In the article we discuss flax seeds, their benefits and dangers, and tell you how to take them correctly for medicinal purposes and for weight loss. By using our tips, you can improve your body health, lose extra pounds and improve the appearance of your skin and hair.
What are flax seeds? Translated from Latin, the word "linen" means "the most useful. "And this is not surprising. This plant is used in cosmetology, medicine, and cooking. The stems are used to produce a highly hygroscopic and environmentally friendly fabric.
Flax seeds are recognized as a valuable nutritional supplement and a universal remedy for various ailments. How are flax seeds harvested? Raw materials are collected in September. The collected fruits (flattened spherical boxes) contain about 10 seeds. The seeds removed from the box must be dried in a place protected from direct sunlight.
How to store flax seeds
Flax seeds are prone to spoilage and oxidation. Therefore, store the product in the refrigerator using a tightly closed container. Whole grains when refrigerated retain all their beneficial properties for 1 year.
If you buy hemp seeds in a store, pay attention to:
- best before date;
- packaging integrity (it must be vacuum sealed);
- no signs of moisture.
Composition and beneficial properties of hemp seeds
Flaxseed includes a complete set of useful elements necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the human body:
- vitamins: group B, C, E, K, PP and choline;
- macroelements: Ca, K, Mg, Na and P;
- trace elements: Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Se;
- unsaturated fatty acids: Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9;
- insoluble and soluble fiber;
- mono- and disaccharides.
- Medicinal properties of hemp seeds
Traditional medicine recommends the use of hemp seeds to treat various types of diseases.
Unique products help in therapy:
- pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, colitis, intestinal atony, enteritis, ulcerative lesions, food poisoning, constipation);
- diseases of the respiratory system and throat;
- weak immune system;
- inflammation of the bladder and kidneys;
- sinuses;
- hypertension;
- diabetes mellitus;
- liver dysfunction;
- dry cough;
- parasitic infestation;
- arthritis, gout, rheumatism, heel spurs;
- nerve pain;
- furunculosis, barley, burns;
- oncological diseases;
- cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis, stroke, thrombophlebitis, ischemia, myocardial infarction).
And this is not a complete list of pathologies that flax seeds help.
Flaxseed oil
The main feature of flaxseed oil is the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, which enter the body only from external sources. It is better to buy cold pressed products. It is during this production that it retains useful substances. High quality oil does not contain sediment and has a pleasant sweet taste. Exposure to light and heat causes the oil to oxidize (it starts to taste bitter). This product is very dangerous to the body and can also cause cancer.
Flaxseed meal
Many recipes use ground flax seeds. You can make the flour yourself using a coffee grinder, or buy a ready-made product.
Linseed, flour and oil
Homemade flaxseed flour has a short shelf life - only 6-16 weeks, if stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Store-bought products do not contain oil components, so they can be stored for a long time.
Flax seeds - benefit or harm
The main benefit of hemp seeds lies in the high content of 3 main components:
- Fiber - improves the function of the digestive tract, removes harmful cholesterol.
- Polyunsaturated acid - ensures the recovery of body cells, prevents the occurrence of blood clots.
- Lignans have antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial effects. Restores female hormone levels.
- The therapeutic effect of flax seeds is enhanced by vitamins (B, E) and microelements (magnesium, iodine, manganese, calcium, chromium, potassium, copper, iron).
Benefits for the body
Hemp seeds provide a comprehensive positive effect on the body:
- reduce cholesterol;
- strengthen the immune system;
- normalize liver function;
- protect against vitamin deficiency;
- reduce sugar;
- reduce the risk of blood clots;
- normalize high blood pressure;
- prevent the formation of tumors (including malignant ones);
- cleanse the intestines;
- activates peristalsis;
- increase fat metabolism;
- removes harmful substances and toxins from the body;
- provides an improvement in the structure of the skin and hair at the cellular level;
- promotes rapid healing of the skin and mucous membranes;
- eliminate sexual dysfunction in men;
- regulates hormone levels, thereby improving conditions during menopause;
- has a laxative effect;
- softens a severe dry cough.
Contraindications
The use of hemp seeds is prohibited for:
- intestinal obstruction;
- individual intolerance;
- stones in the bladder or gall bladder;
- exacerbation of cholecystitis or pancreatitis;
- liver cirrhosis, hepatitis;
- endometritis, uterine fibroids, polycystic disease in women;
- inflammation of the prostate gland in men.
Abuse of the product can cause flatulence and diarrhea. The allowed daily dose is from 5 to 50 g.
How to take flax seeds for weight loss
Many women actively use flax seeds for weight loss. Nutritionists consider this method very effective and explain how the product works:
- It swells in the stomach, giving a feeling of fullness with a small amount.
- Fiber stimulates peristalsis, promoting rapid bowel cleansing.
- Acid activates metabolic processes and accelerates fat burning.
- Hemp seeds for weight loss are used in the form of decoction or infusion, as well as as an additive to jelly, cocktails, tea, compote, diet dishes, etc.
Flax seed drink will prepare the body to digest food, activate the metabolic process and prevent the absorption of fat through the stomach wall. To lose weight, take flax seeds (2 tablespoons) twice a day with a glass of water. To increase the therapeutic effect, drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 liters) throughout the day.
Flax stew
Pour 2 tbsp. l. Flax seeds 500 ml of boiled water and cook over low heat for about half an hour, after boiling, then let the broth cool and filter. This drink should be consumed 25-30 minutes before meals, 100 ml.
Hemp infusion
The infusion is made at night, pour 2 tablespoons into a thermos. l. flax seeds, pour 1 liter of boiling water over it and let it brew until morning. Drink the filtered drink 20 minutes before meals, in the amount of 100-150 ml.
Drinks with flax seeds for weight loss
In addition to the usual decoction or infusion, you can add flax seeds to your favorite drink, the effect is no less effective. Compote - cook berry compote, add flax seeds to it, equal to 1 tablespoon. l. seeds per 500 ml of jelly (compot), let cool. The jelly should be liquid at first, because after adding hemp it will thicken.
Tea - add 1 teaspoon to brewed tea. Flax seeds, green tea are more suitable for weight loss. You can drink this drink no more than 2 times a day.
Cocktail - mix 250 ml of carrot juice, 1 tsp. flaxseed oil and 1 tbsp. l. flax seeds, add a few drops of lemon juice. This cocktail can be eaten 3 times a day. For best results, replace one lunch and one dinner meal with it.
Hemp drinks should always be fresh, the shelf life of finished decoctions and infusions is 24 hours; after 24 hours they lose their beneficial properties and can be dangerous. Use the decoction or infusion for two weeks, then take a ten-day break.
With the help of hemp, you can eliminate the consequences of an unbalanced, exhausting diet and restore the function of the gastrointestinal tract. With the correct use of flax seeds, you can lose about 2 kilograms per week, practically without changing your diet. Flax is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, so once in your stomach, the seeds start to swell, making you feel full with less food eaten. In addition, flax helps speed up metabolic processes, the body will burn more calories and burn accumulated fat reserves.
Flax seeds for colon cleansing
Flax seeds help cleanse the intestines of toxins, reduce sludge in the body, and improve the functioning of the digestive system.
Classic cleaning ingredients:
- Flax seeds - 50 g.
- Water - 1 l.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over flax seeds in a glass container. Make sure you cover it with a lid. Wrap the container well and let it soak for 6 hours. Filter before use.
How to use: Drink the first part (150 ml) 30 minutes before breakfast, on an empty stomach. You can add a little honey to the drink. The entire infusion (1 l) must be drunk during the day. Drink only warm drinks. Do this cleanse every day for 2 weeks. You can repeat the course only after 6 months.
Results: the infusion cleanses the body of toxins, reduces cholesterol, relieves constipation, and activates intestinal motility. Flax mucus ensures the healing of mucosal ulcers. Regular consumption of drinks cleans the blood, liver, and improves the condition of the skin.
Cleansing with kefir
Flax seeds with kefir
ingredients:
- Flax seeds - 15-45 g.
- Low-fat kefir - 100 ml.
Method of preparation: Mix kefir with flax seeds. You can use whole grain or crushed flour. How to use: Use hemp with kefir in the morning, on an empty stomach, instead of breakfast. The cleaning course lasts for 3 weeks. Do according to the following scheme - in the first week - use 15 g of seeds with kefir, in the second - 30 g; in the third - increase the amount of seeds to 45 g. You can repeat the course only after six months.
Results: flax seeds with kefir remove toxins, improve skin appearance, restore intestinal microflora, and activate peristalsis. Thanks to the normalization of metabolism, weight loss occurs.
It does not cause any particular harm, but it is not recommended to take it for:
- pregnant lady;
- people with gallbladder problems;
- those who have problems with pancreatitis, colitis, flatulence.
Be sure to consult your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- pancreatitis;
- cholecystitis
- liver cirrhosis;
- hepatitis;
- gallstones (causing colic);
- low pressure;
- intestinal inflammation.
Check with your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:
- from allergies,
- antidepressants,
- birth control pills.
Flax increases blood clotting, can lower blood pressure or slow the absorption of drugs. The use of flaxseed oil and seeds may not be compatible with other drugs.
Including flax seeds in your diet provides:
- normalization of hormone levels;
- fight against chronic diseases of the digestive system;
- reduction of constipation;
- minimize the development of severe pathologies of the nervous system in the fetus;
- protect babies from viral infections.
It is strictly forbidden to take flax seeds without consulting your gynecologist. Despite the obvious benefits, the product can cause uterine tone, which can cause miscarriage or premature birth. Only a doctor can prescribe and choose the right regimen for taking flax seeds for pregnant women.
When breastfeeding
Active use of flax seeds during breastfeeding is undesirable. Some substances that enter the child's body with milk can make it difficult to function. But sometimes doctors recommend flax seeds in small quantities to nursing mothers (for certain pathologies). Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use the product by adding it to baked goods or salads.
For constipation
ingredients:
- Flax seeds - 2 tsp…
- Warm boiled water - 1 tablespoon.
Method of preparation: Flax seeds can be ground if whole grains are difficult to swallow. How to use: In the evening, take flax seeds with water. Repeat the procedure for 2-3 days. Results: The product activates peristalsis and helps to clean the intestines naturally. For chronic constipation, a 7-day course of treatment is recommended.
Ground flax seeds
For pancreatitis
ingredients:
- Flax seeds - 2 tablespoons. l.
- Water - 0. 4 ml.
Honey - to taste, but no more than 2 tablespoons. l.
How to prepare: Grind raw materials and pour boiling water over it. Cook the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes. Then leave the mixture for 1 hour. Strain the flaxseed jelly through a strainer. Add honey according to your taste. How to use: Take 200 ml of the drink twice a day on an empty stomach, 15-20 minutes before meals. The duration of treatment is from 3 weeks to several months.
Results: Flaxseed jelly has an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect on the pancreas. Fiber activates the removal of toxins and accelerates metabolism.
For gastric
ingredients:
- Flax seeds - 1 tablespoon. l.
- Water - 0. 5 l.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over the raw materials. Leave the product for 1 hour, shaking occasionally. Strain the drink through a strainer. How to use: Drink the infusion twice a day on an empty stomach, 200-250 ml. Continue treatment for 1 month. Results: The infusion provides an anti-inflammatory effect. Treatment relieves pain, nausea, and heartburn.
For diabetes
ingredients:
- Seeds - 2 tablespoons. l.
- Boiling water - 100 ml.
How to cook: Pour boiling water over the flax seeds. Leave the mixture for about 10 minutes. Then add 150 ml of cold water that has been boiled. How to use: Drink the infusion once a day - in the morning on an empty stomach or 20 minutes before a meal. Treatment lasts 10 days - 1 month. Results: The drink cuts sugar well. The seeds contain monosaccharides, so people with diabetes should only consume flax seeds after consulting a doctor.
To lower cholesterol
ingredients:
- Flax seeds - 1 tablespoon. l.
- Aloe juice - 0. 5 tbsp. l.
- Water - 1 tablespoon.
How to prepare: Grind the seeds. Pour boiling water over them and leave for about 2 hours. Add aloe juice. Drinks do not need to be filtered. How to use: Take 0. 5 cups in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening, 4 hours after a meal. Continue therapy for 1-3 months. Results: The drink normalizes cholesterol, improves the condition of blood vessels, and prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
Preparation of flax seeds for use in nutritional dishes that include flax seeds for weight loss:
Hercules with flax seeds
Soak 2 tbsp. l. flax seeds in warm water. Cook porridge from 100-150 g of oatmeal, add swollen flax seeds to it and stir. If desired, you can add some finely chopped fruit or dried fruit; apples and prunes are perfect.
Porridge with sprouted wheat and flax seeds
3 tablespoons. l. sprouted wheat and 1 tbsp. l. flax seeds, soak in boiling water for two hours, then drain the remaining liquid. Add 50 g of coarsely grated apples and some dates, previously soaked in water, to the porridge.
Dry fruits and flax seeds for weight loss
Soak 2 tbsp. l. flax seeds in cold water to a temperature of 40-45 degrees and wait until they swell. Pass dried fruits baked with boiling water through a meat grinder: prunes, dates and dried apricots - 3 pcs each. everyone. Add flax seeds and 1 tablespoon to the resulting minced meat. l. rice flour, mix the ingredients thoroughly (if desired, you can add a little cocoa powder, but the dish will be higher in calories). Roll into small balls, roll in coconut and put in the fridge for a few hours. The most delicious diet dessert is ready!
Hemp seeds in cosmetology
Useful products can be used externally. It allows you to eliminate some cosmetic problems and give healthy looking skin and hair.
Mask for the face
ingredients:
- Flax seeds - 1 tablespoon. l.
- Boiling water - 0. 5 tbsp.
- Cream (for sensitive and dry skin) - 1 tablespoon. l.
- Oatmeal (for oily and problem skin) – 1 tablespoon. l.
How to cook: Pour boiling water over the flax seeds. Boil the product in a water bath for 15 minutes. Strain the broth. Add the necessary components (oats or cream).
How to use: Apply the product to the face that has been cleaned. After 15 minutes, wash. Repeat the mask 2-3 times a week. Results: The product cleanses the skin, nourishes it, shrinks pores, and removes oil. The mask smoothes wrinkles and normalizes metabolism in the epidermis.
Hair Mask
ingredients:
- Flax seeds - 2 tablespoons. l.
- Boiling water - 125 ml.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over the raw ingredients and beat the mixture thoroughly in a blender. How to use: Apply a warm mask to the roots and throughout the hair. Place a plastic cap on your head and wrap it in a towel. After 2 hours, wash off the mask. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week. Result: The mask will keep the hair silky and smooth. It strengthens hair follicles and increases hair growth.
Hair after linen mask
Flax seeds - recipe.
In alternative medicine, there are universal medicines that can be taken for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies.
Kissel
Recipe description: Kissel has no taste and smell. To ensure a pleasant taste, add honey, cinnamon, vanilla, berries, chicory.
You need to:
- flax seeds - 1 tablespoon. l. ;
- water - 0. 5 l. ;
- cinnamon, honey, berries, chicory, vanilla - to taste.
How to prepare: Pour boiling water over the seeds. Leave the mixture for 8 hours. No need to strain the agar. Add cinnamon, vanilla, honey, berries to it. Calorie content: per 100 g of jelly (in pure form, without additives) – 5. 2 kcal, and 100 g of jelly with the addition of honey (1 teaspoon) – 8. 4 kcal.
boiled water
Description of the recipe: Boiling provides a thorough cleansing of the body, normalizes the function of the digestive system, cleans the blood, liver, improves the function of the kidneys and urinary system. It is better to add sour juice to the drink.
You need to:
- seeds - 1 tablespoon. l. ;
- water - 0. 5 l. ;
- sour juice (pomegranate, cherry, lemon) - 1 tsp.
How to prepare: Cover flax seeds with water. Boil the mixture in a water bath for 30 minutes. Then wrap the container with soup in a warm cloth and leave the solution for another 3-4 hours. Strain the broth. Add sour juice to it. Calorie content: per 100 g stew with pomegranate juice - 5. 4 kcal.
What to remember
You can take flax seeds only after consulting a doctor. This product brings great benefits to the body, but can also cause harm. The daily dose of seeds is 5-50 g. Abuse leads to diarrhea and flatulence. Store hemp products (seeds, flour, oil) in a dark and cool place and always in tightly closed containers.