Flax or flaxseed is a seed that is extracted from the Linum usitatissimum plant, belonging to the linaceae family and from which flaxseed oil and flaxseed flour are also extracted. Many specialists recommend the consumption of ground flaxseed, above flaxseeds, because it is more easily digested.
Ground flaxseed can be enjoyed through juices or infusions. It can also be mixed in some meals to make the most of its benefits. On this occasion, in we tell you all the properties of flaxseed and we clarify what ground flaxseed is for and how you can take advantage of it.
Nutritional composition of flaxseed
Flaxseed is a food rich in fibers and antioxidants that, in turn, has Omega 3, 6 and 9 oils, as well as B vitamins and vitamin C. In addition, it has a high content of potassium, iron, magnesium and folic acid. This is the nutritional value of flaxseed per 100 g:
- Calories: 534
- Fats: 42 g, of which: 3.7 g are saturated fats, 29 g are polyinstituted fats and 8 g are monounsaturated fats.
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Potassium: 813 mg
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fibers: 27 g
- Sugars: 1.6 g
- Protein: 18 g
Properties of ground flaxseed
Flaxseed is one of those foods that usually appears in many healthy eating regimens, but what makes it so beneficial? The key to flaxseed's properties lies in its Omega 3 content, also called alpha linolenic acid, as well as its fiber content. It is believed that, in addition to helping with digestion, flaxseed can also help prevent cardiovascular disease, as it contributes to balancing blood cholesterol. Other of the most important properties of flaxseed are:
- It is anti-inflammatory: thanks to linolenic acid, flaxseed helps relieve inflammation.
- Take care of the skin: regular consumption of ground flaxseed can bring shine and freshness to the skin. In this way, it helps to counteract premature aging and is an excellent ally against diseases such as psoriasis and eczema.
- Fights constipation: Like any fiber-rich food, flaxseed is good for improving digestion and removing waste from the body more easily.
- It helps the body deal with asthma or arthritis.
What is ground flaxseed for – benefits
The intake of ground flaxseed can bring a significant number of advantages to the body. Among the most important benefits of flaxseed, we can mention:
- Acts as an antioxidant: The consumption of ground flaxseed will help you increase the defenses of your body, preventing you from getting sick recurrently. It also promotes memory and mood.
- Prevents cancer: These seeds feature more than 20 compounds that will help prevent cancer and maintain cellular health.
- Prevents the formation of blood clots. In this way, it decreases the risk of suffering heart attacks or cardiovascular accidents.
- It works as an energizer: with the recurrent intake of flaxseeds, you will have more energy during the day, as it will help all the muscles of the body to recover quickly.
- Flaxseed for hair: flaxseed contains a large amount of vitamins B and E, ideal to prevent hair loss and give it shine. To do this, you only have to put this water after having taken out the respective shampoo and conditioner from the hair.
If you want to know more Beauty tips with flaxseed or how to use flaxseed water to strengthen hair, do not hesitate to visit our articles where we tell you more about it.
How to take ground flaxseed
Flaxseed should be taken with large amounts of water or any other liquid, due to its high fiber content. One of the easiest drinks to prepare is flaxseed water, which is easy to digest and gives the body all the already known benefits of flaxseed.
In case you want to prepare it, you must follow the following steps:
- Boil a tablespoon of ground flaxseed in a cup of water.
- Wait for it to form a gelatinous consistency for the water to solidify.
- After it boils, remove it from the stove and let it sit.
Many people consume ground flaxseed on an empty stomach, either through flaxseed water or other preparations. Consuming ground flaxseed every morning will help absorb its nutrients more easily and improve digestion throughout the day.
If you have doubts about how to consume flaxseed, in this article we give you the best recipes with flax seeds or ground flaxseed so that you can incorporate this superfood into your diet with ease.
How to take ground flaxseed to lose weight
One of the benefits of ground flaxseed is that it favors digestive processes, which is why it helps to lose weight. You can include ground flaxseed in your meals, as it has very little nut flavor and combines perfectly with many ingredients. You can also drink flaxseed water.
Whichever way you prefer to consume ground flaxseed, it is important that you do it daily. You can take ground flaxseed on an empty stomach, during the day or after each meal. Combine your healthy eating habits with a consistent exercise routine and you'll see results in no time.
In our article How to lose weight with flaxseed we tell you more about the slimming properties of this food and how you can use it to achieve your goals.
Contraindications of flaxseed
Despite the multiple benefits that flaxseed offers for the body, some people can generate side effects such asflatulence or weight gain. Not all people can assimilate it, so flaxseed is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Pregnant Women: the consumption of flaxseed, as well as flour or oil in large quantities, can be harmful to the fetus, as it can affect the reproductive system of the fetus.
- Patients with systemic sclerosis: those who suffer from this disease, or have the risk of suffering from intestinal obstructions, should eliminate flaxseeds from their diet, as it increases the chances of suffering from constipation.
- Allergies: People who are allergic to any of the components of these seeds, should quickly stop consumption or place it in small amounts in order to cause as little damage as possible to the body.
- If you are under the influence of certain medications: In case you are under medical treatment, you should make sure that the consumption of flaxseed does not coincide with the time of the medication. Check with your doctor to find out if there are any contraindications to flaxseed in your treatment.
How to grind flax seeds
Finally, you can buy ground flaxseed or seeds in any supermarket, health food stores or similar establishments. In the case of buying flaxseeds, you can grind them with the help of any food processor or coffee grinder in the comfort of your home.
