Already in the oldest cultures of the world the flax and thus also the linseed was known. The medicinal plant is found all over the world, but it is still unknown where it actually comes from.
Occurrence and cultivation of flaxseed
Flaxseed and flax oil were already used in ancient Greece for various ailments.
Around 5000 BC, the flax seeds were already known demonstrably. The first linen fabrics were created by farmers obtaining flax fibers from the bark of the stalks and processing them.
Until linen fabric was replaced by cotton and synthetic fibers in the 18th century, the flax 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, from the linseeds you can make poultices that help with mild inflammation of the skin.
Effect and application
The most popular use of flaxseed today is known by most people as a natural laxative. Digestion is initiated by flaxseeds, because they swell in the intestine. Flaxseeds contain between three and 19 percent mucilage. These are composed of carbohydrates, fiber and various sugars, which in turn are components of vegetable gelling agents. In addition, flaxseeds contain about 25 percent protein.
Another component of flaxseeds is the 30 to 45 percent fat oil. The composition of the oil also includes linolenic acid, which is one of the omega-3 fatty acids. These mucilages are found in the outer layer of the flaxseed shells and they are the ones that swell up in the large intestine with the help of water. Due to this, the volume of the intestine increases and in this way the digestive activity is stimulated. The intestinal contents are transported more quickly and easily because the mucilage and oils have a lubricating effect.
The best result is obtained with the ground flaxseeds, because the fatty oil is released when crushed. To prevent the released fatty acids from quickly going rancid, the ground flaxseeds should be stored in a cool place and only for a short time at home. Because the oil is very rich in energy, overweight people should rarely eat flaxseed. Meanwhile, it is also known that flaxseeds have a preventive effect in relation to prostate, colon and breast cancer. This is due, among other things, to the omega-3 fatty acids in the oil. These also prevent cardiovascular disease and help if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.
Importance for health
It is quite important to drink quite a lot when taking flaxseed, so that the effect can develop freely. Otherwise, it can happen that the swollen mucilage sticks to the intestinal wall.
In the worst case, this can lead to intestinal obstruction. It may take several days before the support of intestinal activity becomes noticeable. It should be noted that flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as other medicines, so that it can be ruled 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 flaxseed causes prussic acid to be formed in the body. But this is completely harmless, because the prussic acid is broken down by the body without any problems.
However, there are some groups of people who are strongly advised not to eat flaxseed. These are people who suffer from a narrowing of the esophagus or the entrance to the stomach. Flaxseed should also be avoided in cases of acute inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Likewise, it is in case of intestinal obstruction.
