Turn back the biological clock with Flax Seeds and Flax Oil!
Tweeet this!
Flax is nature’s miraculous cure for our heart, blood, joints, colon, aging, brain and even peace of mind!
It was during my pregnancy (4+ years back) that I started reading and researching on natural food, cures supplements, herbs, lifestyle, therapies and more. And I continue to do so till date. Infact, now it’s become a mission for me.
Among all natural food and cures that I have studied so far, one that is discovered to be nature’s most miraculous and versatile medicines is Flax seeds (*Hindi – Alsi).
*scroll to the bottom of the page for the name in other Indian languages
I can’t write enough about the nutritional benefits of Flax seeds and oil. As this food is being rediscovered the world over, Nutritionists rank it among the top 10 health foods.
Flax seeds are the richest source of oil containing Omega 3 fatty acids - that extraordinary component, the deficiency of which may lead our body to cripple and collapse. “Flax seeds also contain over a hundred times more of a phytonutrient, known as lignan, than wheat bran, buckwheat, rye, millet, oats, and soybeans. Lignins have received a lot of attention lately because of possible anti-cancer properties” – Dr. Sears
Here is a long list (trying hard to present in a nutshell!) of health benefits from Flax.
Boosts Immunity: With, H1N1 scare dictating our lifestyle and affecting mental peace, boosting the immune system has become a top priority. Studies have shown that school children who are given about 1 teaspoon of flax oil a day had fewer and less severe instances of respiratory infections (linked to swine flue) than those who were not supplemented with flax oil.
Healthy Brain Development: This is very important in the first few years of life when a child’s brain grows at a rapid pace and even more so – during the fetus stage and infancy. The Omega 3 fatty acids in flax are key to brain building. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, mothers should supplement their diet with 2 teaspoons of flax oil, if not more, to provide the essential fats to the growing baby.
Heart Friendly: The Omega 3 fatty acids in Flax reduce bad cholesterol improving heart health. Also help in regulating blood pressure.
Healthy Skin and Lustrous Hair: The healthy oils in Flax are beneficial for people who have dry or sensitive skin and are prone to sun burns. Flax is also helpful in reducing dandruff.
Helps in Joint Pain and Osteoarthritis: Flax and Cod liver oil, the richest source of omega-3 fats, have been shown to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis.
Helpful in Diabetes: Flax may lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood-sugar levels.
Cure for Post Partum Depression and Hormone Regulation: The lack of essential fatty acids in pregnant women might be a cause of postpartum depression, say experts. Flax can be a cure for this. It also helps normalize hormones during menopause and premenstrual phase.
Cancer Preventive and Healing Properties: Flax seed oil is rich in Lignan, so consuming it can help prevent the occurrence of breast cancer, colon cancer or any other type of cancer.
Stress Releaser: As a result of our processed-food-rich diets, we’re consuming large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and little or zero omega-3 fatty acids, which is a recipe for feeling “stressed out”, says Dr. James Boschman based on his years of research. The essential fatty acids in Flax have calming effect on us releasing stress.
Great for Weight Watchers: Large amount of soluble fibre in flax slows the release of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, helping control insulin levels and prolong energy. Soluble fibre, when consumed, satisfies hunger pangs by giving a sense of fullness. For this reason, people who are trying to lose weight should increase their consumption of soluble fibre. When I work late nights, I would rather reach out for the box of ground flax seeds than cookies or chocolates..!
Helps in Constipation: Soluble fibre in Flax acts as an excellent laxative.
Overall Health: The Omega 3 fatty acids have shown to improve high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, allergies and inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, and many others as per health experts.
Using Flax Seeds and OIL – Dos and Don’ts
Flax oil should not be used for cooking as it is very heat sensitive and is rather harmful when heated. Flax oil or ground flax can be added to food after cooking.
Flax also turns rancid very quickly. Hence, flax oil and seeds should always be refrigerated with the lid tightly on. Should not be exposed to heat or light. When purchasing, look for refrigerated oil stored in dark colored bottles.
Flax seeds, because they contain high amount of soluble fibre, are more beneficial than their oil. Hence, it’s worth the effort to grind fresh flax seeds. They can be grounded coarsely rather than a very powdery form.
Preparation and serving:
Flax seeds have a yummy nutty flavor. Ground flax seeds can be sprinkled on salads, cereals with cold milk, buttered bread along with jam, in smoothies (soak the flax seeds and blend with any fruit and water/milk).
But, never use it in cake batter, roti/tortilla dough etc because flax loses its nutritional value when exposed to heat (when making rotis over heat).
Flax oil taken with a meal can actually increase the nutritional value of other foods. Mixing flax oil with yogurt helps to emulsify the oil, improving its digestion and metabolism by the body.
So, have Flax, stay fit and turn the life’s clock backward!
References:
- Miracle Cures by Jean Carper
- Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2 by Michael T. Murray,
- Mike Adam’s – http://www.naturalnews.com
- www.askdrsears.com
- The New Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford
- Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2 by Michael T. Murray, ND
* Name for Flax in other Indian Languages: Flaxseeds are known as Alsi in Hindi, Gujarati, and Punjabi, Agase in Kannada, Ali Vidai in Tamil, Jawas and Alashi in Marathi, Tishi in Bengali, Pesi in Bengali, Avise ginzalu in Tamil and Cheruchanavith in Malayali.
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The flax is not crushed, so the precious oil is retained. Nutrition Facts
Hey, this is great info on flax. You’ve really done some incredible research on this. Didn’t realize that using it in roti makes it lose its nutritional value. I was doing it this way for a long time. Thanks for the various Indian names too. Need to check my local store for some flax seeds now. So far, I used to get my supply from the US.
Thanks Asha. I am so glad you found the post helpful. Flax seeds are easily available in India because these are grown in plenty across the whole of North India. And are pretty cheap too (Rs. 150 or so per Kg!) compared to the dollar rates). You might just have to tell your local store the right name or may be show a picture for their better understanding)…
Keep visiting my blog
Cheers,
Rashmie
Hi Rashmie
…I mean all in all from recycling to keep kids busy to prepare a healthy snack for them …I mean it’s a one stop blog to help ur children become more creative and eco-friendly … Keep it up! Cheers
This is a great article..and this is not the first time I have read your article..I am Srtishti’s colleague and she keep sharing the articles with me… and now I have become a complete fan of ur’s and ur blog obviously
Rachna
Rachna, thanks a ton dear for the very very encouraging words
and I must thank Srishti too for sharing with her friends and collagues…
Keep checking this space. I hope to blog more frequently. You can also subscribe through email…
Have a great day
Rashmie
Hi. Good to know abt. the goodness of flax. My family has been gobbling flax seeds for past 1 year. Not that i notice any spectacular effects, but i guess its keeping us well silently !
whoa! that was quite some information on flax seeds! though you have been telling me about the goodness of this health food for a long time now, reading all about it at one go here makes me its instant fan! i’ll go get a sack-full today!
nice creative pic at the top.. goes well with the ‘clock’ title..
Thanks dear! The written word always carries more merit and leaves an impression, I guess, than what we say…
And glad you like the pic…
But, not a “sack full” my dear bro, ’cause, it turns rancid after a while and loses its benefits..
So, finally I could log on and leave comment here rather then writing emails to you in reply to your blog articles
Hey what a picture yaar. I mean the whole concept of a timer with Flax seeds…the picture itself explains what flax seeds are all about. You would be glad to know that looking at the benefits, we are having it daily…me and mom and hope to continue …Cheers to a healthy life !!
So, finally I could log on and leave comment here rather then writing emails to you in reply to your blog articles
.Hey, what a picture yaar. I mean the whole concept of a timer with Flax seeds…the picture itself explains what flax seeds are all about. You would be glad to know that looking at the benefits, we are having it daily…me and mom and hope to continue …Cheers to a healthy life !!
Hey Bhabhi Jaan, thanks yaar for this motivating comment
So glad you guys (or rather girls!) are having regularly. What about your hubby dude? 
He left a comment saying he’ll buy a sack-full!! Tell him to go spoon-by-spoon…!
Cheers,
Rashmie
Hubby Dude is determined to start today onwards !! or rather, I should be motivated to make him have daily…so will try my level best
see….see….! So, you too are resorting to spoon feeding…
These hubbys – I tell you..!
Thanks good info.Great presentation.
Thanks Jojo!
Hi,
A very informative and One of the Best articles that I have come across.
Can you advice if you can get any ready to eat products made from flax seeds in Mumbai. It would really help, if you can list store names and locations if possible. Thanks.
I was told by one of friend that consuming grinded flax seeds, 3 tea spoonfull mixed in dhai (yogurt) with choped Munnaca and almonds with some honey during dinner will help – 1) reducing fat 2) help improving bowel movements 3) reducing blood sugar level 4) controls blood pressure 5) gives energy for the day.
Please update 1) if the way of consuming flax seeds is correct 2) does it have any side effects or negative effects 3) how long one can take this on a regular basis 4) I am a 52 year male having blood sugar and high BP.
Hello Amit,
Sorry about the tardy reply. Some person problem kept me away from blog etc.
Here’s my take:
1) The way your friend suggested – by mixing with curd almonds and honey – is absolutely fine. But, I have some doubts regarding munnaca though.
From my experience, munnaca is best taken during cold months and in very less quantity. Or else, it heats up the body and may result in boild and ulcers in mouth.
Besides, munnaca should be soaked in water overnight and only the infused water should be drunk. As I mentioned in my blog post, flax can be taken with water twice a day – 2-3 tea spoon full. 2) There is no side effects/negative effects of flax seeds. Just make sure that you drink ample water after taking flax because flax seeds are high fibre that need enough fluid consumption for proper digestion. 3) you can take this for years. Even life-long. Infact, as we grow older, our body will need the vital omega 3s all the more for proper functioning of all organs (the heart, specifically).
Thanks Amit. Let me know if you have other question and I will try me best to give the appropriate answer. I love researching on these natural health foods.
I will be doing a post soon in detail about natural foods for heart health and high BP. You can subscribe to my blog to get regular updates.
Thanks, I have only one reservation..r the flax seeds good for kidney or not.. if there is a kidney disorder and blood pressure because of it, can these seeds be taken? Should one take some precautions?
@ tk zadoo – I am not a medical practitioner so the answer I give here may not be appropriate. You should definitely consult your doctor regarding this.
However, from the extensive research I have conducted on Flax Seeds, I can say that you can safely take Flax Seeds to cure Kidney disorders.
Infact, there are indications that Flax Seeds may reverse the disorder to a large extent. Flax have anti inflammatory and antioxidative properties that are beneficial.
Also, the lignans from Flax may prevent Kidney related disorders. You can read more here: http://www.barleans.com/literature/flax/127-flax-an-kidney-disease.html
and Here: http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/flaxoil.htm
“Dr. Kousmine believes that by consuming RAW virgin vegetable oil, such as cold pressed flaxseed and sunflower oil rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and in vitamin E, it is possible to reduce the permeability of the intestinal membrane and to prevent toxins from invading the blood and overloading the kidneys and the liver, thus preventing the formation of a tumor and reducing the severity of any degenerative disease, like multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis. ”
Green tea is also found to have very healing effect on Kidneys. It’s great for the heart, circulatory system, and liver and helps in the reduction of cholesterol.
I read this post and found it very useful. I am from Maharashtra and do not know what word is used for flax seeds in Marathi. Please mention it if any body knows.
Hi! Can you tell me is Isabgol also the same as Flax seeds?
@Shabeena: No, Isabgol is not the same as Flax seeds. Isabgol is the Indian name for Psyllium seed husks. It’s used to cure constipation as it provides bulk to the intestines. Grinded flax seeds also provide bulk and hence is good to cure constipation. But Flax seeds have other benefits (Omega 3 fatty acids) that are not there in Isabgol.
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I find flaxseed is really great because you can add it to just about anything and it has great health benefits!
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