linseed

The flax was already in the oldest cultures of the world and with it the linseed known. The medicinal plant occurs all over the world, but it is still unknown where it actually comes from.

Occurrence and cultivation of flaxseed

Around 5000 BC They were linseed already verifiably known. The first linen fabrics came about when the farmers extracted flax fibers from the bark of the stalks and processed them.

Until linen was replaced by cotton and synthetic fibers in the 18th century, the linen plant was the most important textile raw material.

Linseed and linseed oil were already used in ancient Greece for various ailments. And in the Middle Ages this medicinal plant was used to make poultices. For example, the flaxseed can be used to make poultices that help with mild inflammation of the skin.

Effect & application

The most popular use of the today linseed is known to most people as a natural laxative. The digestion is started by flaxseed, because they swell up in the intestine. The flaxseed contains between three and 19 percent mucilage. These are composed of carbohydrates, fiber and various types of sugar, which in turn are components of vegetable gelling substances. In addition, the flax seeds contain around 25 percent protein.

Another component of linseed is the 30 to 45 percent fatty oil. The composition of the oil also contains linolenic acid, which is one of the omega-3 fatty acids.These mucilages are found in the outer layer of the flaxseed husks and they are the ones that swell up in the colon with the help of water. Because of this, the intestinal volume increases and in this way the digestive activity is stimulated. The intestinal contents are transported faster and more easily because the mucus and the oils trigger a lubricating effect.

The best result is achieved with the crushed linseed, because the fatty oil is released when chopping. So that the released fatty acids do not go rancid quickly, the crushed flax seeds should be stored at home in a cool place and only for a short time. Because the oil is very rich in energy, overweight people are rarely allowed to consume flaxseed. Flaxseed is now also known to have a preventive effect on prostate, colon and breast cancer. This is partly due to the omega-3 fatty acids in the oil. These also prevent cardiovascular diseases and help if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

Importance to health

It is very important that when recording linseed a lot is drunk so that the effects can develop freely. Otherwise it can happen that the swollen mucous substances stick to the intestinal wall.

In the worst case, this leads to an intestinal obstruction. It can take a few days before the support of the bowel movement becomes noticeable. It should be noted that the flaxseeds should not be taken at the same time as other medicines, so that one can rule out that the healing effects do not interfere with each other. There should be enough time in between.

A very small proportion of the components of the flaxseed causes hydrogen cyanide to develop in the body. But this is completely harmless, because the hydrogen cyanide is broken down by the body without any problems.

However, there are some groups of people who are strongly advised not to consume flaxseed. These are people who suffer from a narrowing of the esophagus or the stomach entrance. Flaxseed should also be avoided in the case of acute inflammation in the gastrointestinal area. It is the same with an intestinal obstruction.