Flax plant
Linus or flaxseed is scientifically known as Linum usitatissimum, a leafy plant of up to 120 cm in length, with a slender leg and alternating leaves of greenish shape, blue flowers of five petals, dry round fruits. Its seeds are brown or oily and become sticky when they are wet. The original home of the linen is India, one of the oldest crops in the world, and its drawings have been found on tombs and temples dating back to 5,000 years ago. Flax fibers have also been used in the textile industry in Europe since the Neolithic Age.
In the eighth century, the Roman emperor Charlemagne was faithful to the characteristics of the flax and its health benefits. He issued laws requiring his subjects to eat it. Recent studies have proved the great benefits of this plant. Flaxseed is now used in the manufacture of pancakes and oatmeal. It is also used to feed white chickens to increase egg content of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed contains a lot of health-beneficial ingredients but most important are omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, water.
Flax composition
The following table shows the dietary composition of each 100 g of flaxseed:
| Food ingredient | the value |
|---|---|
| water | 6.96 g |
| energy | 534 kcal |
| Protein | 18.29 g |
| Fats | 42.16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28.88 g |
| Fiber | 27.3 g |
| Sugars | 1.55 g |
| Calcium | 255 mg |
| Iron | 5.73 mg |
| magnesium | 392 mg |
| Phosphorus | 642 mg |
| Potassium | 813 mg |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
| Zinc | 4.34 mg |
| vitamin C | 0.6 mg |
| Thiamine | 1,644 mg |
| Raiboflavin | 0.161 mg |
| Niacin | 3.080 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.473 mg |
| Folate | 87 micrograms |
| Vitamin Y | 0.31 mg |
| Vitamin K | 4.3 μg |
| Saturated fatty acids | 3.663 g |
| Monounsaturated fatty acids | 7.527 g |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acids | 28.730 g |
Benefits of flaxseed
The benefits of flax seed include:
- It protects the flaxseed from cancers, which contain a high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids, which inhibits the growth of cancerous tumors. It has been shown to play a clear role in the prevention of breast and prostate cancer. Seed fibers also help the beneficial bacteria in the colon to secrete protective substances colon cells, and help prevent colon cancer.
- Flaxseed contributes to the maintenance of heart health because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, amino acid constituents that act as an anti-inflammatory and arrhythmia, prevent atherosclerosis, and prevent white blood cells from lining the blood vessels, ensuring cardiovascular health.
- Flaxseed helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. It contains soluble fibers that block fat and cholesterol in the digestive system and prevent it from reaching the blood, thereby reducing cholesterol. Fiber also plays a role in the energy balance.
- Flaxseed helps relieve menopausal symptoms in women, such as hot flashes, and can be replaced by the use of postmenopausal prostatic hormones after the presence of estrogen-like lignan. These properties also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. For these benefits it is recommended to take 1-2 tbsp seed powder with a tablespoon of flaxseed oil at breakfast.
- Flaxseeds are useful in the treatment of infections due to the presence of lignan and alpha-linolenic acid, which may reduce inflammation associated with certain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and asthma. They also reduce the inflammation associated with plaque buildup in the blood vessels and protect the body from heart attacks and strokes.
- Flaxseed increases the ability of the body to absorb nutrients, thanks to the water-soluble fibers that form a sticky substance that delays the arrival of nutrients from the stomach to the intestines. Soluble and insoluble fibers also remove toxins from the colon.
- Flaxseeds are useful in treating constipation due to the presence of fibers that expand and activate the bowel movement, so it is recommended to take a tablespoon of ground flax seeds with a glass of water once or twice a day.
- Lignan compounds in flaxseeds contribute to the control of blood glucose levels.
- Useful for weight loss because of the fibers that fill the stomach, thus giving a feeling of satiety and reducing the amount of food eaten during the day.
- Flaxseed works to improve cognitive function and to treat skin problems such as eczema, immune system support, cough treatment and hormonal problems.
- Flaxseed helps protect against harmful radiation by containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which helps protect the skin cells from damage.
- Flaxseed is used to treat acne, burns, boils, eczema, psoriasis, and soothe infections by applying a paste of flax seed powder to the skin.
- Flaxseeds benefit attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, depression, bladder infections, malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and autoimmune disorders.
- Flaxseed oil is used as a hair mask to get healthy and shiny hair. It reduces scalp problems and prevents infections that can lead to hair loss. Flaxseed oil is also useful for omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid; to ensure hair growth strong, healthy, and sparkling from the beginning.
Uses of flax
Fiber extracted from flax is characterized by softness of texture and flexibility, and intervention in many industries, including:
- High quality flax fibers are used in the manufacture of fabrics, sails, fishing nets, paper and insulation materials.
- Low-quality flax stem fibers are used in the manufacture of towels, carpets, bags, and banknotes.
- High quality seed fibers are used in the manufacture of cigarettes and high quality paper.
- Low quality seed fibers are used in the manufacture of upholstery, insulation, carpets, thread and paper.
- Oils extracted from flaxseed are used in the paint and varnish industries, furniture magnets, printer inks, and soaps. It is also used as a preservative for wood, coats, and tarpaulins. Oil is also used for road spraying to prevent ice and snow accumulation, and has the additional benefit of helping to conserve and prevent concrete.
Tips and Advice
When taking flaxseed, attention must be paid to the following:
- Studies show that flaxseed is better than seed oil, so as to get all the benefits of seed ingredients.
- The ideal dose is to get the benefits of flax 1-2 tablespoons daily, preferably taken with water.
- Flaxseeds should be grounded; whole seeds may pass through the digestive tract without benefit.
- Preferably grinding the seeds before consumption directly, whole grains are kept in a tight and darkened atmosphere; to maintain their content of fatty acids. They can be kept in the room for a year and can be kept in the freezer.
- You can add flaxseed powder for bread, milk and yogurt, juices, soups, and any other food items as desired.
Risk and side effects
Taking full-fledged flaxseed (immature seeds may be poisonous) by mouth and at appropriate doses is safe for most adults, but large doses may cause some health problems, so take precautions or consult your doctor before taking the flax by:
- Women with breast and uterine cancer, ovarian or endometrial cancer, and men with prostate cancer.
- Patients who take anticoagulant foods, diabetes medications, oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy because of the possibility of side reactions.
- Patients with high or low blood pressure, high triglyceride level.
- Pregnant and nursing mothers.
- Patients with blockage and enteritis.