We have a jar of flaxseeds in our home, with the brown variety of flaxseeds that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The yellow or golden flaxseeds (also called golden linseeds) have similar nutritional characteristics as brown flaxseeds, but they are very low in omega-3.With so many flaxseeds on our hands – to last for a year or more; we decided to plant a few flaxseeds just for the fun of it. Within a few days, the seeds germinated, and as the seedlings grew, so did our knowledge about flax. Flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum) is also known as flax, linseed, lint bells, and linum. The plant is originally from India, and the seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogenic lignans. Lignans are antioxidants found in plants that support the immune system and balance hormone levels in the body.

Flax plants are annual plants that thrive well in full sun to partial shade; they prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

Flax plants are mostly grown as crop for the manufacture of linen cloth (from fibres obtained from the stems); and for the production of linseed oil and flaxseeds for human consumption.

Flax is the oldest fibre crops in the world.

Many persons prefer to grow their flax plants in masses since the plant is tall, lanky and rangy. They have slender stems, and the plants can grow to heights of 47 inches (120 cm).

Flaxseed plants require regular watering, and can become prone to insect pests such as bollworms, ants, and stainers.

Warning:
Parts of the flax plant are poisonous if ingested. And although the flax sprouts may be used in salads; cyanogenic glycosides (prussic acid), which is present in parts of the plant, is known to have caused poisoning to livestock.

Flax plants flower from June to July; and their flowers are light to medium blue, or white in colour. I read that these flowers are:

  • cardiotonic (having a tonic effect that strengthens the heart), and
  • nervine (having beneficial effect upon the nervous system i.e. used to calm the nerves).

The small flowers (each consisting of five petals) are approx. 1.5 to 2.0 cm in diameter and are pollinated by insects. I understand that flax is one of the few plant species capable of producing truly blue flowers.

Flaxseeds may be consumed raw or cooked; and they may be used in breads and cereals. The roasted seeds are also used as a coffee substitute.

I understand that grounded flaxseeds are fed to poultry in order that they produce eggs with yolks that have increased amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, and decreased amounts of saturated fats.

Fresh flaxseeds contain water, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, and ash. Please note: flaxseeds may have a laxative effect due to their fiber content. Flaxseeds also contain minerals such as: Calcium, Phosphorus, and Iron, as well as trace amounts of Vitamins – A, B1, and B2.

I read that flaxseeds have been used in traditional medicine to soothe tonsillitis, sore throats, coughs, colds, constipation, and urinary tract infections. These seeds are also used in cancer prevention – studies in mice have shown that flaxseeds inhibit the growth and metastasis of human breast cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma.

Flaxseeds are also used for constipation, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, mucositis, periodontal disease, premenstrual syndrome, and radiation therapy side effects.

Please note: Flaxseeds are hard to digest and may cause flatulence. And while the seeds are nontoxic when consumed in typical amounts, they may be toxic when consumed in large quantities. The other common adverse reactions to flaxseeds include: increased bowel movements and constipation.

Warnings:

  • Like parts of the flax plant, the flaxseeds also contain cyanogenic glycosides (prussic acid). In small quantities these glycosides stimulate respiration and improve digestion; but in excess, can cause respiratory failure and death.
  • Flaxseeds should not be used if you have gut inflammatory diseases.
  • Ingestion of flaxseed may interefere with radiology procedures.
  • It has also been suggested that flaxseeds should be avoided if you have prostate gland diseases.
  • The use of flaxseeds is contraindicated in pregnancy.

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Main sources:
http://davesgarden.com – The Incredible Edible Flax
http://www.pfaf.org – Linum usitatissimum
http://www.nda.agric.za – Production Guidelines For Flax