Flaxseed: Benefits.
The health benefits of flaxseeds have been known for a very long time. But only recently it began to be called a superfood. And all because flax seeds, have a beneficial and even healing effect on the human body. So what is so special about flax seed?
Flax seed is an amazing product. It is equally appreciated and underestimated. How can this be? It is very simple. Our ancestors valued flax as a material for daily life - it was used for clothing, sails, paper, canvas - and as a product (we are talking about the oil), which was used for food and technical purposes. The useful properties of flax seed impressed them so much that, for example, the ancient Babylonians (5 thousand years ago) sowed the whole fields with flax seeds and by the order of the Frankish King Charlemagne (VIII century) all the inhabitants of his country obligatorily added flax seeds to their food.
However, in the modern world until some time flax was mainly used for domestic purposes (as a natural, dense material), its beneficial properties somehow faded into the background, if not for the third time. All that changed with the advent of the fashion for a healthy lifestyle. Healthy lifestyle aficionados, constantly on the lookout for superfoods, remembered flax seeds.
The benefits of flax seeds for humans are so impressive that this product quite quickly regained its deserved "regalia". Not only that, linseeds began to be called nothing less than "Medicine of the XXI century.
2. Why is flaxseed considered a superfood?
Superfoods are products with a high content of nutrients, which in such a ratio are not found anywhere else in nature. Apparently, there is not a shred of slyness in the Latin translation of the word "flax" (meaning "most useful"). Despite its more than modest size, flax seed in large quantities and, importantly, in perfectly balanced proportions, contains vitamins, antioxidants and minerals.
Flax seeds are so full of bioactive components that they have rightly earned the title of a superfood. If you know the composition of this product, you will never again have the question "What are the health benefits of flaxseed?"
The composition of flaxseed contains:
essential amino acids (lysine, threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine, arginine);
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9);
fiber;
Phytoestrogens (lignans);
Minerals (zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium)
Vitamins (A, E, A, group B, beta-carotene);
antioxidants.
All these components are necessary for the human body to function normally. The absence / lack of any of them can cause disruption of an organ or system and lead to the development of serious diseases. That is why the use of flax seeds in moderation is a fairly effective way of recovery.
The uses and useful properties of flaxseed.
It would seem that with such an impressive composition of the product should have a high energy value. But even here linseeds surprise - it has few calories (210 kcal per 100 grams of product), what unspeakably pleases nutritionists and people, zrnosyaschihsya over their weight.
The main properties of linseeds:
activates the work of the intestine;
Lowers cholesterol (prevents atherosclerosis);
normalizes blood pressure;
protects against cancer;
Has an anti-inflammatory effect;
strengthens the immune system;
Cleanses the body of toxins.
About everything in order.
The benefits of flaxseed for the intestines are in dietary fiber. If the recommended daily dose of fiber is 25-38 grams, then one serving of flaxseed has 8 grams). Thanks to fiber, flaxseed "triggers" intestinal activity and helps emptying. Flax seeds also coat the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus, thus helping in the treatment of gastritis and ulcers. In addition, flax seeds (or rather their mucus) have a powerful anti-toxic and absorption action, helping the body to get rid of toxins.
It is no secret that most people in the world die not from car accidents, and not even from cancer, but from diseases of the cardiovascular system. Not long ago, the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study that proved the benefits of flaxseed for the body. In the course of the experiment, 59 volunteers (middle-aged men) supplemented their regular diet with flaxseed oil for four months. After 12 weeks it was found out that their blood pressure level decreased. And it is high blood pressure that is known to provoke a heart attack or stroke.
Flaxseed has proven to be an excellent product that can reduce blood glucose levels, and restore the beta cells of the pancreas (their main function is to produce insulin).
The usefulness of flaxseed for men is explained very simply. It turns out that as part of flaxseed is the active substances that can significantly reduce the rate of growth of cancer cells of the prostate gland. In addition, during many years of research scientists from Iowa State University found that men who add to their diet flaxseeds, blood cholesterol levels are normal.
Because of the large content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (in particular, omega-3), flax seeds are well proven in the process of destroying cancer cells and malignant tumors. Foreign studies have shown that flax seed reduces the risk of melanoma by more than 60%. The benefits of flax seed for women are due to the presence of phytoestrogens in the product. In the power of lignans to protect women from breast cancer (the use of flax seed is especially relevant during the menopause).
Use with caution!
Flax seeds have a very high activity, so the prolonged use or overdose, they can provoke a worsening of some chronic diseases.
How to use flax seeds.
Flax seeds can be added to salads, porridges and smoothies. You can use them as a whole, or you can grind them in a coffee grinder to a powder.
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