About the beneficial properties of flax seed has long been known to many, especially people with problems with the gastrointestinal tract and vegetarians. A decoction of these seeds has excellent astringent and enveloping properties that remarkably complement drug therapy and perform a protective function as a prophylactic agent. We will try to analyze the chemical composition of flax seeds and their effect on the systems of the body and the whole organism as a whole, and also to outline the important points in the use of this remedy.
The rich composition of flax seeds
Interestingly, the chemical composition of flax seed is more similar to the chemical composition of nuts, rather than what we used to call shifts, mainly because of the fat content - 42% of the total mass. Proteins make up 18.5%, and carbohydrates - 28.5%. Of course, with such an amount of fat, the calorie content of the product is also very high and amounts to 534 kcal / 100 g, but you should not worry about the figure and there are at least two reasons for this.
Reason number 1.
- 28.7% of all fats contained fall in the beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which fish oil is also rich in, and because of which it has been an indispensable dietary supplement for so long, especially in the diet of children.
- 28.8% - linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid, the main component of human and animal cell membranes.
- 7.9% - oleic acid (omega-9).
Reason number 2. You hardly ever have to eat 100 grams of flaxseeds in one day.
Familiarize yourself with the beneficial properties of flax oil.
Vitamins
- Vitamins of group B, namely: B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9. Separately, a person receives these vitamins from other foods, for example B6 is found in egg yolks, dairy products, and fresh berries (strawberries), B2 - in white bread, meat and liver, which is why nutritionists insist on a varied diet. The great advantage of flaxseed is that it is a natural concentrate of vitamins, a small amount of which will saturate your body with many essential substances.
- Nicotinic acid or vitamin PP. Helps break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates, releasing energy. Its deficiency in the body can trigger a metabolic disorder.
- Vitamin E. It is necessary for the biosynthesis of erythrocytes and proteins, is involved in the metabolism at the cellular level.
- Vitamin C. Antioxidant, has a powerful stabilizing effect on the redox processes of the body, and is also important for the normal development of bone and connective tissue. It is thanks to these properties that drinks containing this vitamin are traditional during a cold.
- Vitamin K. Essential for protein synthesis and blood clotting. Without his participation, it is impossible to divide certain cells of the heart and kidneys. Also involved in the absorption of potassium.
Did you know? In ancient Egypt and the ancient world, flax was considered the privilege of the nobility, in Russia they wore linen clothing, regardless of belonging to a certain class.
Macronutrients
Potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus - the necessary elements for building carbon compounds in the body.
Trace elements
Iron, manganese, zinc, selenium, copper are important for hematopoietic and normal sexual function, the formation of neurotransmitters, good body resistance and the normal functioning of the endocrine glands.
What is useful and what is treated
Like any other dietary supplement, flaxseed seeds have a beneficial effect on the body, first of all, by saturating it with the necessary substances, which we receive less due to an unbalanced, monotonous diet, or we lose due to the high rhythm of life and lack of rest. 
Depending on the problem that needs to be solved, flaxseeds are prepared and consumed in different ways. Let's see what problems flax will help to get rid of, and in what form it should be taken in each specific case.
Did you know? Linen fabric has bactericidal and antifungal properties. Studies have shown that fungal spores do not survive on such tissue, and bacteria do not form colonies. One of the most powerful evidence is the mummies of the Pharaohs: the bandages that wrapped the bodies of the dead were made of flax.
For immunity
Immunity is strengthened through a complex effect on all body systems: this includes the antioxidant effect and the stabilization of metabolic processes at the cellular level.
Vitamin C, which is a component of seeds, helps to cope with free radicals, while B vitamins and essential amino acids have a general strengthening effect.
Royal jelly, turnip, yucca, safflower, amaranth upturned, peppermint, perga, cornel, blackberry, Crimean zheleznitsa, pumpkin and viburnum also contribute to the enhancement of immunity.
Mode of application. Flax seeds can be taken in almost any form: whole, crushed, in the form of a decoction or infusion. In order to prevent an adult, it is enough to consume 1-2 teaspoons of seeds (crushed or whole) 2 times a day with meals. Seeds can be added to cereals and smoothies, or simply use them "as medicine", drinking water.
For the cardiovascular system
The beneficial effects of flax seeds in cardiovascular diseases are explained by a number of nutrient properties:
- fatty acids help to thin the blood and lower blood pressure, fight the "bad" cholesterol;
- Potassium and magnesium contained in the seeds are directly involved in the regulation of heart contractility.
In addition to flax seeds, arnica mountain, hellebore, oregano, chervil, caraway, colza, silver goof, rokambol, melon, hops, oxalis, calendula and buttercups also have a positive effect on the state of the cardiovascular system.
Mode of application. For the treatment and prevention of cardiomyopathy, hypertension, varicose veins and other diseases of the cardiovascular system, use the following recipe: 10 g of seeds is poured with a glass of water at room temperature and left for 2-3 hours. 
After this time, the infusion is ready for use. Take the drug for half an hour before meals and before bedtime.
For the gastrointestinal tract
Despite the complex benefits of flax seeds, this remedy is best known for its effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The digestive system gives a quick positive reaction to the decoction of the seed with gastritis, constipation, impaired intestinal motility.
For the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract they also use sage meadow grass, anise, slug onions, white cinquefoil, Tibetan lofant, kalanchoe, double-leaved lupus, princess, dodder and celandine.
For stomach problems such as gastritis or erosion, it is recommended to take a decoction of flax seeds. The drug turns out to be slimy and unpleasant in appearance, but neutral in taste, without a harsh specific smell.
Mode of application. 2 tsp. seeds pour 300 ml of boiling water and boil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring intensely about every 3 minutes. Then the broth is removed from the heat and again vigorously shaken, so that the seeds give better nutrients. 
Next, the agent is left to cool at room temperature, after which it is taken 50 minutes before meals for each meal.
Important! A decoction of flax seed can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 days. Therefore, it should not be stored in stock, fresh is always better.
For liver
Flax seeds have a choleretic property, therefore they are useful for stagnant events in the liver, gall bladder and liver colic.
Method of use for colic. In a liter of boiling water, pour in 1/3 cup of seeds and simmer over very low heat for 2 hours. Then remove the broth from the heat, cool and strain through cheesecloth. This means take one glass 2-3 times a day, but you should start with a smaller dose, for example, 1/2 cup.
If no negative reactions, such as allergies or nausea, are observed, the dose can be gradually increased to one cup. 
For the genitourinary system
By themselves, flax seeds do not affect the pathological processes of the urogenital system. The plant does not have antifungal or antibacterial effect, therefore it cannot be defined as an independent medicine, but can be used as an auxiliary anti-inflammatory therapy.
Mode of application. To start preparing a concentrated decoction at the rate of 1 tbsp. spoon 150 ml of boiling water. Combine the ingredients and let them boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the fire and 10 minutes. shake vigorously in a sealed container, for example, in a can. After the seeds give up the mucus, the tool is filtered through gauze and take 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day for 20 minutes. before meals.
For the nervous system
An important role in the normal transmission of electrical signals from the neuron to the neuron is played by magnesium, which is rich in flaxseeds. Magnesium helps improve memory, as well as enhances a person’s learning ability. 
It helps to cope with stress by inhibiting the release of the hormone stress - cortisol - into the blood.
Mode of application. In order to correct the activity of the nervous system, flax can be taken in any form, but it can be most pleasant in the form of flax flour or whole seeds added to oatmeal, cottage cheese or other desserts. By consuming seeds in a dry form, you get an extra bonus in the form of the normalization of intestinal activity.
For sight
If we get omega-6 and omega-9 from such foods as meat, eggs, bread, legumes, then the main source of omega-3 is red fish, mackerel, oysters and some other seafood that are not always present in our diet.
And what can we say, some fish do not like the banal. These are the reasons why the deficiency arises specifically with respect to omega-3, and this acid prevents the corpus luteum and retina from degenerating.
Mode of application. In order to prevent vision problems, flax can be consumed in the same way as for the nervous system, or you can use flaxseed oil, adding it to food instead of sunflower oil (but not during frying!). 
Flaxseed oil can be consumed independently and a teaspoon before the morning meal, but this option is not suitable for people who have problems with the pancreas.
For skin and hair
The widest use of sunflower seeds and flax oil acquired in cosmetology. Vitamin complex and a number of polyunsaturated fatty acids necessary for man make flax indispensable for female beauty and health. Besides:
- Vitamin K whitens the skin and prevents the appearance of pigmentation;
- vitamin B3 improves skin tone and prevents the formation of wrinkles;
- Vitamin B1 normalizes cellular and general metabolism, for this it is also called the vitamin of youth;
- As part of the masks, flax seed oil nourishes the hair follicles, thickens and smoothes the surface of the hair.
Mode of application. Seeds or flour from them can be used as a food additive, just by domesticating 1-2 teaspoons per meal or kefir.
In the care of hair, homemade cosmetology also uses willow, rosemary, goose onions, nettles, zizifus, chard, bergamot and nasturtium.
The easiest recipe for hair masks based on flaxseed oil: add 6-5 drops of oil to a normal hair balm, or if you are afraid to make your hair too oily, you can apply a small amount of pure oil to the ends of the hair, then dry it with a hairdryer.Slimming
When flax fiber is spoken of as a means for losing weight, two things are meant:
- Cellulose and mucus secreted by the seeds help to clear the intestines of toxins and normalize stools.
- Nicotinic acid, which is part of the seeds, is actively involved in the breakdown of fats.
That is, the tool itself is not a fat burner, but by normalizing metabolic processes in the body, which in overweight people are always impaired, it helps to lose weight. If you follow the recommendations, monthly weight loss can be from 2 to 3 kg.
Mode of application. It is better to use flax fiber or ground seeds in the morning before a meal (or during meals) and instead of a late dinner, along with kefir. 
To begin with, a one-time intake should not exceed 1 tbsp. spoons, and daily - no more than 50 g per day. When in contact with liquid or gastric juice, flax flour swells, thus appealing a feeling of satiety for a long time.
How to choose flaxseed when buying
Ground seeds have only one advantage over whole seeds - they are ready to eat. On the other hand, whole seeds:
- have a longer shelf life;
- protect fatty acids in their composition from oxidation (since the shell does not allow air);
- suitable for the preparation of decoctions and infusions, whereas the ground ones are used only in a dry form.
What to look for when choosing a seed. To get the maximum benefit from the product, and not to turn the medicine into a poison, it is important to be able to choose a quality product that is fresh and as healthy as possible.
So, when choosing seeds you need not to forget:
- Look at the date of packing. Factory packaging will make it easier for you to choose, try to find a product with the latest release date.
- Check for moisture. When it is not possible to determine by smell or tactile, whether seeds are damp or not, pay attention to flowability. The flax seed coat is very smooth, and the grains should not form lumps. Otherwise, it may indicate the presence of mold or insects.
How to grind seeds
It all depends on the caliber of the bran you want to get. If it is flax flour - use a coffee grinder, coarser grinding will provide a blender. And of course, there is an option to grind grains in a mortar.
But this method is the most time-consuming and allows you to get large bran, well-giving oil, suitable for the manufacture of decoctions. An interesting method of grinding using a rolling pin and gauze.
- Spread gauze on a cutting board to avoid damaging the tabletop.
- Sprinkle the seeds in a thin layer over the gauze and cover them with a second piece of it on top.
- With an effort, walk the rolling pin over the seeds, rubbing them to the desired consistency.
- Collect the bran and pour into a separate container.
Important! Flax seeds, like flax bran, it is important to store without access to air, since the fatty acids that make up the seeds are easily oxidized and get a bitter aftertaste..
How to store at home
It is best to store the product in a glass container or in a vacuum plastic bag. A seed container can be put in a pantry or other dark place, a plastic bag can be put in a refrigerator or on a balcony during the cold season, so you will save supplies from grinder bugs.
Who should not be used
Like any biologically active agent, flax seeds have their own contraindications. We have already talked about who they are useful for; let's consider the cases when flax is contraindicated:
- first trimester of pregnancy. During this period, the woman’s body undergoes tremendous changes: hormonal background is destabilized, all systems learn to function in a new way, and therefore experience greater stress and strain. During this period, it is undesirable to introduce something new or causing a tangible reaction of the organism into the diet;
- endometritis, polycystic or uterine fibroma;
- cirrhosis of the liver. Flax has a choleretic effect and can be very useful for stagnation and hepatic colic, but if the liver functions are greatly impaired by fibrous changes, self-treatment is more likely to cause harm than benefit;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases (pancreatitis, cholecystitis, colitis);
- men diagnosed with suspected prostate cancer (alpha-linolenic acid is harmful);
- individual intolerance. If the condition worsens after the appearance of flaxseeds in the diet, this is a signal to stop taking them.
Important! Many during the first days of taking seeds face such troubles as bloating, loose stools or rumbling in the stomach - this is most likely an adaptation of the organism to a new product. It is important to distinguish the initial short-term response from long-term ill-being.
We hope you found this information helpful. Take care of your health, do not regret time for preparing high-quality food, rest and good people, because a good mood sometimes heals better than any medicine.
