Flax seed is a grain which has been included in the human diet for many thousands of years. In fact, many Babylonian burial chambers are adorned with images of flax being cultivated and many depict the various uses of flax seed over the years.
Interestingly, the much famed Greek doctor Hippocrates used flax seed in order to treat patients who were presenting with stomach complaints and the famed philosopher Theophrastus was known to use flax seed to treat his coughs.
As early as 7 AD, flaxseed oil was being used to treat skin complaints and conquer constipation, and today, it is still used for many of these purposes by those who seek natural remedies for their ailments.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil, or linseed oil as it is also known, is the form in which most of today’s flax seed is taken. It is extracted from flax seeds and can be rubbed into the skin or ingested.
Flaxseed oil has a pleasant flavour, which is nutty and rich and it is very healthy, containing large amounts of protein, omega-3 and potassium.
Flaxseed oil is, today, as in 7 AD, most commonly used to treat constipation. Some studies have shown that it is also useful in combating the symptoms of IBS too.
There is also some data which would suggest that flax seed is useful in lowering cholesterol and guarding against hypertension, but more studies need to be conducted into these areas before we can say for sure that is the case.
Using Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is no doubt healthy and delicious but, it should not be heated if you are going to eat it. Doing so would cause the flaxseed to lose all of its beneficial properties and you would not have any success in solving your problems that way.
Of course, if you simply want to use flaxseed its flavour and high protein content, then you can use it to cook in. After all, it is a much healthier option than refined vegetable oils, but if you are eating it to help you with a particular problem, it is much better to simply eat it cold as a salad dressing, or you can simply take a spoonful when required to get the most benefit.
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