Golden flax seeds are a food that regulates blood pressure and metabolism. They help with weight loss, constipation, and many other benefits we will explain.
They can be taken in different ways, blocking the path of estrogen because they contain a lot of omega-3, a great amount of fiber, and minerals. It is a very complete natural product, beneficial with amazing properties for health.
Contents
Properties of golden flax seeds
Since they contain weak estrogen and omega-3, the properties of golden flax seeds work in the human body providing positive effects for people predisposed to breast tumors and other conditions associated with uncontrolled cell growth.
In this sense, their composition includes lignans, phytochemicals that act as antioxidants, protecting and preventing such diseases.
Take note of all their properties:
- Anticancer.
- Blood pressure regulators.
- Anti-constipation.
- Weight loss.
- Cholesterol balancing.
- Anti-inflammatory.
Moreover, the properties and also the benefits of flax are as follows.
Constipation
The properties of flax seeds for constipation work due to the large amount of fiber they contain.
Their contribution is substantial compared to other foods, making them a highly sought-after benefit for constipated individuals.
Their rich content in dietary fiber also helps to prevent constipation, needing to be taken regularly to improve bowel movement.
Taking flax seeds for constipation makes digestion smoother and improves the process of eliminating stool. Here you can see how to take them for this purpose.
Weight loss
Although there is much talk about the properties of flax seeds for weight loss, in reality, such benefits are not direct. They can help as a complement to the diet, preventing side effects from eating less, since flax contains a lot of fiber.
We can use this type of seed as a natural alternative to avoid the side effects of strict diets that often cause intestinal blockage and make bowel regularity difficult.
All diets recommend eating plenty of fiber, so flax seeds are an interesting and worthwhile option. They will prevent constipation and, therefore, help reduce bloating and some volume loss.
Hypertension
In the case of hypertension, golden flax seeds are capable of lowering blood pressure after about 6 months of consumption.
This has been concluded in several studies, so they may help people with high blood pressure who need treatment for this condition. However, it’s essential to check the contraindications to avoid incompatibilities and cross effects.
They also play a role in metabolism, acting on calcium, fats, and their transformation into energy.
Cholesterol
The soluble fiber composed of mucilages and pectins, along with polyunsaturated omega fatty acids, has the power to improve high blood cholesterol levels.
Golden flax seeds are one of the foods with linoleic acid, a highly beneficial substance with the same effect as cod liver oil and fish oil.
These, like flax, are classified as hypocholesterolemic because they reduce LDL cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol, and are also precursors to omega EPA and DHA acids.
As an anti-inflammatory
This substance found in flax and linseed has anti-inflammatory properties. It works when we ingest it along with the seeds, having effects on the entire body.
Moreover, reducing cholesterol has a direct impact on cardiovascular health. The heart suffers less, and the blood contains fewer harmful lipids that affect the entire coronary system.
For the skin
Mucilages and pectins improve the tissues of the epidermis, as it needs fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, so while you take care of your body’s health, you are also taking care of this.
Linseed is rich in nutrients, but it can also be used for other purposes besides nutrition. Flax seeds for the skin work well, improving the quantity and quality of nutrients that reach all layers of the epidermis.
To use flax for the skin, you can prepare poultices or compresses and apply them to areas affected by redness, eczema, or burns. It will give a boost to the healing process.
For the hair
They promote better growth and thickness of the hair. Flax seeds for hair make it stronger and healthier, improving its resistance and preventing it from breaking easily.
They prevent brittle hair thanks to the essential fatty acids they contain, which, along with their vitamins, act as a revitalizer.
At the same time, because they contain antioxidants, they help the hair age less, slowing the appearance of gray hair and loss of color.
Benefits
Given that flax seeds contain much more omega-3 than other foods, you can use them just like you would with the supplement Enerzona Omega 3 RX. For example, it helps to:
- Regulate high blood pressure.
- Improve heart health.
- Stimulate the nervous system.
- Slow down skin aging.
- Prevent the onset of diabetes.
If you like cereals for their fiber, flax is one of the best foods considering this fact.
But to make it clearer, below are the nutrients they contain.
Nutritional value
| Nutritional value | per 100 g of flax |
|---|---|
| Calories | 534 |
| Total fats | 42 g |
| *Saturated fatty acids | 3.7 g |
| *Polyunsaturated fatty acids | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Dietary fiber | 27 g |
| Sugars | 1.6 g |
| Proteins | 18 g |
| Potassium | 813 mg |
| Magnesium | 392 mg |
| Sodium | 29 mg |
| Iron | 5.7 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
Composition
In addition to the nutritional value of flax seeds, we can also find substances that are very beneficial for the human body, including the following:
- Omega-3: It is essential for the cell membrane, the heart, and many internal processes of the body. Flaxseed or linseed is very rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and its value is among the highest.
- Vegetable proteins: Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They are of high quality and in significant amounts. Something that improves nutrition when meat is not consumed.
- Gluten-free: or in other words, suitable for celiacs.
- Fiber: Improves the digestion process and prevents constipation. Flax seeds are very rich in fiber, lignans, and mucilages.
- Vitamin C and B6: Act as antioxidants, strengthening the immune system, preventing damage caused by free radicals, and improving nutrition.
- Minerals: Such as magnesium and potassium. Essential for the muscular system, neurons, and the entire nervous system.
- Antioxidants and phenolic compounds: Functional for delaying aging.
After indicating the properties and benefits of flax seeds, let’s now look at the cases where it is not advisable to take them, both due to possible incompatibilities and adverse reactions.
Types of flax seeds
In addition to the typical seeds for weight loss, there are other varieties of flax that can be eaten and used to prepare various recipes.
Sometimes they are labeled as linseed, and other times as flax. But they are all the same.
What does differ is the exterior appearance. There are different varieties that you can find, such as:
- Golden flax.
- Brown flax.
Now, do you know the differences? Let’s explain them…
Differences between golden flax and brown flax
Nutritionally, there are few differences between golden flax and brown flax. They are practically the same when we consider their nutrients, such as the vitamins, minerals, and fiber they contain.
Both types of flax seeds have the same properties and health benefits, and their effects are valued after consuming them for several consecutive weeks.
In terms of organoleptic qualities, taste, smell, and mouthfeel, golden seeds have a stronger flavor. They produce a greater intensity when tasted in the mouth. On the other hand, brown flax seeds are milder, but as mentioned, they are very similar, so choosing one over the other comes down to personal preference.
Another characteristic that differentiates them is the color, but beyond this, whether they are brown or golden does not affect metabolism or bowel transit. So you can take whichever you prefer. If one is cheaper, it will provide practically the same benefits.
How to take golden flax seeds
Although it seems that taking them in any form is fine, that’s not the case. Whole seeds have fewer properties than those that are consumed crushed or in the form of flaxseed oil. There are various university studies showing that ingesting them whole makes them less bioavailable, meaning they are metabolized differently, and the availability of alpha-linolenic acid decreases significantly.
In the tests carried out, docosahexaenoic acid (EPA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA) show slight variations in plasma when consumed unprocessed, which is very different when they are ground.
So, if you’re wondering how to take flax seeds, the best way is in oil or by crushing them. The first method is very useful because you can add a drizzle to your breakfast toast or when having a sandwich. The second method makes it easier to sprinkle them as a condiment on any dish. You can sprinkle them with your fingers or buy a small coffee grinder to grind them as needed and keep them much fresher.
To prepare and take flax seeds for constipation, follow these steps.
For constipation
- Add a teaspoon of flax seeds to a glass of water.
- Let it sit for 8 hours. You can prepare it at night so it’s ready by the morning.
- Take a small spoonful before breakfast or eating. It is recommended 30 minutes before.
- At night, before sleeping, you can also take the same amount of seeds.
Optionally, if you find it unpleasant to take them with just water, you can add them to yogurt to improve bowel transit. You can also add them to salads during the day or use them as an ingredient in other recipes.
Remember to let them soak for a few hours beforehand because otherwise, you won’t be able to digest them well. Flax seeds are very hard, and they need to be softened before consumption.
Now, you may not know that, besides the “golden seeds,” there are other types of flax, which have different properties when consumed.
So, let’s explain their varieties and the effects and properties they possess.
Contraindications
Flax and its seeds are a very safe food. They normally do not produce any adverse reactions or effects.
It is important to always consume them raw, in one of the ways we have indicated, either ground, as flaxseed oil, or whole after soaking them for several hours.
However, some people may have hypersensitivity or an allergy to one of their components, and they can interact in other situations.
Thus, we can say that the contraindications of flax seeds are:
- Anticoagulants.
- Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid.
- Diabetes. Diabetic people should monitor blood sugar levels when starting to take them.
- Diarrhea.
- Gastrointestinal diseases:
- Digestive problems.
- Scleroma.
- Etc.
- Do not administer to children under 11 years old.
- Pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding.
- Endometriosis.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Uterine tumors.
Flax seeds can cause changes in menstruation when taken for long periods. They have estrogen-like effects, so they could cause menstrual irregularities and changes in reproductive function. They have estrogen-like effects.
Side effects
- Stomach pain.
- Feeling nauseous.
- Allergy.
Most of the side effects of golden flax seeds may appear due to a food allergy or due to higher sensitivity in the stomach.
Some people need a few days to get their body used to this food when they have never consumed it before, so it is more likely to feel some stomach discomfort at the beginning of consumption.
If you notice any reaction, it is advisable to stop taking them until full recovery is confirmed.
If there is an illness or ongoing treatment, it is always best to consult a doctor to evaluate whether there may be any interactions with medications. Remember that they have a high component that mimics the effects of estrogen.
The most common scenario is that there are no problems or side effects, but they should always be taken in moderation and only when necessary.