Dorothy FarrarFlaxseed (food)
Linseed is the seed of flax, also known as flax. Fibers for linen fabrics are obtained from the bast plant. Flaxseed and the flaxseed oil derived from it have health benefits.
Here’s what you should know about flaxseed
The plants grow about a meter tall. The narrow, lanceolate leaves are arranged on the upright stem. The roundish fruit capsules, which contain the actual linseed, develop from the blue flower. Flax is a cultivated plant found worldwide. The cultivation of flax has been documented since pre-Christian times.
There are no clear statements about the exact origin. The origin of flax is assumed to be in Asia. Around 5,000 BC From the flax plant fibers were already being produced, which were processed into fabrics. Greeks and Romans extracted linseed oil. The use of linseed for medicinal purposes has also been handed down from ancient Greece.
Flaxseed is used as an ingredient in food as well as having technical uses. Linseed oil is not only good for your health, but is also used to make oil paint.
importance to health
Flaxseed primarily has digestive properties. These result from the high fiber content and excellent swelling capacity. The mucilage contained in flaxseed swells in the intestine and can bind liquid and pollutants. The effect is particularly reliable if the seeds are broken open before consumption.
Flaxseed contains numerous vitamins and nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids help to stimulate brain performance and the antioxidants contained protect the body from free radicals. Due to the detoxifying effect of linseed, the seeds also promote healthy weight loss and rid the body of waste products and pollutants naturally and gently.
Flaxseed acts as a natural laxative against constipation . For this purpose, the flaxseed is ground and soaked in water. The resulting mucus swells and softens the intestinal contents. Recent studies indicate that flaxseed can probably also be used to prevent breast or prostate cancer .
Ingredients & nutritional values
The valuable ingredients of the linseed are in the seed coat. The seeds contain about 25% fiber and just as much protein. It also contains up to 45% fatty oil. These include valuable omega 3 fatty acids in the form of linoleic and linolenic acid. 100 grams of unpeeled flaxseed has about 370 calories. This high value can be explained by the correspondingly high fat content. Furthermore, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and iron are components of flaxseed. The proportion of lignans is comparatively high. These secondary plant substances are said to have an antioxidant effect.
| Calories and nutrients (per 100g) | ||
| kilocalories/kilojoules | 372 kcal/ 1558 kj | |
| protein | 24,40 g | |
| carbohydrates | 0,00 g | |
| Fett | 30,90 g | |
| Water | 6,10 g | |
| fiber | 35,00 g | |
| Vitamin E | 3000 µg | |
intolerances
Flaxseed is usually simple and straightforward to use. When using it, you should always ensure that you drink enough fluids. Not getting enough liquid can lead to constipation. Pollutants can only be flushed out if the food pulp can be bound with sufficient liquid.
Since flaxseed can impede the absorption of medication through the intestines, there should be a gap of several hours between using flaxseed and taking the medication. Pregnant women should be careful, because linseed oil can increase the risk of premature birth. If preparations containing valerian and St. John’s wort are taken at the same time , the dose should be increased slowly.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Flaxseed is available whole or ground from pharmacies, drugstores, health food stores and well-stocked supermarkets. The seeds differ in color and vary between brown and golden yellow. This has no influence on the ingredients and quality of the goods. In general, ground flaxseed has better swelling properties. The body can absorb and utilize the valuable components better.
Crushed seeds can only be stored for a few days. The fatty acids decompose quite quickly and the seeds dry out. Whole flaxseed can be stored in a cool and dry place for several months. Due to the nutty taste, flaxseed is pleasant to eat and can be added to yoghurt or muesli. The digestive effect of flaxseed occurs after a few days. At least 1.5 liters of liquid should be drunk daily so that the mucus does not stick to the intestines.
preparation tips
Flaxseed can be added to muesli, yoghurt or quark dishes . Casseroles or salads can also be refined with it. Flaxseed is also a popular baking ingredient. Flaxseed bread or biscuits can contribute to a healthy diet.
As an ingredient for bread, 100 grams of flaxseed is poured with a quarter of boiling water. The whole thing should swell for an hour before use. Flaxseed can also be stirred into hot or cold drinks. The daily dose should not be more than two heaped tablespoons of flaxseed.
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.