Flaxseed

HABITAT

It is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. As the source of linen fibre, flax has been cultivated since at least 5000 BC. It is an annual herb of about 0.7 m high with blue flowers and a globular capsule.

INTRODUCTION

Historically, flax has been cultivated for thousands of years. Linen made from flax has been found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and is referred to in the Bible and in Homer's Odyssey. The Roman naturalist Pliny wrote about the laxative and therapeutic powers of flax in the first century A.D., and many authorities believe it has been used as a folk remedy since ancient times.

BENEFITS

Good for the Digestive System: Flaxseeds are rich in both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre. Insoluble fibre absorbs a lot of water and increases the bulk of faeces. This maintains regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. They are very useful for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Ayurvedic View: Alsi helps to improve Pachak Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This helps control the symptoms of IBS.

Relieves Constipation: Flaxseed and flaxseed oil act as natural laxative thereby useful in the prevention and management of constipation. It increases the volume of stool and stimulates the relaxation and contraction of intestinal muscles. This helps in the easy removal of stool.

Ayurvedic View: Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata Dosha. Alsi helps correct constipation due to its Vata balancing and Rechana (laxative) properties.

Full of vitamins and minerals: These include vitamin B1 which helps regulate normal functioning of our metabolism. Flaxseeds are also great sources of copper, which is essential for normal functioning of our body and its everyday functions. Along with this, it also contains molybdenum, a mineral good for the biological functioning of our body.

Improves Blood Sugar: Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing diabetes and pre-diabetes in obese individuals. It decreases the level of blood glucose and insulin levels and increases insulin sensitivity.

Ayurvedic View: Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Alsi (Flaxseed) helps to correct impaired digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This reduces Ama and improves the function of insulin. Alsi also has Tikta (bitter) property and helps to maintain normal blood sugar level.

Controls Cholesterol: Rich in soluble and insoluble fibre, flaxseed helps in reducing cholesterol levels. It reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol content. Including flaxseeds in a diet can help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues. It is also effective in proper functioning of the intestines.

Ayurvedic View: High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Alsi helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.

Promotes Fertility: One of the best sources of lignans, which can balance female hormones, flaxseeds can promote fertility and reduce pre-menopausal symptoms.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Flaxseeds are exceptionally rich in lignans, acting as both antioxidants and phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that are similar to the female sex hormone oestrogen. They have been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome, as they reduce levels of fat and glucose in blood. The cholesterol-lowering effect is thought to be caused by the high fibre and lignan content in flax seeds. These substances bind with cholesterol-rich bile acids and carry them down the digestive tract. This reduces cholesterol levels in the body. The insoluble fibre content in flax seeds adds bulk to your digestive waste, acting as a laxative and relieving constipation. Soluble fibre helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It also promotes digestive health by feeding your beneficial gut bacteria. When mixed with water, the mucilage gums in flax seeds become very thick. Combined with the insoluble fibre content, this makes flax seeds a natural laxative.

CLINICAL STUDIES & REFERENCES

Xu J, Zhou X, Chen C et al.Laxative effects of partially defatted flaxseed meal on normal and experimental constipated mice.BMC Complement Altern Med.2012;12(14):1-5.
Hutchins AM, Brown BD, Cunnane SC et al.Daily flaxseed consumption improves glycemic control in obese men and women with pre-diabetes:a randomized study.Nutr Res.2013;33(5):367-375.
Lucas EA, Lightfoot SA, Hammond LJ et al.Flaxseed reduces plasma cholesterol and atherosclerotic lesion formation in ovariectomized Golden Syrian hamsters.Atherosclerosis.2004;173(2):223-229.
Colli MC, Bracht A, Soares AA et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of flaxseed meal and flaxseed extract in reducing menopausal symptoms.J Med Food.2012;15(9):840-845.
Park JB, Velasquez MT.Potential effects of lignan-enriched flaxseed powder on bodyweight, visceral fat, lipid profile, and blood pressure in rats.Fitoterapia.2012;83(5):941-946.
Zanwar A.A, Hedge M.V, Bodhankar S.L. Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Flax Lignan Concentrate in Triton Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats. International Journal of Pharmacology.2012;8(5):355-363.