Benefits of Flax Seeds – Properties, and More

Flax seeds The three fundamental properties of flax seeds act separately or together on different physiological systems.

To obtain its benefits, nutritionists recommend consuming 40 to 50 g of nuts and seeds per day. Of this amount, between 10 and 15 g (two tablespoons) can be flax seeds.

1. Hearth Protection

One of the most favored by habitual consumption is the cardiovascular system.

The body breaks down alpha-linolenic acid into eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid, the other two members of the omega3 family. Together they have an anti-inflammatory effect by promoting the synthesis of prostaglandins PG3 which help to keep the blood vessels in good condition.

They also prevent the build-up of cholesterol and triglycerides in them, which helps in the prevention of diseases such as arteriosclerosis and, consequently, heart and brain infarctions or circulatory disorders such as intermittent claudication, which prevent so many of elderly people to walk without pain.

Most clinical studies have shown that consuming 30-50g of ground flaxseed per day reduces total cholesterol by 6-13% and bad LDL cholesterol by 9-18%.

A Canadian trial suggests that the cholesterol-lowering effect is particularly pronounced in young people, where the incidence of the disease has increased in recent years due to dietary imbalances.

2. Reduce Ignition

Several studies confirm that the consumption of dishes enriched with flax seeds reduces blood levels of C-reactive protein by up to 15%, an indicator of the degree of inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory effect of flaxseed has justified its recommendation in the symptomatic treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus.

3. Hormonal Balance and Cancer Prevention

Three of the lignans present in the seeds – dry isolariciresinol, matairecinol, and pinoresinol – are converted by beneficial intestinal bacteria into enterolactone and enterodiol, compounds which, after a series of regular actions on the hormonal system, produce a preventive effect against the bowel cancer. breast and prostate.

Along with the hormone, another way flaxseeds can prevent tumors is related to increased activity of detoxifying enzymes that kill carcinogens or precancerous agents. In this way, they reduce the risk of colon cancer, for example.

Lignans are also cancer-fighting because they are antioxidant polyphenols. When you want to get antioxidants, fruits and vegetables are consider first, but flax seeds are among the first places in the classification of foods rich in polyphenols, the most important group of agents that protect genetic material from attack. free radicals.

Consumption of polyphenols is associate with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome Therapy

In the face of this disorder, it can even use as therapy. One trial show that symptoms can reduce by taking 30g of bread enriched with ground seeds per day for three months.

This study indicates that the seeds lower blood pressure and blood sugar. They also help with weight control. It including reducing fat around the waistline where it does the most damage.

Against Neurological Diseases

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are part of the composition of neuronal membranes, where the biochemical reactions necessary for the proper functioning of the brain take place.

This has led to believe that flax seeds or the oil could use to combat various. It neurological disorders or to preserve and improve intellectual faculties.

Reviews of studies indicate that it may be useful in some cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. And also that it may prevent and reduce symptoms of certain psychoses and bipolar disorders.

Therapeutic Application

Traditional and popular medicine is able to create effective remedies based on flax against various imbalances.

The Greek Hippocrates, father of European medicine, administered the oil for colds, colic and diarrhea almost 2,500 years ago.

In the 16th century, Paracelsus recommended it to relieve coughs.

In central and northern Europe. It popular laxative remedy is to soak the seeds overnight to drink the mucilage gel with water the next morning.

Its effectiveness is explain by the fact that it increases the volume of stools and facilitates intestinal transit.

This preparation is also indicated for digestive inflammations.

The oil, on the other hand, can applies to the skin to speed up healing of burns and prevent complications.

Caution During Pregnancy

Some animal studies have raise. It suspicion about the safety of taking large amounts of the seeds (around four tablespoons) during pregnancy .

Although nothing confirmed in men, a precaution, women not advise to consume such high doses during pregnancy.

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