Flaxseed flour is a natural and healthy product that has been used by humans for hundreds of years. Although flaxseed has a number of beneficial properties, chewing whole flaxseed is not enough to absorb all of the necessary substances from the body, as the seeds can simply pass through your body.
Then flaxseed flour comes to the rescue, which is obtained when flax seeds are ground or crushed. Flaxseed flour can be purchased from specialized store chains or it can be made at home.
The second option, in addition to being cheaper, is also more suitable, because when stored for a longer time, the flaxseed flour loses its miraculous effect and spoils faster than whole seeds.
The outer shell of the seed keeps the fatty acids inside well protected. If the flaxseed is of good quality, when stored in a dark, dry and cool place it can be in good condition for a year.
Flaxseed flour can be prepared very easily at home - the seeds are simply crushed in a food processor or in a coffee grinder. If you use a liquidizer, the container in which you will grind it must be high enough and covered on top with a plastic wrap or something else, so that the grains do not scatter outside.
Flaxseed flour composition
Flaxseed flour is a healthy and valuable food, rich in vitamins and minerals and it is low in fat. Flaxseed flour contains fiber, fat, protein, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin, (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin B6, folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc. Flaxseed flour contains up to 45% oil, in which omega-3 is about 55-60%, omega-6 is about 15%, omega-9 - about 10% and saturated fatty acids - about 10%.
Benefits of flaxseed flour
Flaxseed flour is present in a number of folk recipes for medicinal purposes. The long list of valuable ingredients makes it one of the most useful foods on the planet. The large amount of fiber contained in it make its use suitable for the treatment of constipation and inflammation of the colon. It has a beneficial effect on menopause in women and promotes good health. Unsaturated fatty acids in flaxseed flour play an extremely important role in the proper functioning of the human body.
The lignans in flaxseed flour are phytoestrogens that have antibacterial, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. The rich content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids make flaxseed flour a sought-after supplement for athletes and people aiming for a healthy diet.
Flaxseed flour has pronounced therapeutic and prophylactic properties in disorders of fat metabolism, atherosclerosis and cancer. It supports the functions of the liver, thyroid gland, increases potency, it has a rejuvenating effect and quickly heals wounds.
For people with diabetes, consuming flaxseed flour normalizes the blood sugar. Daily intake of flaxseed flour has been shown to suppress or completely block inflammatory processes that occur in Parkinson's or asthma diseases.
Flaxseed flour absorbs body fluids and helps with insomnia, headaches, red eyes and even ear pain. Regular consumption of flaxseed flour prevents hardening of the arteries and blood clots and reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke for diabetics or people with heart problems.
Folk medicine with flaxseed flour
In folk medicine, flaxseed flour is used for coughs as an expectorant and antitussive. It is also used as a laxative for constipation, especially for chronic colitis. For this purpose, 2 tsp. of flaxseed are ground and are poured with a glass of hot water. Drink 100-150 ml of it, 2-3 times a day.
In case of chronic constipation, it is also recommended to drink 1 cup of unfiltered tincture of flaxseed flour every day, which is prepared in the following way: Boil 2 tsp. of flaxseed flour in 300 ml of water and leave the mixture for 10 minutes. Take the infusion of 100 ml on an empty stomach. Infusions and decoctions always be fresh. They also help with abdominal pain, bladder and kidney disease.
The compress with flax flour is also popular in folk medicine. Crushed flaxseed is placed in a gauze bag, which is placed for about 10 minutes in boiling water and then placed on the affected area. Hold it until it cools. This way you can overcome toothache, sciatica, rheumatism and neuralgia of the face.
Flaxseed flour is also used for burns and skin diseases. Flaxseed porridge is used in the treatment of wounds, bleeding and more. Flaxseed flour, boiled in milk, is used as a compress to treat cracked heels.
For the overall strengthening of the body, mix 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed flour with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 cup of water. Drink the mixture immediately, then drink another glass of water, as flaxseed quickly swells in the stomach.
Flaxseed flour in cooking
Flaxseed flour is suitable for making non-traditional breads, biscuits and pancakes. It can also be added to filo pastry pies, sponge cakes, puddings, as well as to soups. It can be used as an addition to various salads, cheeses, sauces and other dishes. It is also suitable as a substitute for eggs in most recipes.
As a substitute for eggs, flaxseed flour should be mixed with water or another liquid. An egg from a recipe for sponge cake, pancakes, etc. can be replaced by 1 tbsp. of flaxseed flour mixed with 3 tbsp. of water. The mixture is added to shakes and cereals.
Flaxseed flour is rich in fat and it is added in the preparation of various recipes, reduces the need for additional added butter, oil, etc. The other advantage of flaxseed flour is that it does not contain gluten and sugar, the harms of which have been talked about a lot lately.
Bread with flaxseed flour and einkorn
Necessary product: flaxseed flour - 7 oz (200 g), einkorn flour - 7 oz (200 g), soda - 1 level top tsp., salt - 1/3 tsp., eggs - 3 pcs., oil - 5 tbsp., warm water - 1/2 cup.
Preparation: Mix the flaxseed flour, salt and baking soda. Beat the eggs, pour the water and oil. Then gradually add the einkorn flour. Stir well until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. Pour the dough into a greased cake tin and bake it for about 40 minutes at 170 degrees.
Flaxseed smoothie
Necessary products: flaxseed - 2 tbsp., orange juice - 1/2 cup, yogurt - 1/2 cup, fruit - 1 cup (fruit mix of your choice), banana - 1 pc.
Preparation: Put the flaxseed in a dry blender and grind it until a fine powder is obtained. Add the orange juice, yogurt, fruit mix and banana. Mash until smooth.
Banana dough balls with flaxseed flour
Necessary products: bananas - 6 pcs, , eggs - 2 pcs., flaxseed flour - 3/4 cup, olive oil - 3 tbsp.
Preparation: In a large bowl, mash the bananas and mix them with the beaten eggs. The mixture is mixed with flaxseed flour. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and it is poured in piles into the pan with the heated fat. When the dough balls start to aquire a golden color, turn them over to fry on the other side. Serve the prepared dough balls with maple syrup or honey.
Flaxseed flour in cosmetics
As well as being a great food ingredient, flaxseed flour can also be used for cosmetic purposes. Buy flaxseed flour or make it yourself at home. In a two-liter pot with water pour 3 tbsp. of flaxseed flour and boil the water. Leave the mixture for 7-8 hours, then strain it. Rinse your hair with the prepared decoction after washing it. This procedure will certainly nourish and revive it.
