Flax seeds: properties, use and benefits
Flax seeds are known for their beneficial properties. The high content of minerals, fatty acids and vitamins makes them full of benefits for our body, but also for skin and hair care.
Linen is a herbaceous plant native to the Middle East, known since ancient times: Egyptians and Babylonians used it to make fabrics, but it was also appreciated for its healing properties. In the Middle Ages, even flax seeds were buried around sick children because it was believed they could give them strength and vitality. Even the alimentary use of flax, and in particular of the oil extracted from its seeds, has always been encouraged for its benefits.
Let's find out all there is to know about flax seeds and their properties and benefits, what they are for, how to use and eat them (we suggest recipes) and the use of oil for your beauty. watch this tutorial to make your own brittle and dry hair mask that uses these seeds as an ingredient:
Nutritional values of flax seeds
Let's start looking more closely at the nutritional values of flax seeds: it is their high content of beneficial substances that make them so special and full of extraordinary properties for your well-being! These seeds are rich in fatty acids, and in particular omega 3 and omega 6, which are very important for our health.
They also contain many vitamins: vitamin C, E, K, B6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, choline and pantothenic acid. Then there is no shortage of fibers and very nutritious mineral salts: calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium.
There are 534 calories in 100 grams of flaxseed.
Properties and benefits of flax seeds: that's what they are for!
The beneficial properties of flax seeds are truly exceptional. In addition to being tasty, these seeds provide essential nutrients to our body. The high content of fatty acids and mineral salts makes them excellent natural anti-inflammatories. They are also known to fight fungi and bacteria, representing a good prevention also for pathologies that can be linked to nutrition, such as diabetes and estrogen-dependent tumors. .
Flax seeds are also excellent immunostimulants: they strengthen cell membranes, slowing down the aging of tissues and warding off degenerative problems. Not surprisingly, they are useful if you have chronic problems such as arthritis, asthma or migraine.
Our seeds are also a panacea for the intestine and, in general, for the gastrointestinal system: they protect the mucous membranes of the stomach, help fight gastritis and inflammation, even ulcers. They have a laxative function (they contain many fibers, important for your wellness) and are therefore indicated in case of constipation or constipation. Try leaving a teaspoon in a glass of plain water to soak all night, and then drink the water in the morning: they will be of great help!
Flax seeds are also good for the cardiovascular system: it is well known how Omega 3 can favor the elimination of bad cholesterol, helping instead the synthesis of the good one and counteracting the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
The nervous system also derives its benefits from flax seeds: vitamins of group B, E and C, as well as mineral salts, protect the arteries of the brain and improve your intellectual performance and the ability to concentrate.
Finally, flax seeds also have beneficial properties for disorders related to the menstrual cycle and menopause: they help fight menstrual irregularity and are also useful in case of infertility. What are you waiting for to include them in your diet?
Flax seeds: how to eat them and how to use them to embellish your recipes!
How to consume flax seeds? The easiest way to include them in your diet is to eat them directly raw in the recommended daily amount, ie 3-6 teaspoons. To be able to assimilate them correctly it is always better to grind them first. Warning: do not cook them, the heat alters the qualities of the essential fatty acids!
To use them in a more delicious way in the kitchen, you can add them in your recipes with great ease. Chop your daily amount and add it to your muesli or your breakfast cereals, in vegetable milk, in a fruit salad, in a fruit and / or vegetable extract. They are also excellent in salads, raw and cooked vegetables or soups and minestrone. Finally, you can try to make homemade cereal bars yourself, in which you can also add flax seeds: whether you are on a diet or not, they represent a tasty and useful snack for your well-being!
Another way to consume flaxseed is in the kitchen is to make flour from it. Flaxseed flour is a true natural drug, since it keeps all the benefits of the seeds unaltered. It has a yellow color and is rather oily to the touch. Compared to seeds, this flour has the advantage of being easily absorbed by the intestine and is therefore perfect to add to the diet of those suffering from intestinal disorders such as irritable colon (see contraindications).
Flaxseed flour can be used in many ways in cooking: it is useful, for example, as an egg substitute: vegans will certainly appreciate it! Add it to the mixture of savory recipes for baked goods, it will be delicious.
Using flaxseed oil for your skin and hair
From flax seeds, as we have anticipated, a truly exceptional oil is obtained for our beauty, often and willingly used in the field of cosmetics. Linseed oil, in fact, has very high antioxidant properties, a real panacea for your skin: helps prevent the onset of wrinkles and signs of aging, leaving your skin soft and radiant. The linoleic acid it contains gives hydration and elasticity. Apply it after the shower, on the wet body: you will see that skin!
Flaxseed oil is also excellent for hair, especially if it is dry and brittle. Just try to pour just a few drops on your hands, then pass them on damp hair: you will immediately feel it softer and you will see it shine! applied to the epidermis of the head, moreover, it also works as a natural anti-dandruff thanks to its sebum-regulating action.
Contraindications of flax seeds
Although flax seeds are full of properties that are important for your health and well-being, their inclusion in your diet could have - in certain cases - some contraindications that should be taken into account.
Their high fiber content could lead to bloating, flatulence or digestive difficulties. Although they are recognized as useful for the intestine, if you suffer from irritable bowel they could aggravate your situation. Also beware of taking medications: they could absorb pharmacological substances into your body.Always consult a doctor before adding seeds to your diet in order to avoid any contraindications!
For more scientific information on the properties of flax seeds, you can consult the Humanitas website.
