Len is a herbaceous plant up to 1.5 meters high. The fruit is small, yellowish, and globular. It looks like a box with a cup opening above it—inside about 10 flax seeds from light brown to dark brown shades.
What you need to know about flax seeds
- The history of flax seeds
- Seed use
- Is there any harm
- Application in medicine
- Application in cooking
- How to choose and store
The history of flax seeds
In the eighth century, Charlemagne issued an unusual decree. All his subjects, from small to large, were obliged to add flax seeds to their diet. The King of the Franks believed that golden seeds save a person from many diseases. One of the oldest cereals in the world has retained useful properties to our time. Flax seeds can protect the body from radiation, reduce cholesterol, and prevent cancer.
The ancient Greeks also knew about the healing properties of flax.
The great doctor Hippocrates advised his patients to drink decoction from flaxseed in inflammation of the mucous membranes. Put, with the flu, SARS, and cold.
The native land of flax is considered to be the mountainous areas of India, China and the
The Mediterranean. Originally, the oldest cereal was cultivated in Jericho. In the 10th and 11th centuries, the peasants of Kievan Rus processed flax on fiber and little to pay for them. A few centuries later, there was a commercial flax production.
Use of flax seeds
In nature, there are two types of flaxseed – golden flaxseed and brown flaxseed. Both have unique, useful properties. The mystery lies in its composition.
For example, rinmamarine evenly envelops the stomach and prevents the absorption of harmful toxins.
Internal inflammations gradually disappear. Fiber cleanses the body and increases the speed of food passing. Fatty oils (Omega-3 and Omega-6) have anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. Therefore, flax seeds help with constipation. Moreover, the amount of fatty acids in linen is much greater than in traditional fish and meat.
– Hormone-like compounds lignan reduce the risk of malignant tumors.
They have antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. B vitamins, which are also present in the seed, speed up metabolism. Reduce the level of fat layer (that’s why it is so recommended for people with obesity). Magnesium is responsible for bone growth and cardiovascular function. In particular, it controls the heart rate and normalizes blood pressure. Flaxseed is an excellent helper for the treatment of the respiratory system and diseases of the bone system. Phosphorus affects the functioning of the brain and nervous system, acid-alkaline balance. Copper interacts with enzymes that are in the body. It participates in the exchange of fats and carbohydrates, explains nutritionist Elena Solomatina, Ph.D.
The harm of flax seeds
Flax seeds are not always useful. For example, women during pregnancy, doctors recommend stopping using these cereals. This is because flax has estrogen-like properties. This can lead to pathological development of the fetus or premature birth.
Also, do not abuse those who suffer from a bowel
obstruction. The cereal contains much fiber, so additional abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation may appear.
Use of flax seeds in medicine
Len kills cancer cells, so it is often used to prevent prostate, colon, and breast cancer.
For men, flax is useful because it lowers and normalizes cholesterol and regulates glycemic levels in the
blood.
Women are advised to use flax seeds to reduce hot flashes during
menopause. It also “improves” a woman’s psycho-emotional state: she becomes calmer and more balanced.
Children can be given decoctions with flax seeds for coughs, flu, and SARS – they fight parasites and gently excrete sputum.
In general, if a person regularly consumes flaxseed, he can lose
weight. Also, his skin will become more resistant to radiation and a negative environment. After all, flax has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Applying flax seeds in cooking
Flaxseed has a sweet taste, reminiscent of sesame seeds. It has a dense shell, which the human stomach is unable to process. Therefore, flax is most often crushed and subjected to thermal treatment (no higher than 40 degrees). The ideal option is to soak in warm water.
The most popular dish of flaxseed is Dagestan Urbach.
The lens is crushed, dried, and mixed with honey. Seeds are also often added to herbal broths or fruit sours.
By the way, flax broth is perfect for preparing dietary cereals, sauces, and gravies.
Seeds will give a mild taste and make the dish more satisfying. Bread with the addition of flaxseed remains soft longer than usual.
A healthy breakfast with flax seeds
The dish is suitable for daily dietary nutrition. This breakfast is beneficial for children because it contains the maximum amount of beneficial amino acids, minerals, and dietary fiber. It is also recommended to cleanse the stomach.
- Oats – 1 tablespoon
- Flax seeds – 1 tablespoon
- Hercules – 1 tablespoon
- Cranberries – 100 grams
Mix all the ingredients, add half a cup of boiling water and leave them overnight. In the morning, grind the mass with a blender. If desired, add a banana.
Vegetable salad with flax seeds
The perfect light and nutritious snack for the summer menu. The salad is enriched with vitamins A, C, K, and beta-carotene, fatty acids, and beneficial trace elements – iron, magnesium, zinc, and calcium.
- Spinach – 100 grams
- Sweet pepper – 1 piece
- Black sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Cucumbers – 2 pieces
- Flax seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Cut hard stems in spinach. Shred the remaining leaves into the desired pieces—cut cucumbers and peppers. Add sesame seeds, flax seeds. Stir and season with olive oil. If desired, you can add soy sauce.
How to choose and store flax seeds
You can buy flax seeds on the market. Usually, they are sold in departments with greens and spices. In shopping malls (in grocery stores), golden cereals are laid out on shelves next to nuts, grains, and additives. You can also buy it at the pharmacy. By the way, this option is the safest, as there is less chance to run into a low-quality product.
Flax seeds are sold in three types – whole, hammer, and crushed.
When choosing, focus on the date of collection and the integrity of the package. After buying the seeds, pour the seeds into a plastic container with a lid and remove them in a cold but dry place. Ground flax is suitable for about 4 months; whole seeds are stored for up to 2 years.
The grains mustn’t get moisture. Otherwise, the seeds will
spoil. Optimal storage conditions: humidity of at least 75%, and temperature – not higher than 25 degrees. Avoid direct sunlight.
