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!
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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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Res Rashmiji,
Thanks for doing extensive research and again putting on web for public use
iam suffering from Eczema last 10 yrs and and not able to find a cure
i will start taking flax imediately and will let u know results
thank you once again
Ashok Bhujbal
Dear Ashok,
Thank you for reading and connecting here. I am sorry to know about your Eczema. Yes, please do share if you feel any positive change due to taking Flax Seeds.
I have been using flax-seed for the last 5 yrs continuously without a break. I grind the flax seeds at home in my mixie. I mix 2 spoons of the milled flax in a glass of cooked oats and consume for breakfast.It has kept me fit and active till today.
Hi Shanta, I kept wondering how to powder it and was thinking of doing it in my mixie but wasnt sure since most ppl said they do it on their coffee grinders. As we know, ‘coffee grinders’ are not a popular appliance here in India.
Can you guide me on the oatmeal recipe you follow? I tried oats in milk without sugar and they were sure difficult to savor
Nowadays flax powder itself is available in the supermarkets. But my advice is dont go for it as it may be adulterated !
Where do you suggest I get it from then in that case? I stay in Goa/ Mumbai.
Hi,
Flaxseeds are available in all Nilgiris supermarket outlets across the country.
I am confused now.
You said it might be contaminated coming from the Supermarkets. And you just referred me to one. Did I happen to misunderstand you?
I meant the powder could be contaminated ; NOT THE SEEDS.
Hi Santosh,
Being the author of this article, it’s nice to see so much information being exchanged between my readers, right here!
I was not able to respond to these exchanges until now as I was on vacation.
I am not aware of the Nilgiri Supermarket (as my reader Shantha has suggested) living here in Delhi. I have seen organic flax seeds in the Fab India stores. And, though they are expensive than usual, they can sure be trusted for their quality. If not Fab India, I suggest you look for any other organic brand (with certification) in a quality grocery store/ super market.
Hi Shantha ji
Thanks for this info. Is it okay we if mix this powder with cooked Nachini powder(Kanji) similar to oats what you are doing. It would be great if you can let me know where we can get good flax seed powder in Mumbai, if you stay here. Thanks in advance.
Certainly u can mix with cooked kanji , raitha, payasam, vegetable salad ,fruit salad ,rice and buttermilk gruel or plain curds or anything ! I dont stay in mumbai. Most supermarkets sell the flaxseeds. If the Nilgiris chain of supermarkets are there in mumbai u can try there, i know they sell it as i buy from them. May be u can try spencers or Foodworld also.
It is better u buy the seeds grind them and consume instead of buying the powder directly.
can u kindly share the way you use these flax seeds and are you also using flax oil ?
Namaste
I am woodworker hobbyist and while surfing the net I came across your very educational and informative website. The benefits of taking flax seeds in various forms are big and healthy living. I have a question and if you could answer I shall be very grateful to you,
Is the english name for flax is also Linseed? because I need linseed oil for all my woodwork projects and I have no clue which shop to visit and what should I say in Hindi:-) . I’m based in pune.
Hoping to hear from you.
Warm regards
Mahendra
In Hindi it is called Tisi and in some places Alsi also!! Probably “Alshi” in Marathi. Trust this helps.
thanks a lot Ravi!
I try my luck with the linseed oil:-)
Mahendra
yes.flaxseed and linseed are both one and the same. linseed oil is used as a thinner for paints if i am not mistaken.
Yes Shantha it is used as paint thinner as well as for woodwork after the final sanding it is applied independently so that the grain is highlighted and depending on the wood the end results are amazing! I am no expert on this but a hobbyist of scrolling wood and trying to add wood intarsia in my hobby:-) and very recent at it.
I am yet to get hold of the oil in my city.
Regards
Mahendra
Hi,
Flaxseeds are best stored in the freezer. When you need the powder take it out and leave it to thaw for a while say 20mins and warm it up a bit(dont crackle it as it will lose all its goodness) then grind it in a mixie (small jar) and then put it back into the freezer. When u want to consume take 2tsps and add it to cooked and cooled oats. Never cook ,heat or boil flax powder with anything at anytime. Always use powder directly in the dishes. As for recipes ,u can add flaxpowder to oats with buttermilk and salt and asfoetida(like porridge) .Or u can add flaxpowder to oats with milk flavor it with elaichi and add little sugar or jaggery(like sweet kichdi). Or add flaxpowder to oats garnished with chopped fruits and/or nuts.
Hi,
Flaxseeds are available in all Nilgiris supermarket outlets across the country.
Flaxseeds are best stored in the freezer. When you need the powder take it out and leave it to thaw for a while say 20mins and warm it up a bit(dont crackle it as it will lose all its goodness) then grind it in a mixie (small jar) and then put it back into the freezer. When u want to consume take 2tsps and add it to cooked and cooled oats. Never cook ,heat or boil flax powder with anything at anytime. Always use powder directly in the dishes. As for recipes ,u can add flaxpowder to oats with buttermilk and salt and asfoetida(like porridge) .Or u can add flaxpowder to oats with milk flavor it with elaichi and add little sugar or jaggery(like sweet kichdi). Or add flaxpowder to oats garnished with chopped fruits and/or nuts
Can you also advise if it is correct to eat this seed before meals with water?
u cant eat the seed. u can only eat the powdered form of the seed. take it at any time. since it is rich in fibre u have to drink lots of water so that it will be easy on the bowel. see my posting on how u can consume in different ways.
good evening
i have gone through your article on alsi nd it seems really beneficial. i am 40+ nd suffers from anxiety nd depression. nd little high cholostrol. is consuming alsi is beneficial for me if yes how should i consume. please suggest me.
see my earlier postings on how to consume.. flax will be beneficial to u with the kind of conditions u have.
Hi Darshna,
Sorry about the late reply. I was on vacation and just returned. Yes, flax seeds are very helpful for depression/stress etc. because the Omega 3 fatty acids in these seeds have healing effect on the brain. Infact, a large part of our brain is made of these oils and are the best nutrition for our brain.
You can take alsi/flax in ground form or as oil. Make sure the seeds are fresh and it’s better that you grind them fresh every week rather than grinding them in bulk.
One other thing – though we all go through depression/anxiety at some stage or other. particularly females due to the monthly cycles; I would recommend that you get a Thyroid test done. Hypo or Hyper thyroid can cause bouts of depressions besides other problems such as low energy levels, constant fatigue etc.
For Cholesterol, as I mentioned in one other reply, the best natural reedy is Cinnamon. You can boil it with your tea, add it to your delicacies. But then, you MUST consult your doctor about any other medication required.
Thanks for your write up. I would like to know whether we can take 1/2 teaspoon of this in our meal daily.
Regards
u can take upto a maximum of 2tablespoons recommended dose once a day. but even 2 teaspoons is more than sufficient if u r taking every day (regularly i mean).
Respected Rashm Ji
I am suffering from dry eyes & dry mouth (sjogren Syndrome)Its an auto immune disease .
I also suffer from high blood pressure and high cholesterol.In addition I have acute acidity.
Pls suggest a remedy
Jas
Dear Jas,
Thank you for writing. I am sorry to hear about your health problems. I am sure you have consulted a specialist and must be taking appropriate medication.
If not, you must do so immediately because high BP and cholesterol etc can lead to serious repercussions. Natural remedies can improve the situation but they may or may not be THE solution. Besides, please be aware that if you are on specific medication, its advisable to not take any and every natural remedy thinking that natural and herbal solutions cause no harm at all. Well, they will not likely cause any harm in generic scenario but if you are on a specific medication, it may interfere with the functioning of that medication. For example, if someone is taking a blood thinner for High BP, flax seeds/oil oil in big doses may not be advisable. And this is because, flax seed itself has a blood thinning quality. It’s a natural blood thinner and taking it alongside a Blood Thinning medication will thin the blood more than intended by your doctor. Same goes for fish oil.
So, what I mean is – though there are natural remedies for High BP and Cholesterol and dry eyes/mouth etc and they work well too, but if a condition is grave, such as yours, please heed to what your doctor says. I do not want to scare you. Just want you to be cautious before you experiment with natural medication. My mom went through a complicated heart surgery last year. She’s on blood thinner for life. So, I have read and learnt enough to understand how to strike a balance between doctor’s medication and natural remedies. For example, she has weak bones and very low Bone Mass Index, which means she might need extra calcium but with the Blood Thinning medicine, she must not take more than a very minimal dosage because otherwise there are chances that Calcium will be deposited on her heart valves. To compensate for this, I recommend her to take as much Calcium as possible in natural form – as in Black Strap Molasses, Jaggery, Sesame Seeds etc.
For high cholesterol, the best natural remedy is Cinnamon. You can take it in tea preparation, as a flavouring in Curries/delicacies etc. Then, there’s Shuddha Gugula, which is also considered helpful to control Cholesterol. You can try the Himalaya brand or the Organic India and some other brands.
Chhach or Butter Milk taken with rock salt and roasted and powdered cumin seeds (jeera) can bring relief to acidity. I do this myself and it really helps.
NOTE: While, I suggest all this, please understand that I do NOT have any medical background whatsoever. I just have a pure passion and deep interest in reading about such things and trying out at home. What I read, I validate as much as possible before I share on this blog.
Wish you the best for your health, Jas.
Thanks.Appreciate your quick response.
Jas
Hello,
I suffer from IBS. It has crippled living a normal life. It’s been there for about 15 years with no answer for me yet. i also don’t gain weight as a result. Can Flaxseed help in treating IBS.
Thanks,
Sumeet
Hello Sumeet,
Sorry to hear about your long struggle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I don’t know exactly what causes it but I do know that stress management can put a check on it. Besides, a diet that’s high in fibre (lots of raw veggies) and liquid should help as well. So, yes, flax seeds I am sure will help as it is high fibre.
I would also recommend that you keep an eye on what food you had before the IBS attack and if there is a pattern that you can identify. For example – is milk causing it or wheat (since its high on gluten) or oily and spicy food? And, avoid refined flour completely.
Other than all this, garlic helps in curing gas and flatulence. So, you could try that.
One other thing I constantly read about is ACV or Apple Cider Vinegar. It’s said to be really effective in treating IBS. You can mix 1 table spoon in about 250 ml water and drink three times a day. ACV is really miraculous. It helps in so many other health issues, I cannot begin to list them all down!
Last but not least – bananas help in constipation as well as diarrhea. Try it.
All the best, Sumeet. Let me know if any of it provides any relief.
hi…..it is very nice of u the writer to post such an informative blog….!!! i m 25 yrs old and on my family way. Just finished my 6th month. I am a punjabi by caste but married into a pure veg Gujarati family where people have never seen an egg also…..!! since the third trimester is crucial and important as it leads to faster brain development of the fetus…which u get from “omega 3 fatty acdis”…….!! Particularly found in fish and omega 3 eggs in non veg but i am not able to eat cuz of family constraints.
In veg i read u get “omega 3 essential fatty acids” from “flaxseeds & walnuts” . ALL i want to know is where do u get it in kolkata…? what is better to buy the seeds or the oil? how can u consume it? can u get it at spencers or food marts and by what name?
it would be a great help if u can guide me…..!!
Hi Shanta Ji……… I want to know whether flax seeds are advisable for asthma patients also? If yes, what amount of flax seeds should be taken in a day and how? By what name it is available in Delhi markets?
I have read some articles on the net which say flaxoil is good for asthma. At the same time there are reports that some children are sometimes are allergic to flaseed . better u consult a nutritionist before u go on flaxseed diet. they are called linseed also.
I came across this article on the net and thought should share it on this blog. Hope everyone finds it useful.
Papaya Fruit Nutrients and Benefits
Posted on February 27, 2009 by Vladimir Yasmenko
Papaya is an awesome and healthy fruit that God created for humans. Papaya is also called “The Fruit of The Angels”, because it is uniquely sweet and soft at the same time. Papayas look like pears but not as small as pears. Papaya Fruit can be as long as twenty inches. People can enjoy Papaya Fruit in Fruit Salad, Salsa, Fruit Shake, or just eat it by itself alone. The Papaya has these important and healthy Nutrients, Vitamins, and Ingredients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1, Thiamin
- Vitamin B2, Riboflavin
- Vitamin B3, Niacin
- Vitamin B5, Pantothenic Acid
- Vitamin B6, Pyridoxine
- Vitamin C (extreme amount)
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Folate
- Dietary Fiber
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Natural Sugar
- Monosaccharides
- Disaccharides
- Water
- Calcium
- Copper
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Amino Acids
- Organic Acids
- Citric Acid
- Malic Acid
The Health Benefits for Papaya Fruit are super also:
- Promotes Cardiovascular System
- Protects from Colon Cancer
- Improves Hearth Health
- Protects from Heart Disease
- Protects from Atherosclerosis
- Protects from Diabetic Heart Disease
- An Antioxidant Fruit
- Helps Prevent Heart Attacks
- Helps Prevent Strokes
- Prevents Cholesterol Oxidation
- Lowers High Cholesterol Levels
- Improves Digestive Health
- Prevents Inflammations
- Improves Healing of Burns
- Helps Prevent Asthma
- Helps Prevent Osteoarthritis
- Helps Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Improves Immune System
- Helps Prevent Ear Infections
- Helps Prevent Colds
- Helps Prevent Flu
- Prevents Macular Degeneration
- Supports Good Vision
- Improves Lung Health
- Helps Protect from Prostate Cancer
Also, if you are interested in learning more about the extreme benefits of Papaya Fruit, then we recommend buying this book called “Papaya Pawpaw The Medicine Tree“.
Too good !!! very very interesting and educating.. !! can u suggest me if it really helps in weight loss and how much to consume in that case?? and how ?? like before food or after food..??
Flaxseeds are available at Hypercity Store Goregaon West. Just got the brown flax seeds.
Hi!! thanks for this valuable information on flax seeds. can u please suggest in what amount can we consume it in a day?
Hi, this article is so informative… thnx a lot…. i hv read in many articles abt flax seeds tht it can be roasted and used but in ur article it is written that it loses its nutritional value when exposed to heat. Pls help me.
thanks for such an informative article…pls can u suggest the amount of consumption per day for children and adults…
@shantha –
Hi! Shanta,
On recommendation of an allopath Doctor friend I have started taking Flax seeds more as an after meal masala. I buy it from my grocer who gets it in roasted (bhuna) form. I read that you have said very categorically that one should avoid heating lest the nutritional value is lost! I am confused as the doctor had recommended that we roast the seeds and have. Kindly clarify!
Also you have mentioned a max consumption of two TSP. I tend to take much more than that in a day! Again please advise the pros and cons, please!
hi good evening
i have actually roasted these alsi so is is good for health?
and what more are the benefits of eating those?
thank you…
hi
My friend told me first we should roast the flax seeds and then grind. But most of your letters say we should not expose it to the heat. Please explain the right method of grinding the flax seeds.
Thanking you
Prescilla
i have bought flax seeds from D Mart and haikoo and yes from fab india too
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