Flaxseed

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Flaxseed / Semen Lini / represents the seeds of the flax plant / Linum usitatissimum /, belonging to the Lenovi family. The stem of flax reaches a height of 1.5 meters. This culture is characterized by lanceolate leaves and purple flowers. Flaxseed is shiny and brown in color and is found in a cracked box. Flax is a crop that is grown in many places in the world / India, the Baltics, Poland, etc./ and for this reason flaxseed is a very popular food product.

History of flaxseed

According to some sources, the plant itself began to be cultivated by mankind more than seven millennia ago. Interest in culture first appeared in the Middle East. At this time, flaxseed began to be used as a product in the production of flaxseed oil. Flaxseed valued not only for its nutritional properties. The resulting consistency was used as a lamp oil. Flaxseed quickly won the favor of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans and became an indispensable helper for them. During the different epochs, these small shiny grains served as a complete food product, but also as a very valuable medicine.

There is a legend that in the Roman legions often resorted to the consumption of bread made with flour from flaxseed. In this way, the wars managed to keep their forces longer and to endure the grueling battles more easily. The information about the cute seeds is not limited to this. According to some claims, Hippocrates himself greatly valued the properties of the product. The father of medicine prescribed it when the patient complained of cough or abdominal pain. Charlemagne is said to have insisted that his subordinates consume the precious seeds in order to be sure of their good health.

Composition of flaxseed

Flaxseed contains many useful ingredients, among which undoubtedly the most famous are omega-3 fatty acids and lignans. Linolenic acid (Omega-6) is the main acid in these small seeds. They are also a source of Omega-9 (oleic acid) fatty acids, proteins, sugars, carotene, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin E and many others.

Benefits of flaxseed

Flaxseed is among the most praised by medics and nutritionists food products. From time immemorial, it has been an indispensable helper in the treatment of some painful conditions, as well as in the prevention against others. Brownish berries have a tonic and anti-inflammatory effect. They have the ability to soothe pain, and also serve as a means of cleansing and loosening.

In fact, among the most valuable flaxseed ingredients the mucous substances in its composition appear. They are extremely beneficial in patients complaining of intestinal problems, inflammation of the urinary tract and others. The same mucous substances are especially effective in dry cough, bronchitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, diabetes, gallbladder problems and more. Modern research shows that flaxseed is affected positive in atherosclerosis.

Many experts believe that its consumption protects against heart problems, heart attack, stroke, various cancers, including breast cancer and rectal cancer. The product also helps in the treatment of asthma, and also has a good effect on visually impaired people. Scientists are adamant that women who suffer from PMS should include flaxseed in their menuas it has the property to alleviate this difficult moment of the month and to muffle the unpleasant symptoms. In fact, members of the fairer sex should pay special attention to flax seeds, as they are also said to strengthen hair and nails.

Intake of flaxseed

Usually from flaxseed take two to four tablespoons a day. It can be successfully added to other foods such as various types of muesli, salads, pastries, desserts. It is recommended that the seeds be crushed or ground so that the nutrients can be better absorbed by the body. Flaxseed can be taken and in the form of oil. In this case, the recommended daily dose is one tablespoon of it.

Collection and storage of flaxseed

The seeds of the Linum usitatissimum plant are collected when fully ripe. They are cleaned of debris and placed in a sunny place so that they can be dried successfully. A good effect is obtained when a dryer is used for the same purpose. They are usually dried at a temperature of up to 45 degrees Celsius. The dried seeds are brownish in color, with a shiny shell and no specific odor. They are mucous when chewed. It is recommended to keep in a shady and dry place.

Folk medicine with flaxseed

Flaxseed has a beneficial effect on some skin problems such as inflammation, swelling, burns. Crushed seeds are used to treat these conditions. The resulting crumbs or flour are mixed with hot water and then placed on gauze. It is applied to the problem area. When burning folk medicine advises to use flax seeds (crushed again), combined with protein. In this case, equal parts of the two products are taken. The positive effect is noticeable only after a few procedures.

Flax seeds can be used as a medicine and in the form of an extract. For this purpose, one or two tablespoons of them are crushed and flooded with cold water (about 200 ml). After the mixture has remained for two to three hours, the seeds are removed by straining and the liquid is drunk. A decoction is also prepared from flax seeds. In this case, take two tablespoons of crushed flaxseed. The product is boiled in 500 ml of water for ten minutes. The decoction is then filtered and allowed to cool. The drink is taken five times a day, twenty minutes before meals.

Flaxseed in cooking

Having gained the reputation of being an extremely healthy food product, flaxseed began to find a growing application in the menu of many. Due to its structure and unobtrusive taste, it can be successfully added to any food. The ground seeds are placed in salads, sauces, cereals, pasta, sweet temptations, meat dishes.

Lovers of healthy eating prefer it in their energizing shakes and smoothies. However, when using this product in cooking, it is still advisable to take into account some of its features. During heat treatment, place the crushed beans at the end to feel the effect of it better afterwards.

Harm from flaxseed

In general, the intake of flaxseed not considered dangerous to humans. However, it is not excluded that with increased consumption there may be swelling, gas, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders and others.