Dorothy FarrarLinseed
Flaxseed can be found in many breads and other baked goods or mueslis. The seeds can also be used as medicine. Flaxseed is particularly popular to relieve constipation.
General overview
Flaxseeds are small, brown seeds. They come from the flax plant and have various properties that make them useful as a natural health resource . However, it is important that the intake of flaxseed is accompanied by an adequate water intake. Otherwise there is a risk of constipation and other digestive problems. Overall, however, flaxseed is a well-tolerated and, above all, effective remedy that does not require chemicals.
occurrence and cultivation
Common flax is an old cultivated plant that is mainly used to obtain oil and flaxseed. There are a total of different types of flax. However, only common flax is economically relevant. This belongs to the flax family and is divided into different varieties. Sometimes the plant is also called flax. The name is an allusion to “braiding”, which in turn refers to the processing of the flaxseed. The common flax is an annual plant that grows to a height of 20 to 100 centimetres.
The stems of the plant are erect and branch at the top. The common flax has leaves that have a smooth surface and are narrow in shape. The flowers of the common flax are five-petalled and blue. They are about two centimeters tall. The common flax has low demands on its environment. Overall, it can thrive in most places, it just doesn’t tolerate waterlogging.
A sufficient supply of water is necessary for numerous flowers, otherwise the harvest will be reduced. The linseeds can be harvested about 110 days after sowing. The largest growing countries are China, Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine. Two million tons of flaxseed are produced worldwide every year. The use of linseed requires a complex processing process.
application and effect
The flaxseed of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. The decisive factor is above all the shell, in which there are many mucilage . A large part of the mucilage consists of the sugars xylose, galactose and galacturonic acid. In addition, flaxseed is 25 percent dietary fiber , 25 percent protein , and 30 to 45 percent oil. The latter consists in particular of linoleic and linolenic acids such as omega-3 fatty acids . Linseed is often incorporated into bread or muesli.
However, if you want to use the seeds for medicinal purposes, you should proceed differently. A quantity of about 10 grams of flaxseed has been granted as a laxative. These can be eaten either crushed or whole grain. The seeds can be mixed with a little water, for example. After a few minutes, the liquid will swell and take on a slimy consistency. Because the taste can take some getting used to, it is advisable to stir the flaxseed into the muesli or mix it with some juice.
Overall, it makes sense to let the flaxseed swell before consumption. People who suffer from gastritis only ingest mucus. For this, 5 to 10 grams of the seeds are added to 150 milliliters of cold water. At best, they are whole seeds. After 20 to 30 minutes, the liquid should be poured off. Furthermore, there are some preparations such as capsules in which the active ingredients of flaxseed are found. Flaxseed cannot be consumed as a tea.
What does flaxseed help with?
importance to health
The flaxseed contains mucilage. Once they enter the intestines, they can combine with water and swell. This leads to an increase in the contents of the intestine. The volume stimulates digestion by irritating the intestinal mucosa. The oil has a lubricating effect, which has a positive effect on the further transport of the chair. Linseed can thus be used against constipation.
However, the effect is delayed. As a rule, an improvement in the symptoms can only be expected after two to three days. Until then, sufficient fluid intake is important. Otherwise the intestinal contents harden. In the worst case, there is a risk of an intestinal obstruction . According to experts, at least 1.5 liters should be drunk every day. Flaxseeds are also often used for other gastrointestinal complaints such as inflammation of the gastric mucosa or intestines.
Nevertheless, flaxseed cannot be seen as self-healing – if the symptoms persist, there is no way around a doctor’s visit. Flaxseeds are rich in omega3 fatty acids. These are said to prevent heart disease and arteriosclerosis. Overall, the omega3 fatty acids in flaxseed can reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, thereby improving health.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.