Flaxseed is a seed that stands out for its healthy properties for the body. It can be consumed in the form of oils or seeds, either whole or ground. Incorporating this food into the diet is favorable due to its composition of fibers and omega 3.
Nutrition experts recommend eating ground flaxseed because it is easier to digest. The whole seed can pass through the intestine undigested, which means the body can’t reap the full benefits, say specialists at the Mayo Clinic clinical research institute.
Flaxseed is rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for maintaining the health of the entire body, but especially that of the brain, heart, and skin. Similarly, it has linoleic acid, which is important in the prevention of diseases such as arthritis and asthma, as well as some health conditions related to the female reproductive system.
Oils such as canola and soybean contain the same fatty acids as flaxseed. However, the latter has larger amounts.
According to the medical library MedlinePlus, half of the calories in this seed come from fat, which is healthy and helps support “good cholesterol.” Flaxseeds are generally used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation, but they can also help lower total blood cholesterol and LDL levels, known as the bad cholesterol, which may play a role in lowering of heart disease risk.
Similarly, these seeds are a good source of vitamins B1, B2 and B6, which help the body recover energy and serve to boost the immune system, the nervous system, the bones, improve heart rate and many other bodily processes. , indicates MedlinePlus. They also have copper, phosphorus, magnesium and magnesan.
According to the Gastrolabweb portal, flaxseed is also a good source of antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body, preventing premature aging and the appearance of cancer cells.
How to consume it?
This is a versatile seed that can be used in the kitchen in a variety of ways. For example, in salads, breads, linseed oil and even juices.
Because it helps regulate intestinal transit and has a satiating effect, flaxseed can be consumed in juice that can be included as part of a diet aimed at losing weight. On the other hand, it has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, so it is also favorable for lowering abdominal fat.
This drink can be prepared with pineapple and cucumber. To make it, you need a slice of pineapple, half a cucumber, two tablespoons of plantain psyllium and two tablespoons of flaxseed. Put the pineapple, the cucumber and the tablespoons of psyilium plantago and flaxseed in the blender and process until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, which can be consumed immediately.
It is recommended to drink it in the morning on an empty stomach for 15 days to obtain the result of losing weight. Psyllium is a type of fiber that comes from the husk of the plantago seed, which is used for weight control and general intestinal health. If this ingredient is not available, it can be substituted with another fiber, making sure that it does not have added sugar.
The ideal thing when buying flax or linseed seeds, specialists say, is to keep them whole in a cool, dry place and away from the sun, so that they better maintain their properties. Specialists in alternative medicine recommend consuming it whole and ground at the moment, instead of buying it in powder, although if it is purchased in this presentation, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator and consume it in a short time.
Contraindications
Specialists recommend avoiding drinking this juice if:
-There are bleeding problems
– The person is pregnant or breastfeeding
– The person is under 12 years of age and has presented gastric or intestinal inflammation
– You have problems with intestinal obstruction, narrowing of the esophagus or Crohn’s disease
-You suffer from low blood pressure
– The person is diabetic