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Benefits and virtues of flaxseed

Flaxseed, which comes from cultivated flax, is an oilseed that has been cultivated, used and consumed by man since the dawn of time: the Neolithic period! Flaxseed is used as seed or oil in food, as a remedy and poultice to treat aches and pains, and is also known as the oldest textile in the world: it was even called "woven moonlight" by the Egyptians, who were fascinated by this material.

 

Whether brown or golden flax, the seeds have the same properties, except that brown flax contains twice as much fibre.

They contain:

- Oil (35%) of which : 55% alpha linolenic acid (Omega 3), 20% linolenic acid (Omega 6) and 10% oleic acid (Omega 9),
- Proteins, fibres,
- Mucilage (plant substances that swell on contact with water and can resemble gelatine, and which bring an effect of satiety)
- Phytooestrogens (vegetable substances close to the female hormones),
- Vitamins of the group B, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, calcium

 

 

What is it good for? 

Rich in omega-3 and omega-6, known as "natural fatty acids", flax contributes to the preservation of the cell membrane and to the proper functioning of the cardiovascular, cerebral, inflammatory and hormonal systems.
It regulates post-menopausal hormonal symptoms by reducing hot flushes and muscular pains.
Its omega-6s promote the elasticity and hydration of the skin and its fibres optimise transit.

 

 

Its omega-3 helps to burn bad fats and thus participates in the slimming of the silhouette. Also known for its cosmetic virtues, flax can be used to give volume to the hair and make it shiny.

Many other benefits are attributed to flaxseed. For example, they are said to help prevent a number of ailments, such as Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's, asthma, depression and diabetes.

 

 

How is it consumed?

Flax seeds can be bought whole but it is important to remove the envelope that surrounds them before consumption in order to benefit from all the benefits they contain. You will have to grind or break them before using them in your recipes.

A teaspoon to sprinkle on white meat, vegetables, but also on cereals such as muesli for breakfast. You can also grind it and incorporate it into a pie crust or enjoy its roundness in Sigdal Norwegian crackers. Be careful to consume it quickly, flaxseed spoils quickly. Once oxidized, it will not be as effective.