11 Доказательства

Лен ( Linum usitatissimum), волокнистая культура, впервые был возделан в Египте. На протяжении веков он играл ключевую роль в аюрведической медицине в Азии. Семена льна богаты жирными кислотами омега-3, клетчаткой и белками.

Семена льна богаты лигнанами, которые обладают мощным антиоксидантным действием. Они могут снизить риск некоторых видов рака и помочь в лечении диабета. Также считается, что семена могут помочь с похуданием, улучшить пищеварение и защитить сердце.

Чтобы узнать больше о пользе семян льна, продолжайте читать.

Каковы преимущества льняного семени для здоровья?

1. Может помочь в профилактике рака

Несколько исследований женщин в постменопаузе показали, что добавление в рацион льняных семян может снизить риск рака груди (1). Семена также могут уменьшить рост опухоли у пациентов с раком груди. Омега-3 жирные кислоты в семенах обладают противовоспалительными свойствами, которые помогают в этом отношении.

Было также обнаружено, что лигнаны уменьшают рост раковых опухолей (2). Исследования также показывают, что семена льна могут помочь предотвратить рак простаты (3).

2. Может помочь в лечении диабета

Исследования показали, что добавка льняного семени снижает уровень сахара в крови натощак на 20% (4). Что еще более важно, семена содержат слизь, которая представляет собой гелеобразующее волокно, которое может замедлить пищеварение и, как следствие, высвобождение глюкозы в кровь.

Предварительные исследования также показали, что семена льна могут отсрочить начало сахарного диабета. Они содержат соединение под названием SDG, которое может снизить риск диабета 1 типа и отсрочить начало диабета 2 типа (5).

3. Может способствовать снижению веса

Поскольку семена льна богаты клетчаткой, они могут помочь в регулировании веса (6). Семена также содержат омега-3. Исследования показывают, что омега-3 могут подавлять аппетит и улучшать чувство сытости - и это может помочь в потере веса (7).

Считается, что лигнаны в семенах льна ускоряют метаболизм, что может способствовать снижению веса. Однако для понимания механизма необходимы дополнительные исследования.

Исследования также показали, что семена льна могут увеличить выведение жира, тем самым уменьшая количество жира в организме. Это может способствовать снижению веса (6).

4. Может улучшить здоровье пищеварительной системы.

Исследования на животных показали, что добавление льняного семени в рацион может способствовать здоровью кишечной флоры (8). Растворимая клетчатка в семенах льна также может помочь пищеварению, хотя подтверждающие исследования ограничены. Считается, что молотое льняное семя работает лучше, так как употребление его целиком может заставить их пройти через ваш организм, не перевариваясь.

Чаще всего льняное семя употребляется благодаря его слабительным свойствам. Это означает, что из-за семян вы будете качать. Они также могут помочь при запоре, но убедитесь, что вы пьете достаточно воды после их употребления (2).

Омега-3 жирные кислоты в семенах льна могут помочь уменьшить воспаление и защитить слизистую оболочку желудочно-кишечного тракта. У людей со здоровой пищеварительной системой семена способствуют развитию полезной микрофлоры кишечника (9). Необходимы дальнейшие исследования, чтобы понять преимущества омега-3 и их связь с микрофлорой кишечника.

5. Может защитить сердце

Было обнаружено, что омега-3 жирные кислоты в семенах льна снижают риск ишемической болезни сердца. Они также помогают улучшить работу артерий (10). Исследование в Коста-Рике показало, что люди, потребляющие больше АЛК (тип омега-3 жирных кислот в семенах льна), имели более низкий риск сердечного приступа (11).

6. Может бороться с воспалением

Две столовые ложки молотых семян льна содержат более 140% дневной нормы жирных кислот омега-3, которые, как известно, борются с воспалениями. Было обнаружено, что альфа-линолевая кислота (АЛК) в семенах снижает количество провоспалительных соединений в организме (12).

Омега-3, содержащиеся в семенах льна, также могут помочь в лечении воспалительного артрита (13).

7. Может лечить менструальные симптомы.

Consuming flaxseeds may regularize ovulation. Women who regularly ate flaxseeds were found to ovulate during every menstrual cycle (14). Adding flaxseeds to your diet may also help reduce menstrual cramps, though more research is required to support this effect.

Another important piece of research tells us that flaxseeds may help ease hot flashes. However, some other studies state otherwise, and more research is warranted to understand how flaxseeds work in this regard (15).

8. Flaxseeds Are Gluten-Free

Flaxseeds work as a great replacement for all those gluten-containing grains in your diet (2). In case you are gluten-intolerant, most grains could be hard to digest. This is where flaxseeds can be a good choice for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity (16).

9. May Be Beneficial During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Flaxseeds are a rich source of fiber and omega-3s and a good source of protein – and a pregnant woman requires all these nutrients. Fiber could help treat constipation that often occurs during pregnancy. The protein and omega-3s are critical for the child’s health. However, there is no direct research stating the benefits of flaxseeds during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

As per an animal study, flaxseeds can promote retina and optic nerve development in the offspring (17).

However, we recommend you talk to your doctor before taking flaxseeds for this purpose as there is some conflicting evidence in this regard.

10. May Make Your Skin Glow

The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds may contribute to skin health and appearance. They can keep your skin hydrated and make it smooth. Studies show that dietary supplementation of flaxseeds can balance the anti- and pro-inflammatory compounds and promote healthy aging (8).

The oil of flaxseeds may also help. It may prevent the everyday irritants and pollutants from entering your skin pores (18). It also prevents water loss from the skin. Improving the skin’s moisture levels can also help reduce wrinkles.

Keeping your skin moisturized prevents it from drying out, and this makes it glow. While we need more research to determine if flaxseeds can directly influence growth, some evidence states that flaxseed oil could improve skin barrier function (19).

Flaxseeds may also aid the treatment of ailments like psoriasis and eczema, though direct evidence is lacking in this regard.

You can either rub plain flaxseed oil gently into your skin or consume the seeds on a daily basis. The anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseeds can also treat skin inflammation. As per animal studies, the antioxidants in the seeds may also help reduce the risk of skin cancer (20).

You can also try a flaxseed facial. Mix two tablespoons of raw honey, a teaspoon of fresh lime juice, and a tablespoon of flaxseed oil. Apply the mixture directly to your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash with normal water. Do it in the mornings, every day.

11. May Strengthen Hair

Brittle hair is often attributed to a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. As flaxseeds are rich in these fatty acids, as per animal studies, they were found to strengthen hair, improve hair coat quality, and combat hair fall (21). They can also help prevent a condition called cicatricial alopecia, which is a permanent hair loss condition caused by inflammation.

You can prepare a hair gel using flaxseeds. Boil two cups of water. As the water begins to boil, add four tablespoons of flaxseeds to it. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn the heat off and strain the infusion. Apply the resultant gel to your scalp every morning and then wash as usual after 20 minutes.

These are the benefits of flaxseeds. We already saw a few of the important nutrients in the seeds. How about taking a look at the entire nutrient profile?

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Flaxseeds?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds (2.5 grams) contains 13 calories, 0.7 g of fiber, 0.72 g of carbohydrates, 0.46 g of protein, and 1.05 g of fat (22).

Though flaxseeds possess a vast array of nutrients, they are not magic pills. There is no one-food-for-all-ailments when it comes to good health. Consistently making the right dietary choices is key. In the following section, we have discussed how you can add flaxseeds to your diet.

Tips For Adding Flax Seeds To Your Diet

There are a few ground rules:

1. The best way to consume flaxseeds is in their sprouted form. Soaking and sprouting them removes phytic acid and also enhances mineral absorption. You can soak the seeds for 10 minutes in warm water or for 2 hours in cold water.
2. Flaxseeds are best consumed ground. This is because our bodies cannot receive the nutrients if they are taken in the whole form.
3. Ensure you consume the seeds with plenty of water.
4. You can add the seeds to your morning cereal or breakfast smoothie. You can also add them to salads.
5. Ensure you don’t heat flaxseed oil as its composition might change, and it may not be useful. But surprisingly, the nutrients in whole flaxseeds are heat-stable. Hence, you can roast flaxseeds and enjoy the benefits as the nutrients won’t be destroyed.
6. You can also add flaxseeds to your Paleo diet. The seeds are technically Paleo because they are seeds.
7. The best time to eat flaxseeds is early in the morning, along with your breakfast.

Ensure you do not consume an excess of flaxseeds as they may cause certain undesirable side effects.

What Are The Side Effects Of Flaxseeds?

Flaxseeds may cause adverse effects in some people. Excess consumption of these seeds may cause some adverse effects, such as nausea, constipation, bloating, and pain in the abdomen. Want to know more about the side effects of flaxseeds? Keep reading.

• May Lower Blood Sugar Levels Way Too Much

Since flaxseeds may lower blood sugar levels, individuals who are already on diabetes medication can experience alarmingly low blood sugar levels if they consume an excess of flaxseeds. However, limited research is available in this area. Consult your doctor.

• May Lower Blood Pressure

Flaxseeds help lower blood pressure (23). However, if taken along with medications for treating high blood pressure, the seeds may cause hypotension (excessively low blood pressure). Hence, people on blood pressure medications should exercise caution.

• May Slow Down Blood Clotting

Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce blood clotting and increase bleeding (24). As the seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may show a significant decrease in blood clotting, people with bleeding disorders must not take them. Also, don’t consume flaxseeds at least two weeks before surgery.

• May Aggravate Hormone-Sensitive Conditions

Flaxseeds can mimic the hormone estrogen, and this can aggravate hormone-sensitive conditions like cancers of the breast, uterus, and ovaries and uterine fibroids (25).

• May Cause Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Since the seeds can mimic estrogen, they may cause issues in pregnant and breastfeeding women (25). Please consult a doctor before using them.

Interactions

Limited research is available in this area. Individuals with diabetes should always check with their doctor before consuming flaxseeds. Omega-3s, the essential fatty acids in the flaxseeds, may interact with the blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), which, in turn, can increase bleeding (26).

Avoid the consumption of these seeds while taking diabetes medication.

Conclusion

Flaxseeds are densely packed with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and offer several health benefits. These seeds may help fight cancer, aid in diabetes treatment, and promote weight loss.

However, excess consumption may cause adverse side effects. Hence, be wary of the number of flaxseeds you consume.

Talk to your doctor and dietitian to understand the right dosage for you.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

How many flaxseeds can you take in a day?

You can limit the serving size to less than 5 tablespoons (or 50 grams) a day.

Can you substitute flaxseeds with chia seeds?

Yes, chia seeds are also equally nutritious and beneficial. They look similar too.

How to store flaxseeds?

Whether you purchase ground flaxseeds or grind them at home, you can store them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Whole flaxseeds can also be stored this way, and they can last for 6 months.

Where can you buy flaxseeds?

You can get the seeds from your nearest departmental store or buy them online at Amazon.

Can you eat flaxseeds raw?

Yes, it is fine to eat the seeds raw. Some believe ground flaxseeds can help your body better absorb the nutrients. Also, store raw flaxseeds in the fridge, or the oils in them might make them go rancid.

Do flaxseeds cause acne?

In some cases, yes. This happens if your body doesn’t accept the seeds. Stop using them and consult your doctor.

In general, flaxseeds may aid acne treatment. The omega-3s in the seeds fight inflammation, which is one major cause of acne. The same goes for flaxseed oil as well, though no studies support the link between the oil and acne. However, if your body doesn’t accept the oil, it may react through acne breakouts.

What are flaxseeds called in different languages?

Flaxseeds are called semillas de lino in Spanish, budhur alkitaan in Arabic, alsee ka beej in Hindi, avise ginjalu in Telugu, ali vidai in Tamil, and agasi in Kannada.

Does flaxseed help with belly fat?

The seeds are rich in dietary fiber that may suppress appetite. This may help reduce belly fat, though there is no research to support this.

26 sources

Stylecraze имеет строгие правила выбора поставщиков и полагается на рецензируемые исследования, академические исследовательские институты и медицинские ассоциации. Мы избегаем использования третичных ссылок. Вы можете узнать больше о том, как мы обеспечиваем точность и актуальность нашего контента, прочитав нашу редакционную политику.

• Влияние льняного семени на рак груди: обзор литературы, Frontiers in Nutrition, Национальная медицинская библиотека США, Национальные институты здравоохранения.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5808339/

• Льняное и льняное масло: древняя медицина и современные функциональные продукты питания, журнал пищевых наук и технологий, Национальная медицинская библиотека США, Национальные институты здравоохранения.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152533/

• The benefits of flaxseed, U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA.

  www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/gfnd/gfhnrc/docs/news-2012/the-benefits-of-flaxseed/

• An Open-Label Study on the Effect of Flax Seed Powder (Linum Usitatissimum) Supplementation in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus, Journal of Dietary Supplements, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22432725

• Flaxseed and Diabetes, Current Pharmaceutical Design, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26561065

• Flaxseed dietary fibers lower cholesterol and increase fecal fat excretion, but magnitude of effect depend on food type, Nutrition & Metabolism, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307491/

• Dietary Supplementation With Long Chain omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Weight Loss in Obese Adults, Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23697585

• Dietary Flaxseed as a Strategy for Improving Human Health, Nutrients, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6567199/

• Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Gut Microbiota, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5751248/

• The cardiovascular effects of flaxseed and its omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, The Canadian Journal of Cardiology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989356/

• 11. Alpha-linolenic acid and risk of nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, Circulation, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18606916

• Effect of L. Usitatissimum (Flaxseed/Linseed) Fixed Oil against Distinct Phases of Inflammation, ISRN Inflammation, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3767321/

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Processes: From Molecules to Man, Biochemical Society Transactions, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28900017

• Effect of Flax Seed Ingestion on the Menstrual Cycle, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8077314

• A Phase III, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial of Flaxseed for the Treatment of Hot Flashes1:NCCTG N08C7, Menopause, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246070/

• Gluten-free products in celiac disease: Nutritional and technological challenges and solutions, J0urnal of Research in Medical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6327684/

• Flaxseed used since pregnancy by the mother and after weaning by the offspring benefits the retina and optic nerve development in rats, The Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28282776

• Supplementation of flaxseed oil diminishes skin sensitivity and improves skin barrier function and condition, Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21088453

• Supplementation of Flaxseed Oil Diminishes Skin Sensitivity and Improves Skin Barrier Function and Condition, ResearchGate.

  www.researchgate.net/publication/47815602_Supplementation_of_Flaxseed_Oil_Diminishes_Skin_Sensitivity_and_Improves_Skin_Barrier_Function_and_Condition

• Dietary Flaxseed Supplementation and Experimental Metastasis of Melanoma Cells in Mice, Cancer Letters, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9500208

• Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation associated with reduced skin test lesional area in horses with Culicoides hypersensitivity, Canadian Journal of Comparative Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC227015/

• Flaxseeds, FoodData Central, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

  fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169414/nutrients

• Potent Antihypertensive Action of Dietary Flaxseed in Hypertensive Patients, Hypertension, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24126178

• There’s something fishy about this bleeding, NDT Plus, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4421441/

• The pros and cons of phytoestrogens, Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074428/

• Expert Opinion: omega-3 Fatty Acids and Bleeding-Cause for Concern?, The American Journal of Cardiology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17368278