Flax seeds: why they should be in our diet

Why should flax seeds always be present in our pantry? OBOZREVATEL together with Viversano.net provides a reasoned and specific answer to this question.

First, flax is a food trend. Flax seeds are on the list of products that are of great interest. According to forecasts, this particular product will become one of the most popular in the regions of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in 2020.

Secondly, flax seeds have many useful properties and benefits. They are one of the best vegetable sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Daily consumption of this product provides a good dose of mineral salts, including magnesium and phosphorus, vitamins (especially B and vitamin E), and proteins.

Thirdly, they can be consumed in various formats. Those who find it difficult to use them in the form of seeds can choose flaxseed oil. Or use them in crushed form. Crushed flaxseeds are useful as a natural omega-3 supplement.

Now let's find out all the uses of flax. As well as contraindications that you should pay attention to.

Who is flax good for?

First of all, for vegetarians and vegans, as well as all those who do not eat fish twice a week. Because of this, there is a risk of upsetting the balance in the correct ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. As a rule, there is a lack of omega-3 in our diet.

How to use: use flax seeds or flaxseed oil in the amount of 2/3 teaspoons per day.

Secondly, for those who have intestinal problems. Flax seeds help cleanse the body and restore intestinal motility.

How to use: leave in water overnight every day. Eat in the morning. This helps prevent constipation. This property is due to the presence of mucilage in the seeds, which, upon contact with water, form a viscous substance with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for the intestinal mucosa.

Other benefits of flaxseeds include the ability to stimulate the immune system, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and protect the urinary tract from infections, when applied externally in the form of a gel, the ability to give shine to the skin and hair.

As a natural omega-3 supplement

Flax seeds are particularly rich in omega-3s. However, it is important to know that to better preserve their properties, they should be stored in a cool and dry place, as they become rancid very quickly.

Usually, the recommended dose is 3 teaspoons of flaxseeds per day, crushed and used as an additive to vegetables or salads. If you don't have time to grind them every time, you can take a small amount and keep it in a glass jar for a few days. To grind them, you can use a blender. This is necessary because these seeds are very hard on the outside and can withstand even the acidity of the stomach. The fact that they pass through the gastrointestinal tract intact means that they will not fulfill the function for which they were taken.

How to regulate intestinal functions

Flax seeds are excellent for regulating bowel function. In this case, you can eat them whole. However, the best effect is achieved by eating them after soaking them in water overnight. Only in this way do they secrete mucus that is good for the intestines. One tablespoon of seeds is used per glass of water.

Flax seeds as an alternative to egg

Thanks to their mucilage, flax seeds are also excellent substitutes in all those recipes that call for egg as a binder. Those who are allergic to eggs or choose not to consume them can try replacing this ingredient with a jelly made from one to two teaspoons of flaxseeds combined with a little water.

Flaxseed gel

Another use of flaxseed is not nutritional, but aesthetic. You can make flaxseed hair gel at home. Boil these seeds (30 grams) in boiled water (200 ml) for about 5 minutes and then leave until a real gel is created. You can store it in a glass jar, but the product should be used within a week.

How to store

Flaxseeds should be stored in tightly closed containers, protected from light and direct heat sources, in a cool and dry place.

After grinding, they can be stored in the refrigerator, preferably in a glass jar, for no more than 24 hours.

Flaxseed oil should be used raw, stored in the refrigerator, and consumed within 30 days after opening. In fact, it is a very delicate product that can easily become rancid, and only with proper care can it be guaranteed that it will retain all the benefits of the flax seeds from which it was made.

Flax seeds: contraindications

Flax seeds are contraindicated if you suffer from diverticulitis. These small products can actually get stuck in the intestinal loops, contributing to their inflammation. Therefore, in the case of this pathology, it is not recommended to consume flax seeds, as well as all other oilseeds and products with small seeds (for example, tomatoes).

Also, flax seeds are not recommended for children who have an immature and delicate gastrointestinal tract.