7 useful properties of flaxseed flour, contraindications and methods of application

Dishes based on flaxseed flour are not only nutritious and satisfying, but also healthy. Such flour is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of developing dangerous diseases. The product can be easily found on store shelves or made independently from flax seeds.

What is flaxseed flour?

Flaxseed flour is a type of flour that can be obtained from flax seeds.

The industrial manufacturing process consists of two main stages:

• Grinding (grinding) of flax seeds;
• Degreasing the mass.

During the degreasing process, all fats are removed from the future flour.

However, flour can also be prepared at home. The only disadvantage of self–grinding seeds is a high proportion of linseed oil (up to 50%).

Flaxseed flour is gluten-free and can be consumed by people with intolerance to this protein.

In cooking, it is used for baking products from unleavened and yeast dough (pancakes, pies, pancakes and other confectionery products). As a rule, not only flaxseed flour is used, but its mixture with wheat flour (ratio 1-3:7-9).

In folk medicine, flour serves as the main ingredient of the porridge of the same name, which has a beneficial effect on the work of the intestine and the entire gastrointestinal tract.

How it is useful – 7 properties

Let's focus on the key facts about the health benefits of flaxseed flour (based on scientific sources of information).

1. Has a rich composition

Flaxseed flour possesses has a low energy value (only 236 calories per 100 grams), consists of 35% protein and only 5% carbohydrates, which makes it a valuable dietary product.

The product is rich in vitamins (A, K, E, group B), minerals (chromium, copper, manganese, magnesium, iron), dietary fiber and antioxidants. Homemade flour also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Among antioxidants, lignans are particularly valuable, which can protect the body from cancer and some chronic diseases.

2. Reduces cholesterol levels

Flax seeds and other products based on them, according to major studies, are positive are reflected at the level of total cholesterol, as well as its atherogenic fractions (LDL, TAG) in the blood.

The use of flaxseed flour in home cooking will help normalize cholesterol levels in blood plasma and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of arterial vessels capable of partially or completely blocking the blood flow.

Systematic inclusion of the product in the diet allows for the prevention of diseases such as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, stroke. This is especially important for people of older age groups.

3. Protects against cancer

Only homemade flour has antitumor effects.

Antioxidants and fatty acids neutralize some of the free radicals that are formed during oxidative stress.

These aggressively tuned molecules are able to trigger the growth and division of malignant cells, as well as increase the likelihood of developing chronic diseases from any organ system. The effect has been verified in a number of scientific studies.

Chinese specialists indicate on the ability of the product to slow down the metastasis of lung cancer cells. The experiments were conducted on rodents.

According to experts from Egypt, homemade flaxseed flour can suppress division of malignant cells of the mucous membrane of the large intestine. Also the product effective in order to prevent breast tumors in women.

Flaxseed flour is especially important for workers from risk groups (work at nuclear facilities or in conditions of radiation pollution, prolonged stay in mines or in contact with heavy metals).

4. Normalizes blood pressure levels

The main role in blood pressure control is played by omega-3 fatty acids, which abound in crushed flax seeds that have not undergone final processing (degreasing).

Research by Greek specialists demonstrate the ability of flour to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. At the same time, only 30 grams of the product for 4 months is enough to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Homemade flaxseed flour can also protect the heart from degenerative changes and prevent the appearance of rhythm disturbances.

Equally important is the ability of the product to increase the elasticity of the walls of arterial vessels, which are involved in a stable rise in blood pressure (arteries undergo fibrous changes with age)

Flaxseed flour can be consumed by people of all age groups for the purpose of prevention and therapy (together with medications prescribed by a doctor) of hypertension, prevention of sudden hypertensive crises.

5. Supports the health of the digestive system

Linseed oil, contained in the composition of homemade flour, is an effective remedy for the prevention and control of constipation.

Specialists found out that the product allows you to increase the frequency and volume of the stool. The effectiveness was registered even with prolonged stoolage (over 4 days).

Dietary fiber also plays an important role in maintaining intestinal function. Fiber regulates the motor evacuation function of the intestinal wall, as it stimulates the smooth muscles.

Dietary fibers also increase the number of friendly representatives of the microflora, as they serve for them a food source . Against this background, the number of pathogenic and opportunistic inhabitants is decreasing.

With an adequate composition of the microflora, infectious-inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are less common.

Dishes based on flaxseed flour are recommended to be taken with constipation or an increased tendency to it. They will allow you to normalize the stool with almost complete absence of side effects characteristic of medicines. The effect is expressed to the same extent in men and women.

6. Helps to lose weight

Dietary fiber, which is abundant in flax flour, helps to maintain and even reduce body weight. The action is realized through several mechanisms:

1. Suppression of hunger. According to research by scientists from the USA, fiber, once in the stomach, quickly increases in size. After mechanical overstretching of the stomach, the craving for food decreases through neuro-reflex and hormonal mechanisms.
2. Slowing down the absorption of fats. Dietary fiber can limit the absorption of fats from the intestine. As a result, part of the fatty food passes through the intestines undigested, and the calorie content of the consumed dishes decreases.

Flaxseed flour for weight loss can be added to any dishes or porridge can be made from it. If the calorie content of the daily diet is observed, they are considered completely safe and healthy for the figure.

7. Improves the condition of the skin

Flax oils act not only in local contact with the skin, but also when ingested. Using homemade flour will rejuvenate the skin and even eliminate wrinkles.

Representatives of the German scientific community discovered that long-term intake of flax and other products based on it increases the smoothness and elasticity of the skin, helps to smooth out small wrinkles.

The product also provides prevention and helps in the treatment of allergic and infectious and inflammatory diseases at the level of the skin and subcutaneous fat. According to Korean experts, flax oil struggling with swelling, itching and hyperemia of the skin.

Harm and contraindications

In some cases, flaxseed flour can be harmful to health. The following side effects may develop:

1. Dyspeptic disorders. When taking large amounts of flour, irritation of the intestinal mucous membranes and impaired motor evacuation function may occur. They manifest themselves in the form of exacerbation of chronic diseases of the digestive system, diarrhea or persistent constipation, bloating.
2. "Dilution" of blood. Active ingredients of flax seeds reduce the "viscosity" of blood . It is not recommended to abuse flaxseed flour with prolonged use of anticoagulants.
3. Allergic reactions.  They are rare and characterized mainly by a mild course (mainly skin rashes). They are caused by the increased sensitivity of the human body to certain components of flax seeds.

Antioxidants lignans, which are part of homemade flaxseed flour, have estrogenic activity, therefore it is contraindicated for pregnant women. Store-bought flour is allowed to be consumed.

Recipe for cooking at home

For self-cooking, it is recommended to take only fresh and clean seeds. They must be thoroughly dried. The color or grade does not matter much.

The steps can be represented as follows:

1. Place the seeds in a bowl blender, coffee grinder, food processor or mill.
2. Grind until smooth. Due to the abundance of oils, the resulting mass may stick to the walls. It should be periodically removed with a spoon.
3. Sift the crushed seeds through a sieve. Grind large granules repeatedly. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times
4. Spread the powder on a baking sheet and let it dry at room temperature for 6-8 hours. To protect against insects, you can use gauze.
5. Place the flour in an airtight container.

Flaxseeds are soft in structure and will not harm kitchen appliances, unlike other cereals.

Tips for use and storage

Flaxseed flour is a perishable and insect–favorite product that is quite difficult to store for a long time. Consider the key rules for working with the product:

1. How to store? Homemade flour must be stored in dry sealed containers. Sudden temperature changes during storage, as well as exposure to moisture and direct sunlight are unacceptable.
2. How much can I store? Self-made flour can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Then the oils will spoil the taste and aroma of the product, and its use will become dangerous to health. The store-bought analogue retains its properties for up to 12-24 months (depending on the production technology).
3. What can be cooked? Flaxseed flour can be added to the dough (in combination with wheat flour) and prepare various pancakes, pancakes, pies and other confectionery products. Bread and pastries acquire a special brown color, as well as a unique taste and aroma. Flour can be used for various soups, sauces, jellies and casseroles, added to kefir or milk.
4. Where else can I use it? Flaxseed flour has been recognized in cosmetology. It is used for home masks for body and face skin care.

Conclusion

1. Flaxseed flour is a biologically valuable product. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and, when cooked at home, healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
2. The product strengthens the health of the cardiovascular system, regulates the work of the intestines, protects against cancer, improves the condition of the skin, and also helps to lose weight.
3. When taking flaxseed flour, side effects may develop, which should be taken into account.
4. You can prepare the product yourself at home. You will only need any chopping device (coffee grinder, blender, food processor or mill). The only disadvantage of the resulting product is an insignificant shelf life.