In this era of modernity, many fatal diseases enter the body due to unhealthy food which makes the body weak. Flaxseeds contain many nutrients needed for the body, which help get relief from many serious diseases. Flaxseeds have many medicinal properties and nutrients due to which it has been considered a medicine in Ayurveda.

Flaxseeds are a type of fibrous plant that grows mainly in temperate areas (where both winter and summer are in equal amounts). Its fibers are used to make rope, tents, and coarse fabrics. However, its seeds are used to extract oil. Its oil is very thick and is used to make varnishes, dyes, soaps, and paints. Especially in terms of yield, flaxseeds are mainly produced in countries like India, Argentina, America, etc. In India, it is also known as Teesi.

According to medical science, flaxseed is the biggest source of omega 3 fatty acids in vegetarian foods.

Importance of Flaxseed in Ayurveda

Due to its medicinal properties, it is used all over the world today. It is also used extensively in home remedies. It contains high amounts of nutrients and has properties such as antifungal (eliminating fungal infections), antioxidants (reducing free radical effects), antihypertensive (reducing increased blood pressure), cholesterol-lowering effect, antidiabetic (reducing blood sugar) antitumor (inhibiting tumor growth).

Flaxseeds are white, yellow, red, or black throughout the country. Flaxseeds are considered the best in dry regions. Using flaxseed can help in diseases like breath, throat, phlegm, digestive system disorders, wounds, and leprosy.

Types of Flaxseeds

There are mainly two types of Flaxseeds, according to Ayurveda, both types are found to have an almost equal presence of omega-3 fatty acids as well as nutrients. These are-

• Brown flaxseed
• Yellow or golden flaxseed

Benefits of Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are beneficial in the following diseases-

Helpful in reducing cholesterol-

According to research conducted by NCBI, it reduces the chances of heart-related diseases by removing bad cholesterol (LDL) and blockages from the body, and at the same time, it increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL). It also controls blood sugar.

Beneficial for the heart-

According to Ayurveda, Flaxseeds are also helpful in maintaining heart health. Many antioxidants are found in Flaxseeds. These antioxidants regulate the hormones of the body and help keep the cells healthy. Research has shown that the lignan complex and the Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside reduce the problems of atherosclerosis in the heart, which can prevent heart-related diseases.

Relief in diabetes-

Flaxseeds have an antidiabetic (blood sugar controlling) effect. Research has shown that it can control the amount of insulin in the body due to the presence of fiber and mucilage (gluten) present in flaxseed. By using it, you can regulate diabetes.

Effective under blood pressure control-

The use of flaxseed can be very effective in controlling increased blood pressure. According to research, omega-3 fatty acids present in flaxseed, fiber, may jointly exhibit antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering) effects. Due to this effect, the consumption of flax seeds helps in providing relief to the patients suffering from blood pressure problems.

Helpful in aiding digestion-

Flaxseed contains soluble fiber, which is very beneficial for our intestines. It is low in carbohydrates, while high in fiber. Hence its use proves to be an artisan in boosting digestion. According to research, it is also helpful in gastrointestinal motility. Gastrointestinal motility is the process through which food passes through the entire digestive process.

Effective in constipation-

According to Ayurveda, Flaxseeds are beneficial for the problem of constipation. Research has suggested that flaxseed contains a significant amount of fiber. This fiber relaxes the problem of constipation by loosening the stool. On this basis, we can say that flaxseed can be a great option to get relief from constipation problems.

Helpful in maintaining health of hair-

Side-effects of Flaxseed

The use of flaxseed is prohibited under certain circumstances-

• Flaxseed is especially found to have a blood pressure-lowering effect, so people with low blood pressure should not consume it.
• It can reduce blood sugar (diabetes), so people suffering from low blood sugar should not consume it.
• It can slow down the blood clotting process due to omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, people who use blood-thinning medicine must consult a doctor before taking it.
• A person suffering from depression should not use flaxseed.