Flax For The Intestines: Benefits And Recommendations

Flaxseed is a plant-based food that contains healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber. Some people refer to it as a "functional food", which means that a person can add flax to their diet to improve their health.

But the fact that flax seeds are good for the body has been known since ancient times. Hippocrates also advised taking them for digestive problems and inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

What is the use of flaxseeds and can they harm a person?

The composition and main beneficial properties of flaxseed

People grew flax as a crop in ancient Egypt and China. In Asia, seeds have played a role in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Today, flaxseeds are available in the form of oils, powder, tablets, capsules, and flour.

Despite the high nutritional value, the calorie content of one tablespoon of grains is only 40 kcal, so flax seeds are useful for the body of people who want to lose weight. When taken internally, they give long satiety and help to cope with the habit of overeating.

A tablespoon of ground flax weighing 7 g contains:

• calories: 37.4;

• proteins: 1.28 g;

• fats: 2.95 g;

• carbohydrates: 2.02 g;

• fiber: 1.91 g

The table below shows the content of nutrients (vitamins and minerals) per 100 grams of the edible portion.

The beneficial properties of flax are due to the high percentage of the following vitamins and minerals to the daily norm: vitamin B1 - 109.6%, choline - 15.7%, vitamin B5 - 19.7%, vitamin B6 - 23.7%, vitamin B9 - 21 ,8%, vitamin PP - 15.4%, potassium - 32.5%, calcium - 25.5%, magnesium - 98%, phosphorus - 80.3%, iron - 31.8%, manganese - 124.1 %, copper - 122%, selenium - 46.2%, zinc - 36.2%

Vitamin F is actively involved in fat and cholesterol metabolism. It is not synthesized in the body, which is why it is so important to get it from food. Vitamins A and E are also called “vitamins of youth”. They have a positive effect on skin cells. Therefore, flax seeds are not only used for effective weight loss and body cleansing, but they are used in the manufacture of many cosmetics.

As a source of selenium, flax seeds prevent the development of tumors, cleanse the body of heavy metal salts well, and help improve the visual and brain activity of the body.

Also, the seeds are real champions in the content of plant hormones (lignans), which have an antiviral and antioxidant effect.

According to some research, flaxseed can be over 800 times richer in lignans than most other foods.

The special benefit of flax seeds is the high content of oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Since these acids cannot be synthesized in the body on their own, their intake from the outside is considered extremely important for humans.

The three most common fatty acids that make up the omega-3 group are ALA, EPA, and DHA. Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) is mainly found in plant foods. In its original form, our body uses this acid as ordinary fat, that is, as a source of energy.

To be of most benefit, ALA must be converted into two other acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Approximately only 5% of ALA is converted to EPA while less than 0.5% is converted to DHA in humans

Therefore, eating fatty fish as a source of EPA and DHA will be more effective than eating flaxseed oil.

A selection of studies proving some of the health benefits of flax seeds.

Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids. Research suggests they play a role in preventing the development of various types of cancer cells.

Lignans, which are antioxidants that can keep tumors from growing by preventing them from forming new blood vessels.

One 2013 study showed a lower incidence of breast cancer among women who regularly consumed flaxseed.

In addition, in 2018, the authors of another study concluded that flaxseed may help reduce the risk of breast cancer after menopause.

Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen, which is a plant nutrient that works in the same way as estrogen. There has been concern for some time that phytoestrogens may increase the risk of breast cancer, but recent research suggests they may play a protective role.

Recommends eating the right amount of fiber and omega-3s to maintain cardiovascular health.

Flax also contains phytosterols. Phytosterols have a similar structure to cholesterol and help prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Consuming phytosterols, therefore, can help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol levels in the body.

In 2010, a study looked at the effects of flaxseed on cholesterol levels in men with moderately high cholesterol. Participants took capsules containing 20 mg and 100 mg of lignans or a placebo for 12 weeks.

Cholesterol levels dropped after taking lignans, especially in those who took 100mg.

A 2012 study of 17 people found that eating flaxseed lowered LDL cholesterol and helped the body reduce body fat, although they note that overall diet may also play a role. The team suggested that dietary flaxseed may be beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, flaxseed may help reduce joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis.

There is no significant evidence to support its use for this purpose, but they do state that the ALAs in flaxseed can help reduce inflammation.

In 2007, a group of scientists published findings suggesting that flaxseed may help reduce the incidence or severity of hot flashes in women not using estrogen therapy during menopause.

Lignans and other phytoestrogens may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

In a 2013 study, 25 people took 0g, 13g, or 26g of flaxseed every day for 12 weeks. Participants included people with prediabetes, men who were obese or overweight, and women who had gone through menopause.

We concluded that the 13g dose could lower glucose and insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, but other doses did not have this effect.

In addition, a 2016 rodent study found that compounds in flaxseed may help reduce the incidence of type 1 diabetes and delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. However, these results may not be applicable to humans.

That same year, 99 people with prediabetes took 40g or 20g of flaxseed for 12 weeks.

Flaxseed consumption may lower blood pressure, but it does not improve blood sugar or insulin resistance, so the benefits of flaxseed on diabetes symptoms remain unclear.

Flaxseed is a good source of insoluble fiber. In the intestines, the semen absorbs water and adds bulk, which can contribute to stool regularity.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says there is little evidence that flaxseed helps relieve constipation.

The NCCIH adds that consuming flaxseed while not drinking enough water can aggravate constipation and lead to intestinal obstruction.

Also, too much flaxseed or flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea.

In 2013, scientists found evidence that dietary lignans from flaxseeds helped mice recover from radiation exposure.

Mice that consumed lignans had lower levels of inflammation, injury, oxidative damage, and fibrosis, as well as a better survival rate, compared to those that did not.

Further tests in humans show similar results: Flaxseed lignans may help treat lung problems after exposure to radiation or radiotherapy.

Thus, introducing flaxseeds into the diet may have the following health benefits:

1. Normalization of lipid metabolism.

2. Immunity boost.

3. Improvement of blood circulation.

4. Normalization of the digestive system.

5. An additional source of micro and macro elements, vitamins and healthy fats.

6. Increasing endurance and rapid recovery of the body after strong physical exertion.

7. Due to the high content of vitamins A and E - maintaining beauty, correcting a number of age-related manifestations, incl. strengthening of regenerative functions.

8. Laxative effect and increased metabolic processes, therefore, are actively used for weight loss.

9. Oncoprotective.

10. Providing an anti-inflammatory effect.

11. Normalization of the cardiovascular system

The NCCIH is currently funding research to find out if the nutrients in flaxseed can actually help with the following conditions:

• ovarian cancer;

• cardiovascular diseases;

• metabolic syndrome;

• diabetes;

• asthma;

• inflammation.

The use of flax as an additional remedy to the main treatment of the above health conditions will have a positive effect.

The benefits of flax for the intestines

One of the body's functions is excretion.

The excretion process is important for homeostasis, it ensures the release of the body from end products of metabolism that can no longer be used, foreign and toxic substances, as well as excess water, salts and organic compounds that come with food or formed as a result of metabolism.

Excretory organs include: kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, sweat glands.

The high fiber content in flax seeds (one tablespoon of flax contains about 7 g of fiber at a daily rate of 20-30 grams) has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Provided supplementation of fiber from other sources.

Regular consumption of flax seeds promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help control weight.

As an addition to the diet, you can use flaxseed oil as a dressing for salads, cereals, first courses, while avoiding its processing at high temperatures.

The main thing you need to know in order to choose the right linseed oil is the selection criteria. We advise you to pay attention to:

• production date and shelf life;

• bottle size;

• production technology;

• taste and aromatic qualities;

• storage conditions.

If this is not possible, buy the product in a store or pharmacy, just make sure that the minimum expiration date and the actual date on the calendar match.

Remember that in just a couple of weeks, flaxseed oil goes rancid.

Unrefined, refined, hydrated, bleached, deodorized, extracted, cold-pressed or hot-pressed - all these characteristics indicate the processing technology of seeds and speak of the quality of the final product.

If you are looking for a good quality product, look for labels marked "cold pressed" on the shelves. The price will be more expensive, since the cold pressing technology requires more raw materials, and the output is only 30% of the total mass of oil.

You can identify "medium" quality oil by the label "refined".

The best option is a raw, freshly pressed, tart-soft golden product (light brown or caramel shade is allowed).

Even the best linseed oil after opening is stored for no longer than 2-3 months, while all storage conditions must be observed (minimization of air and light access).

To avoid exposure to light and air, buy products in tinted glass bottles (or pour after opening), seal tightly, and keep out of direct sunlight.

Flaxseed oil should be kept in the refrigerator. If you bought a new package and you have old linseed oil, which one is better, a simple experiment will show:

Rinse the oil in your mouth and spit it out. Fresh will not leave an aftertaste and bitterness, an unpleasant bitter and burning taste is a sign of rancidity and spoilage.

The “gold standard” for flaxseed oil is a pleasant, mild, nut-like flavor with sweet-tart notes. It shouldn't burn.

When an oil product has expired, the beneficial properties are reduced to a minimum, and the risk of damage to health increases. Oxidized fats become toxic and cause inflammation, contribute to aging, the development of cardiovascular disease, and in some cases even provoke cancer.

If you store the product in the refrigerator, you are doing the right thing, but sedimentation may alert you. Experts believe that this is a good sign, signaling the naturalness of the product, but there is a caveat - there should be little sediment, visually no more than 1% of the total volume.

Indications and recommendations for bowel cleansing with flax seeds

For preventive purposes, flax seeds are consumed in their pure form. This is the easiest option - add to salads, pastries, cereals and other dishes.

It is worth noting that you will not notice a pronounced effect of cleansing from this method of using the product.

Much better if you turn the seeds into powder by grinding them in a special mortar or coffee grinder. Ready flaxseed flour should be consumed in the morning for 1-2 tablespoons, washed down with water.

The more liquid you use, the better - it will help to swell the crushed product.

Flax seeds are used in complex therapy for inflammatory and ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract (inflammation of the esophagus - esophagitis; peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, enteritis, colitis, gastritis).

1. In inflammatory diseases, an infusion of flax seeds is mainly used.

   To prepare the infusion:

   In the morning, take a large spoonful of the product and pour 250 ml of boiling water over it. In the evening, a couple of hours before bedtime, drink an infusion, eat swollen seeds.

   The resulting infusion is taken orally 1/4 cup 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. You can use such a remedy for no longer than 21 days, then you should take a break and repeat the course after 30 days, if desired.

   Another version of the infusion of flaxseeds looks like this: pour 2 large spoons of pre-ground product into a thermos, pour 2 cups of boiling water into the container. Close the thermos tightly and let the product stand for 10 hours. Shake before use.

    

2. For cardiovascular diseases:

   10 g of flax is poured with cold boiled water, infused for 2-3 hours. The infusion is taken half an hour before meals and at bedtime.

    

3. In the prevention of constipation and for bowel cleansing, infusion, decoction of flax seeds or swollen flax seeds are mainly used.

   • To prepare a decoction, take a glass of flax seeds, pour it into a saucepan, pour 3 liters of boiling water into it. Put the container in a water bath, wait a couple of hours, cool the product. Strain the cold broth. The drug should be consumed slightly warm 30 minutes before breakfast and shortly before bedtime. Drink the decoction before every meal. On average, you should drink 5-6 glasses per day;

   • Infusion with the addition of coriander and fennel. To prepare, combine ½ tbsp. l. chopped fennel and coriander, add 1 large spoonful of ground flaxseed to them. Pour the prepared mixture with a glass of boiling water, leave to brew for half an hour. Use the infusion 3 times a day on an empty stomach or 3 hours after a meal. If for some reason three times a day is not suitable for you, drink the decoction twice a day.

     The course of therapy is 14 days.

      

   • For swollen seeds:

     1 teaspoon of seeds is poured with 2 teaspoons of boiling water, mixed, left to swell for 15 minutes.

      

    

Flax seeds swollen in water are taken orally 1-3 teaspoons, washed down with a sufficient amount of water, 2-3 times a day.

In no case should the mixture be prepared in advance due to the oxidation of the product when exposed to oxygen, which makes the product harmful to human health.

For the time being, while you cleanse the intestines in this way, you need to review the diet and stick to a balanced diet.

First of all, fried and fatty foods, sweets, pastries, smoked meats, meat, and alcohol should be excluded from the menu.

Flax contraindications

When planning to use flax seeds, it is worth initially evaluating the benefits and harms of the product. Despite the large number of valuable properties, in some cases, seeds can adversely affect the body.

In particular, contraindications to their reception are:

• allergy to flax;

• hepatitis;

• intestinal obstruction;

• cholecystitis, pancreatitis or colitis in the acute phase.

The product is able to prevent the absorption of iodine, therefore, with a lack of this element, grains are taken no earlier than 1 hour from the moment of ingestion.

Possible Complications Due to the Use of Flax

В начале курса специалисты не исключают вздутие живота, метеоризм, тошноту, приступы рвоты. Обратите внимание на следующие моменты, которые указывают на необходимость снизить или прекратить употребление семян:

В составе семени льна содержатся грубые волокна, которые вместе со слизью усиливают моторику кишечника, помогают в борьбе с запорами. Если превысить допустимую дозу, возникает диарея, вздутие живота, метеоризм, боль. Из организма выводится много жидкости, повышается риск обезвоживания, потери витаминов и ценных микроэлементов.

Если число походов в туалет резко увеличилось, нужно вовремя начать лечение, иначе развивается синдром раздраженного кишечника.

При хронической диарее такое слабительное запрещено. В числе медицинских противопоказаний – дивертикулит, язвенный колит, болезнь крона.

Flax seeds reduce the rate of blood clotting. It is not safe to use flaxseed in cases of blood clotting disorders.

If, during treatment with flax seed, you drink little water, coarse fiber lingers in the intestines, accumulates, and causes obstruction. People with a tendency to constipation are better off refraining from such an appointment, or consult a specialist.

To minimize the risk of constipation, doctors recommend drinking 1 glass of water before eating flax.

The seeds are well tolerated, but scientific studies have proven the risk of allergies. In severe cases, asthma attacks develop, which cause fear for a person's life. It is necessary to beware of a sharp drop in pressure, respiratory failure.

With intolerance to the components, a small rash, urticaria appears on the skin.

With an overdose of flax seeds, breathing quickens, movements become uncertain and chaotic, muscle cramps, shortness of breath and paralysis appear. Hospitalization may be required, at the first symptoms, stop taking and consult your doctor.

So that the dangerous properties of flaxseed do not affect your health, you should not exceed the recommended doses.

Precautionary measures:

• Buy only whole grains, not cooked flour.

• If you need a powder for treatment, prepare it yourself.

• Check the integrity of each seed.

• Choose a product in a dry, vacuum package, check its tightness.

• Store the seeds in a cool place (you can in the refrigerator).

• Give them to children only from 3 years old, prophylactic dosage - 0.5 tsp / day.

The use of seeds in large quantities (more than 1 tablespoon per day) can provoke discomfort in the liver area.

Experts advise eating flaxseed for weight loss and cleansing the intestines in a coarsely chopped form, washed down with plenty of liquid. During the day, you should drink at least 30 ml of liquid per 1 kg of your weight.

But it is not necessary to pre-soak it, since it should swell in the intestine itself. The exception is intestinal inflammation.

When used wisely, flaxseed will bring tremendous benefits to the body. Seeds will be an invaluable addition to the daily diet and will help to cope with many ailments.