These tiny seeds are replete with important nutrients and offer several health and beauty benefits. Read on to know flax seeds in detail and the many ways you can include them in your diet.
Flax Seed—A Brief
Scientific Name—Linum usitatissimumOrigin—Egypt, and ChinaOther Names—Tisi or Alsi, Linseeds Flax is a tiny power-packed seed that is full of goodness. This seed has been used since ancient times, through ancient civilizations and cultures. Archaeological evidence suggests the use of flax seeds since the times of Nefertiti in Egypt. Usually cultivated for the naturally strong fiber, flax or “Tisi” or “Alsi” as it was known in India, was used to augment the diet of the hard working villagers. Flax seeds are available in two varieties—brown and golden, both of which contain almost similar nutritional characteristics and fatty acids. The only exception to this rule is one golden or yellow flax seed, Linola (Solin), that boasts of a completely different oil profile. This variety is exceptionally low in Omega-3 fatty acids. Now that you know a bit about these wonder seeds, why not find out what’s wonderful about them? Scroll down to know the beauty benefits of flax seeds.
Did you Know? Beauty Facts About Flax Seeds
1. Are High On Nutritional Front
Flax is known for its cholesterol reducing properties which ensure your heart’s health. Also, if grounded and taken daily with water, flax seeds provide the necessary amounts of fiber to keep your digestive system working well. Just keep your fluid intake high. Flax seeds are another way to get what nature gave pescatarians. They actually contain alpha-linolenic acids, to be specific. This acid helps to reduce the inflammations that cause chronic heart ailments, arthritis, asthma, diabetes and it even helps guard your body against cancers—colon cancer to be more specific (1). Eaten in combination with walnuts and fish, flax seeds can be of real help. How much you eat depends on your reasons for eating flax seeds. On their own, the seeds are crunchy and tasty if they are toasted. However as ironic it sounds, what makes flax seeds more palatable, actually destroys the goodness. So, when the local bakeries that are promoting flax seed-topped bread as the best gift you can give to yourself, they are not truthful to you. And as I said, healthy skin can easily be achieved if your body is healthy!
2. Imparts A Glow To The Skin
The best gift that a few spoonfuls of ground flaxseed can give you, will be the short chain omega 3 fatty acids (2). Whatever your area of interest, or your choice of food groups, omega 3 fatty acids spell good news. Omega 3 fatty acids are present in fish oil. If you are like me and eat fish rarely and only if it is fried, you will certainly miss out the benefits of beautiful skin. But if you are regular, congratulations, you have found yourself an excellent source for your skin radiance without having to burn a hole in your pocket on expensive cosmetics.
3. Bid Farewell To Wrinkles And Fine Lines
Antioxidants and phytochemicals remind me of an advertisement for an anti-aging cream (3). If all the benefits come from flax seeds at a fraction of the cost—bring it on! Having a spoonful of grounded flax seeds can make you age gracefully.
4. Rashes No More
Every woman dreads inflammations and chub rub, especially if she’s on the chubbier side. Being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds effectively speed up the healing process in our body (4, 5). This is further assisted by the strong anti-inflammatory properties of this seed. Thus applying a paste of grounded flax seeds with coconut oil or olive oil on the affected area can bring down the skin inflammation, irritation, rashes, and redness within a few uses. If you want, you can also ingest it with water regularly, for a speedy recovery.
5. Treats Acne
Breakouts or acne are synonymous with puberty and hormonal changes. There isn’t a single soul that hasn’t escaped the wrath of those ugly breakouts during their adolescent days. It was a signal from our body, saying—Hey dude! You are grown up now! I would often find solace when people consoled me saying these ugly marks won’t follow me through my life. And I believed them, poor me! Oh 17-year-old me, you had no idea. I’m sure this has been your story too. Facing acne troubles in your 20s and spending thousands on cosmetics and medications to hide those ugly spots. Well, lemme give a natural solution. Flaxseed. Don’t underestimate these tiny seeds—they are a powerhouse I tell you!They expertly handle the production of the sebum—the culprit. This oily substance is produced by the skin and is responsible for providing moisture to our skin. But when uncontrolled can attract dirt and other impurities, causing acne(6). You can simply avoid this condition by having one-two tablespoons of milled and roasted flax seeds daily.
6. Rejuvenates Skin
This seed also has skin rejuvenating properties. Flaxseeds is touted to be one of the strongest exfoliants and using it topically can help get rid of the dead skin, leaving you with a flaunt-worthy skin.
7. Provides A Healthier Skin Tone
Does your skin look dull and lifeless? Flaxseeds might help brighten it. This seed has moisturizing properties, all thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds prevent our skin from drying out (7). It also helps get rid of that unwanted tan and uneven skin tone.
5 Effective Flaxseed Face Packs
Other than consuming, flaxseeds can be used to make a number of face packs and scrubs to enhance the beauty of your skin. Have a look:
1. Flaxseeds And Water For A Firm Skin
1 tablespoon flaxseeds 1/3 cup water A plastic bowl
2. Flaxseed And Blue Clay Mask For A Radiant Skin
1 tablespoon flaxseeds 1 teaspoon blue clay 2-4 drops rose water
3. Flaxseed And Egg Face Mask For Skin Cleansing
1 tablespoon grounded flaxseed 1 egg
4. Flaxseed, Lemon, And Honey Face Mask For Acne
1 tablespoon flaxseeds 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon organic honey
5. Flaxseed, Cinnamon Powder, And Yogurt Face Mask For Skin Rejuvenation
1 tablespoon grounded flaxseeds 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder 1 tablespoon yogurt
Takeaway
Can flaxseed cause hair loss? Check out the below infographic to learn the important benefits of flax seeds for your skin. No, flax seed does not cause hair loss. Flax seeds may boost hair growth (1 ), (2). Who should not eat flax seeds? Pregnant and breastfeeding women and people allergic to flaxseed should avoid them. Additionally, people on blood thinners, anti-inflammatory, and blood pressure medications should avoid flax seeds. Consult your doctor before consuming flax seeds (3). Which is better: flax or chia seeds? Both flax and chia seeds are very nutritious. They provide a host of health benefits. Chia seeds have slightly more fiber and fewer calories, while flax seeds are rich in magnesium, copper, and potassium. You can choose either ingredient as per your choice (4), (5).
