Contents
History of flax seeds
In the XNUMXth century, Charlemagne issued an unusual decree. All his subjects, young and old, were obliged to add flax seeds to their diet. The king of the Franks believed that golden seeds relieve a person of many diseases. One of the oldest cereals in the world has retained its beneficial properties to this day. Flax seeds are able to protect the body from radiation, they lower cholesterol and prevent cancer.
The ancient Greeks also knew about the healing properties of flax. The great physician Hippocrates advised his patients to drink a decoction of flaxseed for inflammation of the mucous membranes. Simply put, with the flu, SARS and colds.
The mountainous regions of India, China and the Mediterranean are considered to be the birthplace of flax. Initially, the oldest cereal was cultivated in Jericho. In the X-XI century, the peasants of Kievan Rus processed flax into fiber and not enough to pay them dues and taxes. A few centuries later, commodity flax growing appeared.
The composition and calorie content of flax seeds
| Caloric value on 100 g | 534 kcal |
| Proteins | 18,3 g |
| Fats | 42,2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1,6 g |
| Alimentary fiber | 27,3 g |
Benefits of flax seeds
There are two types of flaxseed in nature – golden flaxseed and brown flaxseed. Both have unique benefits. The mystery lies in their composition.
For example, linamarin coats the stomach evenly and prevents the absorption of harmful toxins. Gradually disappear internal inflammation. Fiber cleanses the body and speeds up the passage of food. Fatty oils (Omega-3 and Omega-6) have an anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect. Therefore, flax seeds help with constipation. Moreover, the amount of fatty acids in flax is much higher than in traditional fish and meat.
– Hormone-like compounds lignans reduce the risk of malignant tumors. They have antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant effects. B vitamins, which are also present in the seed, speed up metabolism. Reduce the level of body fat (which is why it is so recommended for people with obesity). Magnesium is responsible for bone growth and cardiovascular function. In particular, it controls the heart rate and normalizes blood pressure. Flaxseed is an excellent assistant in the treatment of the respiratory system, as well as in diseases of the skeletal system. Phosphorus affects the functioning of the brain and nervous system, the acid-base balance. Copper interacts with enzymes that are in the body. Participates in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, explains nutritionist Elena Solomatina, candidate of medical sciences.
Note: crushed flax seeds are more beneficial than whole seeds, which may not be digested in the stomach.
Harm of flax seeds
Flax seeds are not always useful. So, for example, doctors recommend that women during pregnancy stop eating these cereals. This is due to the fact that flax has estrogen-like properties. This can lead to pathological development of the fetus or to premature birth.
Also, do not abuse those who suffer from intestinal obstruction. The cereal contains a lot of fiber, so abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea and constipation may additionally appear.
The use of flax seeds in medicine
Flax kills malignant cancer cells, so it is often used to prevent prostate, colon and breast cancer.
For men, flax is useful in that it lowers and normalizes cholesterol levels, and also regulates glycemic levels in the blood.
Flax seeds are recommended for women to reduce hot flashes during menopause. It also improves the psycho-emotional state of a woman: she becomes calmer and more balanced.
Children can be given decoctions with flax seeds for coughs, flus and SARS – they fight parasites and gently remove sputum.
In general, if a person regularly consumes flaxseed, he can lose weight. Also, his skin will become more resistant to radiation and negative environment. Flax has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The use of flax seeds in cooking
Flaxseed has a sweet taste, reminiscent of sesame seeds. It has a dense shell that the human stomach cannot process. Therefore, flax is most often crushed and subjected to heat treatment (not higher than 40 degrees). The ideal option is to soak in warm water.
The most popular flax seed dish is Dagestan urbech. Flax is crushed, roasted and mixed with honey. Also, flax seeds are often added to herbal decoctions or fruit jelly.
By the way, flaxseed broth is perfect for cooking diet cereals, sauces and gravies. The seeds will add a mild flavor and make the dish more satisfying. Bread with the addition of flaxseed stays soft longer than usual.
Healthy breakfast with flax seeds
The dish is suitable for daily diet food. Such a breakfast is especially useful for children, because it contains the maximum amount of useful amino acids, minerals and dietary fiber. Also recommended for stomach cleansing
| Oat | 1 tablespoon |
| Flax seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Hercules | 1 tablespoon |
| Cranberries | 100 grams |
Mix all the ingredients, add half a glass of boiling water to them and leave them overnight. In the morning, grind the mass with a blender. Add banana if desired.
Vegetable salad with flax seeds
The perfect light and nutritious snack for the summer menu. The salad is enriched with vitamins A, C, K and beta-carotene, fatty acids and beneficial trace elements – iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium
| Spinach | 100 grams |
| Bell pepper | 1 thing |
| black sesame seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| cucumbers | 2 pieces |
| Flax seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Cut the tough stems off the spinach. Chop remaining leaves into desired pieces. Cut cucumbers and peppers. Add sesame seeds, flax seeds. Mix and season with olive oil. You can add soy sauce if you like.
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How to select and store flax seeds
You can buy flax seeds on the market, they are usually sold in departments with herbs and spices. In malls (grocery stores), golden cereals are laid out on shelves next to nuts, grains, and supplements. You can also buy at the pharmacy. By the way, this option is the safest, as there is less chance of running into a low-quality product.
Flax seeds are sold in three types – whole, hammered and crushed. When choosing, be guided by the date of collection and the integrity of the package. After purchase, pour the seeds into a plastic container with a lid and store in a cool but dry place. Ground flax is good for about 4 months, whole seeds are stored for up to 2 years.
It is important that moisture does not get on the cereals, otherwise the seeds will deteriorate. Optimal storage conditions: air humidity is not less than 75%, and the temperature is not higher than 25 degrees. Avoid direct sunlight.