole flax seeds in 400 ml of boiling water, shake for 10-15 minutes, strain through cheesecloth and take 1 tbsp. spoon after 2 hours.

♦ Flaxseed lotions
done for solid tumors and ulcers on the head. If you sprinkle burnt flaxseed powder on a wound, it dries it out and soothes pain and itching.

♦ Flax seed compress
A compress made from flaxseed is popular in folk medicine. The ground flaxseed is placed in a gauze bag, which is dipped in hot water for about 10 minutes, and then applied hot to the sore spot and held until it cools down. In this way, toothache, sciatica and rheumatism, facial neuralgia, abdominal pain, biliary colic, bladder and kidney diseases are treated.

♦ Bag of flaxseed
a favorite remedy for pain relief: it is applied hot to the cheek for toothache; sciatica and rheumatism, facial neuralgia, abdominal pain, biliary colic, bladder and kidney diseases are treated by applying such bags. Perhaps the relief is caused by the moist heat here.

Tips for buying flax seed

1. Buy flaxseed and grind it yourself - eaten whole, it will likely pass through the intestinal tract undigested, meaning your body is not fully receiving all of its healthy components.

2. Choose either brown or golden seeds. There is not much difference between them in terms of quantity nutrients and importance for losing weight, so the choice is yours.

3. Flax seeds spoil quickly, so always check the release date on the label. To keep them fresh, keep them in the refrigerator. Do not use oil with a strong or pungent odor.

4. Buy oil in dark plastic bottles, which protect oil from light better than bottle glass. Don't waste your money buying "cold pressed" oil - it is no purer or healthier than prepared using other methods, but it usually costs much more.

5. Do not use flaxseed oil sold in stores technical means. It is not intended for food use and may contain toxic additives.

How to eat flax seed

1. Flaxseed oil has a nutty flavor that many people enjoy. 1 tablespoon of this oil contains over 100 calories. Do not cook with it - high temperatures decompose its active substances. Add it to already cooked food

2. Every time you eat oatmeal, soup, borscht or drink yogurt, add a couple of tablespoons of flaxseed to it. Soon this will become a habit, and you will do it automatically in the future.

3. Flax seeds can be added to baked goods. Replace some of the flour with ground flax seeds in recipes for quick breads, muffins, rolls, bagels, pancakes or waffles. Try substituting a quarter to a half cup of flour if the recipe calls for 2 or more cups of flour.
It is believed that one tablespoon of flax seeds and three tablespoons of water can replace one egg:0).

4. Flax seeds are usually eaten in coarsely ground form with big amount liquids. Since the swelling of flaxseed should occur directly in the intestines, it is not recommended to soak it first (except for cases of inflammation in the intestines, in other cases the product must be washed down).

5. Ground flax seed does not need heat treatment. It is advisable to eat flax seeds immediately after grinding due to their rapid oxidation in air due to the high content of flaxseed oil. It is recommended to mix ground flaxseed with honey or jam in a 1:1 ratio before use.

7. Store in the freezer. The freezer will protect them from oxidation and loss of nutrients.

Attention! Excessive consumption of flax seeds when there is not enough water can cause intestinal obstruction. Therefore, if you use flax seeds in food, do not forget to drink them with enough water.

Preparing a decoction of flax seeds

Ripe flax seeds have the ability to secrete abundant mucus, which has an enveloping, softening and anti-inflammatory effect and is used for inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract and respiratory tract. Mucus taken orally remains on the mucous membranes for a long time, protecting them from irritation by harmful substances, since it is not influenced by the juices of the gastrointestinal tract.

To prepare mucus, 3 g of seeds are poured into 0.5 cups of boiling water, shaken for 15 minutes and filtered. Take 2 tbsp of mucus prepared in this way. spoons 3-4 times a day.

But most often, decoctions or infusions are prepared from flaxseed. The broth tastes quite pleasant, but only on the first day, so it is not recommended to prepare it in reserve. There are several most common recipes for preparing a decoction of flax seeds.

1. Pour one tablespoon of seeds into two glasses of boiling water and let it brew (preferably in a thermos) for one night. Take 100 grams half an hour before meals 2-3 times a day.
2. Pour a tablespoon of seeds into one glass of boiling water and cook for 30 minutes. over low heat with the lid closed, stirring occasionally. Take the same as in the first recipe.
3. Boil thin berry jelly and add flax seeds. During the cooling process, they will swell and form a useful mass that will satisfy the feeling of hunger and thereby play a double role.
4. Grind a tablespoon of seeds in a coffee grinder, pour a glass of boiling water, let it brew. It is advisable to eat flax seeds immediately after grinding.

There are other recipes. Which one to choose is not important. The main thing is that with any option, within a few days you will notice the beneficial effects of flax seeds on your body.

Norms for using flax seed

Remember It's important to start out slowly until you get used to the high fiber content. The optimal dose to obtain health benefits is not precisely known.

It is believed that daily norm human consumption of flaxseeds is approximately 25 g, and this is one handful of seeds, which provides the population with complete fortified nutrition and the best remedy for the prevention of any disease.

Experts advise taking the decoction in courses of 10 days (drink for 10 days, take a 10-day break). The usual duration is 3-4 courses, but more is possible.

During the course, drink plenty of fluids, at least 2 liters per day (sorry for the intimate detail, but flax seed makes the stool quite strong, and therefore it must be liquefied).

Take with food improves the absorption of flax seed oil.

♦ Uses of whole flax seed grains

You can also consume whole and unsoaked flax seeds so that its swelling occurs directly in the intestines.
In this case dosage may be as follows: for preventive purposes, it is recommended to take at least 5 g of flax seeds per day, and for treatment purposes, take 2 tablespoons in the morning and evening (on average, no more than 50 grams per day).
The course of treatment is from one to several months.

Contraindications

✔ Contraindications: Ileus ( intestinal obstruction), stricture of the esophagus and gastroesophageal region, cholelithiasis, acute inflammatory diseases intestines, esophagus, area of ​​entrance to the stomach.

Individual intolerance - n Some people are allergic to flax. If you experience difficulty breathing after taking the supplement, stop taking the drug immediately.

Flax seeds and flaxseed oil should be used with caution if you have excessive bleeding, high triglycerides, diabetes, bipolar disorder, thyroid disease, seizures, or asthma.

Remember! If you are sick, pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, consult your physician before taking these supplements.

✔ Side effects - when used according to indications in recommended doses, they were not detected. Since there is little negative information on the Internet about cleansing the body with flax seed, we will assume that for most people it is painless. But based on my experience, I can recommend it to those who are going to undergo a long course (designed for several weeks) of self-medication with products obtained from flax seed. First, a MANDATORY ultrasound examination, make sure there are no stones in your kidneys and liver!!! It turns out that flax seed not only cleanses the gastrointestinal tract, but is also a STRONG choleretic agent.
If the stones (or sand) move due to the use of flax, the pain will be hellish.

Attention! Please note that when consuming flax seeds in quantities of more than 1 tablespoon per day, in some cases discomfort in the liver area is possible (due to the increased content of flaxseed oil in the seeds).

✔ Drug interactions. When used simultaneously with other drugs, their absorption is impaired - separate their receptions by at least 2 hours
Based on materials from www.km.ru, medicus.ru, www.gabris.ru

For health and prevention, you can simply eat whole or ground flax seeds and add them to your food for one to several months without causing side effects.

Flax seeds are widely used in folk and traditional medicine, but not everyone knows what harm this natural medicine can cause. Flaxseed has many contraindications before use, which are important to consider.

The popularity of flax is due to the presence of useful substances in its composition. These components can not only cause exacerbation of serious diseases, but also provoke complications.

Chemical composition of flax seeds:

• polyunsaturated fatty acids;
• alpha-linolenic fatty acid;
• amino acids;
• cellulose;
• polysaccharides;
• B vitamins;
• selenium, potassium, sodium;
• lecithin;
• vitamins C, E, K
• slime;
• carbohydrates, protein;
• fatty oil.

Be careful, excess seeds are harmful!

Did you know that any substance in a certain amount can be taken as a medicine, but to a greater extent it turns into poison. This especially applies to plant products. Few of us know that ordinary carrot juice can cause instant death. The same applies to flax; its harm is manifested in excessive consumption. The reason is the cyanogenic glycosides included in its composition.

“Cyanide” is a concept we usually associate with a deadly poison, namely hydrogen cyanide. A small amount of it is found in the body; thiocyanates (non-toxic forms) are involved in metabolism. Daily consumption of flaxseed more than 2 tablespoons, over time, can lead to a large accumulation of cyanide in the body, which will result not only in poisoning, cardiac arrest, and paralysis of the respiratory muscles.

Therefore, the norm for consuming flaxseed for an adult is no more than 2 tbsp. spoons a day.

To reduce the harmful effects of toxins, you can simply heat the seeds, bake them in bread, or make a cake with them.

Flax seeds can cause serious harm if their storage conditions are violated. The fact is that in the seed, under the influence of oxygen, oxidative processes occur, as a result of which toxic substances are formed that are dangerous to human health.

Flax prevents the body from absorbing iodine and can even cause iodine deficiency. To prevent this from happening, you should take it an hour after meals.

There is still an unresolved question about the benefits and harms of flax seeds. There is a point of view according to which this is a very harmful product because it quickly oxidizes, is destroyed at high temperatures and turns into poison.

Side effects

Flax seeds and flour are often used in food as an excellent additive that enriches our diet. Survival oil is popular in medicine and is widely used in cosmetology; it is often used in cooking. For most, flax seeds are safe, but there are cases of side effects:

• increased bowel movements;
• bloating;
• flatulence;
• abdominal pain;
• mental disorders;
• diarrhea;
• unstable fever;
• vomit;
• hives;
• nasal congestion;
• decreased blood pressure;

Flaxseed extract contains lignans in a fairly concentrated form, which are relatively safe to consume. They are the ones responsible for most side effects. It has been clinically proven that taking lignan extract for no more than 12 weeks can occur without side effects.

Contraindications

Like any medicine, the use of flax seed has certain contraindications. Despite all its harmlessness, treatment with flax herbal remedies is intended only after consultation with a herbalist. Before use, you must do a blood test to make sure there are no stones in the kidneys, gall bladder or bladder.

1. Blood clotting. Flaxseed oil affects blood clotting, so people who take blood thinners should avoid using this product.
2. Allergy. Of course, flax seeds are not as allergenic as peanuts, but they can be truly dangerous. A severe allergic reaction may occur: itching, swelling of the face, swelling of the throat, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness. You should start taking it gradually with small portions; if a small rash occurs on the skin, stop immediately.
3. Hormone-dependent tumors. Antioxidants have the ability to slow down excretion processes and accumulate unnecessary fluids. Flaxseed, as an estrogen, can cause the worsening of certain diseases, namely uterine cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, as well as cancer in men.
4. Diabetes. It has been proven that flax seeds lower blood sugar levels and enhance the effect of medications for diabetes. The danger lies in a strong decrease in sugar levels.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Animal experiments were conducted and scientists stated that phytoestrogens are dangerous to the fetus. How these results affect humans is not yet known. But doctors suggest there may be a risk premature birth in the second or third trimester.
6. High triglyceride levels. Low-fat medications may increase triglyceride levels in blood tests. If the level previously did not correspond to the norm, then you should stop taking them.
7. Stones in the urinary tract, kidneys, gallbladder. The functions of flax are responsible for the body's excretory system. A contraindication for taking flax preparations is the presence of large stones in the urinary, kidney and gall bladder, which cannot be removed naturally and therefore there is a risk of blockage, rupture of the bile ducts and urinary tract.
8. Gastrointestinal tract disorders. Coarse fiber and mucus cause a strong effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Taking flax seed is especially contraindicated for inflammation in the stomach, intestines, and intestinal obstruction. The main condition is to increase the amount of water you drink, otherwise problems and severe constipation may occur.
9. Liver dysfunction. The oil contained in flax seed can cause pain in the liver. Taking flax is contraindicated in case of cholecystitis, pancreatitis, since it has a strong choleretic effect.
10. Thyroid diseases.
11. Children's age up to 12 years.

People have been using natural medicines for the treatment of diseases and their prevention. In folk medicine, flaxseed is treated with special respect and is widely used in various recipes, many of which have been around for 5,000 years. Among other things, the seeds of this plant help improve the general condition of the body and are an effective dietary supplement that helps you lose weight.

The richness of the composition and beneficial properties of flaxseed

Flax was grown by the inhabitants of Ancient Babylon, who were well aware of its medicinal properties for the human body. But only modern scientists were able to reveal the secret of the composition of seeds and called them a truly unique source of vitamins, minerals and trace elements necessary for normal human life.

Flaxseed contains a whole list of important macronutrients:

• phosphorus – has a positive effect on metabolic processes, preserves the health of teeth and bones and supports work nervous system;
• calcium – contained in the seed in quantities necessary for the body to absorb phosphorus;
• magnesium – has positive influence on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, normalizes blood pressure, neutralizes pain in joints and muscles in a number of diseases;
• potassium – supports the health of the respiratory system;
• sodium.

It is important to mention the microelements that make up the seed:

• selenium;
• manganese;
• copper;
• iron.

Cosmetologists note that the seeds can also be used to improve appearance. They effectively cope with:

• dry skin;
• improper functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• brittle nails;
• split ends and thin hair.

For pregnant women, the seeds help cope with such a delicate problem as constipation, and after childbirth, the B vitamins included in the composition will prevent the development of depression and quickly normalize hormonal levels.

Indications for use

The list of diseases for which the use of flaxseed is indicated is extremely wide. But doctors definitely recommend the dietary supplement to the following categories:

• children of any age;
• women;
• persons during the recovery period after operations;
• elderly.

The general list of diseases can be divided into several groups. Among problems with bones and joints, flax seed is most effective when diagnosing the following problems in a patient:

• arthritis;
• radiculitis;
• arthrosis.

The dietary supplement helps with respiratory diseases, including asthma. You can use flaxseed if:

• allergies;
• kidney pathologies;
• problems of the genitourinary system;
• multiple sclerosis.

As a supplement to the main treatment, the nutritional supplement is used for:

Any substance can have both positive and negative effects on the body. Moreover, they sometimes appear simultaneously. Therefore it is important to consider possible harm from flaxseed.

• allergy;
• chronic inflammatory processes in the intestines;
• intestinal obstruction;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• diarrhea.

It is important to note that an overdose of seeds is extremely dangerous for the body. If you often consume flax in large dosages (over 50 grams per day), then during its processing hydrocyanic acid will begin to be released. It is a poison that causes irreversible changes in the body. In some cases it leads to death.

The first days of taking the seeds may be accompanied by a number of unpleasant effects. The most pronounced of them are:

• nausea;
• vomit;
• stool liquefaction;
• diarrhea;
• pain in the stomach;
• allergic reactions (itching, tearing, urticaria).

Patients often experience weakness and rapid heartbeat.

The following persons should take this dietary supplement with caution:

• pregnant women - they need to consult a doctor;
• those suffering from urolithiasis - flax can provoke the movement of stones and exacerbation of the disease;
• in case of iodine deficiency, the food supplement interferes with its absorption (seeds are taken only an hour after meals).

Breastfeeding women can eat flaxseed, but they need to carefully monitor their condition. The additive can cause flatulence, which will also affect the baby’s condition. In such situations, the dosage should be reduced.

Gynecologists warn that women suffering from:

• polycystic disease;
• endometritis;
• uterine fibroids.

Since semen contains natural hormones, they can have an unpredictable effect on the disease.

Use for prevention and treatment

Even official medicine does not exclude the effectiveness of flaxseed in the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases. Doctors recommend taking the supplement in parallel with prescribed treatment to speed up recovery.

Seeds are used in different forms:

• fresh;
• ground;
• in decoctions;
• in infusions;
• in mixtures.

Features of application depending on gender

• the skin became clear;
• the aging process of the skin has slowed down, which is reflected in its elasticity and firmness;
• hormonal levels quickly level out during menopause;
• is improving general state body;
• pregnancy is easier;
• the fetus develops normally and the risk of pathologies is reduced.

It is extremely important for women to follow the dosage of flaxseed, as their body reacts sensitively to exceeding the norm.

For men, the nutritional supplement primarily acts in the genitourinary system:

• potency increases;
• the quality of seminal fluid improves;
• the risk of developing prostate diseases is reduced.

If a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, he should stop taking flax. The alpha-linolenic acid it contains is strictly contraindicated for this disease.

Digestive system

Intestinal problems periodically plague every person. An enema with flax decoction will help get rid of diarrhea. For one procedure it will be enough:

• 20 grams of seeds;
• glass of boiling water.

The ingredients are mixed and kept on high heat for about a quarter of an hour. The decoction must be strained and cooled before use. It will calm the intestines.

For constipation, another decoction will be effective:

• 10 grams of flax mixed with a glass of water;
• the ingredients are heated to a boil over medium heat;
• the mixture is infused for 3 hours.

The decoction is taken orally before bedtime.

If it is not possible to make a decoction or infusion, you can eat the seeds raw. They will work as an absorbent, collecting all excess from the surface of the intestine. 40 grams of seeds are enough for one dose.

Flaxseed works well against gastritis. With regular use, you can get rid of the problem for a long time. Therapeutic effect provides mucus, which is formed during the brewing process of the product. To prepare it you will need 20 grams of seeds and one liter of water.

The mixture is brewed and infused in a thermos for at least 5 hours. The course of treatment is designed for a month. During this period, the patient should take a decoction of 100 grams twice a day.

Nervous system

• porridge;
• yogurt;
• muesli;
• cottage cheese, etc.

20 grams of seeds are enough for one dose. The course of treatment should be at least a month. Next, a two-week break is taken, after which you can resume taking it.

To improve the functioning of the nervous system, you can also take a decoction. It is made according to the classic recipe:

• 20 grams of seeds;
• glass of water;
• the ingredients are heated in a water bath;
• infuse for 3 hours.

Take the decoction after meals once a day.

The cardiovascular system

If there are problems with cardiovascular system only arise and do not have a pronounced character, then it is worth supporting the body in the following way:

• 2 tablespoons of seeds are poured into a glass of boiling water;
• the components are infused in a sealed container;
• After cooling, the decoction is ready for use.

To obtain a positive result, 10 days of treatment are enough. During the day, the decoction is taken one glass three times a day.

Lower cholesterol levels

• a tablespoon of the product is poured into 500 ml of boiling water;
• the mixture is heated over low heat for about half an hour;
• the finished broth is poured into a thermos or other vessel, which must be wrapped in thick cloth;
• In this form, the infusion is kept until it cools.

When prepared, the decoction resembles jelly. It is permissible to add juice or. This will improve the taste of the broth. Take it twice a day, a glass - immediately after meals and before bed.

For diabetes

Every year more and more people are faced with this disease. Flax seeds performed well in the fight against it. To prepare an effective medicine for diabetes, you need to mix:

• husked pods;
• blueberry leaf;
• oats (straw);

All ingredients are taken in equal proportions, but in the end you should get no more than 60 grams of the mixture. Pour a glass of boiling water over it and heat over high heat for about 15 minutes.

The finished broth should be cooled and strained. Take the medicine with meals three times a day, 100 grams.

You can also try the following recipe:

• 15 grams of seeds are poured cold water(a glass will be enough);
• the mixture is infused in a sealed container for about 3 hours.

Drink the infusion once a day before bedtime.

Liver

• (6 parts);
• flax (4 parts);
• (4 parts);
• (4 parts);
• birch leaves (2 parts);
• (2 parts);
• (1 part).

As a result, the mixture should weigh 50 grams. It is filled with half a liter warm water. Next, the decoction is infused for at least 6 hours. The finished infusion should be boiled for about 15 minutes and only then taken chilled. Take 150 grams of decoction before meals three times a day.

For immunity

Strong immunity is the basis for the health of children and adults. Strengthening it should be done at any age and it is better to do it regularly. A mixture prepared on the basis of flax seeds is good for boosting immunity:

• 3 parts of seeds are ground into flour;
• mix the resulting powder with one part of honey;
• take the medicine 5 grams three times a day.

If during treatment no allergy to honey is detected, the mixture can be taken for 3-4 months with a short break.

Oncology

Oncological diseases are the scourge of our time. Doctors recommend preventing them even without good reason. Due to its unique composition, flaxseeds are an obstacle to the development of cancerous tumors. They are especially effective in preventing breast tumors.

The seeds should be used raw, 2 teaspoons with water. Treatment is carried out according to the following scheme:

• two weeks of admission + 7 days break;
• the total duration is 4 months.

After completion of treatment, you can take a month's break and resume taking seeds according to the above scheme.

Flax seeds as a means for weight loss

Before resorting to various cosmetics that can only temporarily solve the problem, you should put your body in order. Flaxseed will help with this - its use, as already mentioned, has a positive effect on the functioning of the stomach and rids the body of toxins and harmful toxins. Thanks to this, not only the condition of the skin improves, but also weight loss. This magical effect is ensured by the presence of polysaccharides in the mucilage of flax seeds. They act as a cleansing element and put the intestines in order.

One of the most important components in these seeds are phytoestrogens. As you know, women's health largely depends on hormonal levels. And phytoestrogens have some similarity with female hormones in their structure, but in fact they are not such, which deprives them of the possibility side effect, which often manifests itself when hormone therapy. The benefits that phytoestrogens provide are also enormous. They can improve the condition of the skin, giving it elasticity. Thanks to phytoestrogens, skin regeneration processes are activated. When consuming flax seeds, the structure of damaged hair and nails is restored.

Phytoestrogens contained in flaxseed act as a protective barrier when the skin is exposed to harmful radiation. They are able to maintain normal hormonal levels of a woman, restoring the natural balance of hormones. This fact was proven through research conducted by Canadian scientists. Thus, phytoestrogens ease the course of the menopause and reduce the likelihood of weight gain during menopause.

To ensure the required amount of phytoestrogens per day, you should regularly eat flax seeds in an amount not exceeding two tablespoons. They must first be crushed or chewed. You can prepare a decoction by pouring the required amount of flaxseeds into a glass of boiling water.

Application in cosmetology

For female beauty flaxseed is a “magic” product, the regular use of which can be compared to ultra-modern cosmetic procedures.

A rejuvenating effect can be achieved by washing with flax. For this you need only 10 grams of seeds. They are poured with half a glass of boiling water and heated in a water bath for 10 minutes. The resulting decoction, when cooled, should be used for daily washing of the face and décolleté. After the procedure, the skin should dry naturally. After this, the remaining broth can be wiped off with wet wipes.

• take a handful of seeds;
• steamed with boiling water;
• stir until mushy;
• when warm, the mask is applied to the strands and distributed along the entire length;
• You can wash off the paste after half an hour.

If you carry out this procedure twice a week, the strands will stop falling out and acquire a healthy shine.

Sprouted flax seeds: how to germinate, how to use correctly

Many people prefer to eat sprouted seeds. In this form, they contain more useful substances, which means the effect of use is enhanced several times.

For germination, you can use one of the following methods.

Open

For germination, you will need a flat dish with small sides (a tray will do). The seeds are poured into it and distributed in an even layer. Then the flax is filled with a layer of water up to 4 mm for 12 hours. After mucus is released, the seeds are washed.

During the germination process, water is added in very measured doses to prevent rotting. As soon as green sprouts appear on the surface, flax can be added to a salad or consumed on an empty stomach.

Fabric

It is identical to the previous one, but with a small exception - the seeds are placed on a piece of damp natural fiber cloth and covered with another piece. At intervals of 2 hours, the top fabric must be lifted so that the seeds do not rot.

The material should not be allowed to dry out, but excess moisture is also harmful to flax. The first shoots usually appear within 2 days.

Combined

It consists in combining both methods described above. At the first stage, the seeds are filled with water for 12 hours and then washed.

At the second stage, they are laid out on a damp cloth, which must be carefully moistened every 8 hours.

Where to buy and how to choose flax seeds?

City dwellers usually have no problems purchasing flaxseed. They are sold in every pharmacy in crushed or ground form. It is important to check when they were packaged and how long they can be stored so as not to purchase expired goods. In this case, it will be very bitter and can cause poisoning.

Large supermarkets also sell flax seeds. They are usually packaged in sealed bags and these bags are placed on the shelves with seasonings.

Some people prefer to purchase flax at markets in the spice departments. Usually seeds are sold by weight and packed only in paper. It is worth purchasing only crushed product from market traders. This way you can evaluate its smell - a rancid aroma indicates that the seeds are spoiled.

How to store?

The main rules for storing seeds are simple:

• airtight containers;
• cool (can be stored in the refrigerator);
• darkness;
• lack of moisture.

If flax gets into the water, it will have to be thrown away. Such a product can no longer be used as food - it will only cause harm to the body.