Flaxseed flour: features and methods of use

Flax and its products

Common flax (Línum usitatíssimum) is an annual herbaceous plant that came to Russia from Asia.

Flax flour is made from edible seeds by grinding them and always defatting them. Only after removing fats, or simply flax oil, can flour be stored for a long time. And that is why flax seeds ground at home are not a dietary product.

Today, such flour can be purchased in stores and pharmacies, but before you talk about recipes with flaxseed flour (photo below), it is worth learning about its types, namely:

• Fine flour (particles less than 1 millimeter in size).
• Coarse flour (particles up to 2 millimeters in size).

Apart from the particle size, flax seed flour is no different - neither in taste nor in the composition of useful elements. Moreover, this type of flour has a very specific texture and is very light. Flaxseed flour has a distinct aroma with hints of nuts.

All its types are used in home cooking and in the food industry as a supplement or in pure form. In addition, such flour is used in the preparation of dietary products (recipes with flaxseed flour below) and is widely used as a supplement in a variety of diets.

How to choose?

When taking a finished product for weight loss or cleansing, you must follow the following rules:

1. You can buy flaxseed flour in hypermarkets (where, unfortunately, it is not always available) or in pharmacies.
2. Buy flour in places where the product is quickly purchased and does not sit on the shelves for several months.
3. Ground flax seeds and flax meal are different foods, although both are healthy.
4. It is best to take flour that is sold in vacuum bags.
5. First of all, when taking flaxseed flour, you need to pay attention to the packaging and its tightness.
6. After opening the package, the contents should be poured into the jar.
7. It is preferable to store seed flour in the refrigerator in an opaque jar that closes tightly and does not allow air to pass through.
8. Try to use it within a few weeks of opening the package.

As for ground flax seeds, this can be created at home, but it will not be fat-free (this is something to consider if you are taking it for weight loss). It is better to use the crushed solution immediately, as it contains omega-3 acids, which very quickly change their composition even when exposed to sunlight or when exposed to higher temperatures, turning into a carcinogen that is not safe for human health. Such a product can already cause harm to the body.

Composition of the product

100 grams of flour contains:

• 32 grams of protein;
• 13 grams of fat, of which 8 grams are polyunsaturated fatty acids of Omega-3 and 6 groups;
• 11 grams of carbohydrates;
• up to 25 grams of fiber;
• calorie content 1130–1172 kJ.

In addition, it contains many vitamins: retinoids (A), thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), pantothenic (B5) and folic (B9) acids, methylpyrimidines (B6), essential fatty acids of vitamin F, tocopherol (E) . Among the microelements, the most important are potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, chromium, zinc, sodium and calcium, copper, manganese.

Chemical composition and calorie content of flaxseed flour

The percentage in 100 g of goods compared to the average daily human norm is indicated in parentheses.

Flour contains:

• a huge amount of vitamins: B1 (120%), B2, niacin (16.5%), choline (17%), B5 (21.5%), B6 ​​(26%), B9 (24%) E;
• various trace elements: potassium (36%), calcium (28%), phosphorus (88%), iron (35%), manganese (137%), zinc (40%), magnesium (105%), copper (135%) selenium (50%);
• carbohydrates that help maintain normal weight, while they are completely harmless for patients with diabetes;
• proteins several times higher than in many legumes;
• fiber, which stimulates the digestive tract, cleanses the intestinal tract of toxins;
• antioxidants.

General recommendations for use in cooking

Most often, in baking recipes made from flax flour, it is used as an alternative to wheat or rye. At the same time, the product becomes dietary and more useful. In addition, flaxseed flour retains water better, prolonging the freshness and maintaining the fluffiness of baked goods.

If you plan to use flaxseed meal as an additive in recipes, consider the following recommendations:

• Also increase the amount of yeast by 5–10%.
• Replace up to 20% of the main flour with flaxseed flour.
• In recipes made with flaxseed flour (bread, buns, pancakes), increase the amount of water by 75% of the weight of flaxseed flour.
• But the amount of butter can be reduced by 30%.

However, in some recipes, flaxseed flour can be used as a substitute for butter and eggs. Using this product, you can significantly reduce the calorie content of the dish. There are practically no recipes for flaxseed flour without wheat, since it is most often used as an additive.

The baked goods are not as fluffy and cook much faster than without flaxseed flour. It also takes on a nice brownish color.

Flaxseed flour: recipes for weight loss

The most radical ways to use flax flour for weight loss are the following:

• Taking fermented milk cocktails with flour.
• Taking flour solutions.

Please note the following:

• To achieve results, the product must be used systematically.
• When using flaxseed meal, it is very important to drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
• It is necessary to start taking cocktails with a minimum amount of flour, gradually increasing its content to the maximum.

The recipe for making a weight loss cocktail is as follows: add 1 tablespoon of flour to a glass of drink (kefir or water).

Typically, such drinks are consumed instead of dinner or at least three hours before bedtime. But there are other diets that include drinking shakes 3 times a day.

Be sure to take into account the fact that flaxseed flour contains cyanide in small quantities. In small doses it is useful - it participates in metabolic processes, but in large doses it can lead to poisoning. At the same time, heat treatment destroys cyanide glycosides, but the intake of raw flour should be limited to no more than 3 tablespoons per day.

What are the benefits of flaxseed flour?

First of all, flaxseed flour is useful for losing weight. It does not contain oil (fat), and at the same time is rich in vegetable protein. And this ratio is more useful than ever for maintaining a slim figure. Flaxseed flour, thanks to its protein content, helps to tone and develop the muscular system. And fiber, also included in flour, helps speed up metabolic processes in the body and digest food. That is why including flaxseed flour in your menu when losing weight is a great idea.

Flaxseed meal promotes intestinal detoxification. Thanks to dietary fiber, which flour is so rich in, the state of the intestinal microflora is normalized. Flax also stimulates peristalsis. Phytochemicals (lignans) contained in flaxseed flour prevent the appearance of cancer cells in the rectum and block the penetration of viruses and bacteria. And the fiber mentioned more than once acts as a natural laxative, is easily dissolved and absorbed by the body. With regular consumption of flax flour, the body is naturally freed from waste and toxins. The gastrointestinal tract is also completely cleansed of harmful waste products of bacteria (yeast), which cause flatulence, bloating, and constipation. Flaxseed flour has a gentle effect on the intestines and eliminates the feeling of discomfort. Flaxseed meal also helps protect the heart and circulatory system.

Flaxseed contains omega-3, which is responsible for regulating blood pressure and also eliminates heart rhythm disorders (regulates heart rate). The polyunsaturated fatty acid contains potassium, which prevents platelet aggregation (enlargement of clots). Regular consumption of flaxseed flour prevents heart attack. Flaxseed flour helps dilate blood vessels, restores their firmness and elasticity.

Eating flaxseed flour helps protect the body from rheumatism, arthritis and arthrosis. It also improves the condition of bones and joints. It has been proven that flax reduces fragility, brittleness, swelling, and the formation of growths. Flaxseed helps with rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists have proven the benefits of flaxseed in preventing the appearance of cancerous tumors. Taking 30 grams of flaxseed flour. per day, you can avoid developing cancer. Plant antioxidants (lignans) prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body. Selenium in flour fights the development of malignant tumors.

Regular consumption of flaxseed flour protects against skin problems, such as flaking, seasonal eczema, and dermatitis. A properly formulated mask or cream made from flaxseed flour will help you get rid of skin problems forever. And magnesium, which is part of flaxseed flour ,

suppresses inflammatory processes on the skin, eliminates allergies. Potassium and calcium promote hair growth, amino acids have a healing effect and strengthen the hair structure from the inside.

Studies have shown that flaxseed flour normalizes the functioning of the female genital organs after surgery and restores immunity in the postpartum period. During menopause, it reduces anxiety and irritability. Lignans contained in flaxseed are beneficial for the female body: they secrete a hormone (plant estrogen) that a woman needs throughout her life. Helps cope with inflammation and dysfunction of the male genital organs (acute prostatitis, impotence), reduces the risk of prostate cancer by 35%. The active components found in flaxseed flour provide protection against inflammation and also prevent the formation of sand and stones. Doctors prescribe the use of flaxseed flour for those who have problems with alcohol.

Contraindications for use

The packaging of flaxseed flour usually states that there are no contraindications to its use. The exception is individual intolerance. But it is worth considering that people with cholelithiasis and kidney stones, disorders of the ovaries and uterus, and prostate diseases should be careful about flax-based products.

It is also worth considering the fact that when you first use flaxseed flour, you may experience bloating and flatulence. It is recommended to start taking this product with small doses.

A prerequisite when consuming flaxseed flour is to take a large amount of water, since flax absorbs moisture and this can lead to partial dehydration of the body.

And lastly, you should not consume raw flaxseed flour in doses higher than the daily norm (no more than 3 tablespoons per day). And this is connected with cyanide, which was mentioned above.

Bread is the head of everything

Today, when almost every home has a multicooker or bread maker, homemade bread is becoming increasingly popular. Using flaxseed flour, homemade bread acquires additional beneficial qualities.

There are a huge number of recipes for its preparation, but homemade bread always turns out successful, and you can add a variety of ingredients to the dough - from seeds and nuts to pieces of fruit and berries.

When preparing bread with the addition of flaxseed flour, it is worth remembering the recommendations given above. In addition, products with flaxseed flour cook faster, and it is important to monitor baking so that the bread does not burn.

To prepare bread in a bread machine, you need the following products:

• dry yeast (2 tablespoons);
• a teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt;
• 2 glasses of warm water;
• 1 glass of sour milk or whey;
• 50 grams of flaxseed flour;
• 300 grams of wheat;
• vegetable oil - necessary for lubricating the mold.

First, we dilute yeast and sugar in warm water. After the “cap” appears, add warm whey and salt, then flour (first flaxseed, then wheat). Mix everything thoroughly and carefully. Leave in a warm place for 1 hour.

The dough should double in size. Gently beat it again and leave it for half an hour.

Grease the bread machine with vegetable oil and load the dough into it. Set the “Baking” mode for 1 hour. Our bread is ready.

Flaxseed flour in the kitchen

The additive is ideal for frying and baking cakes, pancakes, pancakes and pies. Can be consumed without heat treatment as an addition to pastas, yoghurts, fruit or vegetable smoothies. Suitable for baking bread in a bread machine. Can also be used as a breading. This section provides detailed recipes with photos.

In terms of its beneficial properties, flaxseed flour has gone far ahead, leaving wheat and even rye flour behind. Its advantage is not only that it is low-calorie and contains virtually no carbohydrates. The high content of fiber, plant proteins, fatty acids, antioxidants and other microelements makes it an important component in a healthy, balanced diet. Thanks to such a rich composition, flaxseed flour is included in many recipes not only for dietary, but also for medicinal cuisine.

How much regular bread do you need to eat to feel full? 2-3 pieces. Due to the high fiber and protein content, bread made with flaxseed flour is much more nutritious. At the same time, it cleanses the body like a good brush, “expelling” excess cholesterol and accumulated toxins from it. It also plays an important role in strengthening blood vessels.

For Maslenitsa and more

For those who have a sweet tooth, here are two recipes for pancakes made from flaxseed flour.

• Classic pancakes made with milk and flaxseed flour.

We will need:

• 1 cup wheat flour;
• 4 tablespoons flaxseed flour;
• 3 tablespoons sour cream;
• 0.5 cups sugar;
• 2 eggs;
• 200 milliliters of milk;
• soda.

We start from the first stage - beat eggs and sugar, then add sour cream and milk, soda and flour (first flaxseed, then wheat). Mix until smooth.

We fry according to the standard algorithm. The pancakes will turn out fluffier and darker than those made with wheat flour.

• Dietary or Lenten pancakes for vegans.

We will need:

• 1 glass of chilled water;
• 1 glass of boiling water;
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed flour;
• 170 grams of wheat flour;
• 1 teaspoon sugar;
• salt, soda and citric acid.

First, mix sugar and flaxseed flour, add boiling water. It turns out flour jelly. Add cold water, wheat flour, salt, citric acid to it and mix until smooth.

We fry according to the standard algorithm. The pancakes are grayish in color with a subtle aroma of nuts. Perfect for all vegetarians and those who, for whatever reason, do not consume animal products.

Pancakes with flaxseed flour go well with syrups and jam and can be an excellent basis for filled dishes. And most importantly, they are incredibly useful!

Baking with flaxseed flour

You can partially (no more than half) replace wheat flour with flaxseed flour in yeast or unleavened dough. This is how any baked goods are made, from bread to gourmet confectionery. By the way, flaxseed flour successfully replaces eggs in dough. Such flour baked goods do not go stale for quite a long time.

Flaxseed bread

• wheat flour – 2 cups;
• flax flour - 2 tbsp. l.;
• flax seeds – 3 tbsp. l.;
• dry yeast – 1 pinch;
• honey – 1 tsp;
• salt – 1 tsp;
• whey or water – 1.5 tbsp.

Dissolve dry yeast and honey in heated whey. Add sifted wheat flour, salt and seeds to flaxseed flour. Knead the dough so that it remains slightly sticky. Cover and allow time to rise. When the dough has doubled in size, knead it well. Lightly grease the pan with oil. Place the loaf of bread in it and set aside again for another 30 minutes. Bake at 180 degrees for approximately 50 minutes. The finished bread should be easy to remove from the pan. It is better to cut it when it has cooled completely.

Pancakes made from flaxseed flour

• 1 glass of kefir;
• 1 egg;
• 0.5 tbsp. wheat flour;
• 2 tbsp. l. flax flour;
• 0.5 tsp. salt;
• 0.3 tbsp. milk;
• 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil;
• 0.5 tsp. soda

Beat together eggs with milk, kefir and vegetable oil. Separately mix all dry ingredients. Add them to the kefir-milk mixture and mix well. Fry pancakes in a greased frying pan.

Cookies with prunes

• low-fat cottage cheese – 150 g;
• flax flour - 3 tbsp. l.;
• flaxseed – 1 tsp;
• vegetable oil – 1 tbsp. l.;
• butter – 1 tbsp. l.;
• sugar – 1 tbsp. l.;
• baking powder – 0.5 tsp;
• pitted prunes to taste.

Mix the butter and vegetable oil thoroughly into the cottage cheese. Then mix the cottage cheese with sugar. Mix all the flour with baking powder. Knead the dough. Chop the prunes into pieces. Divide the dough into pieces according to the size of the cookies, spread each piece into a flat cake, put the prune filling inside. Pinch the edges. Line a baking sheet with parchment, grease it with butter and place the cookies. Sprinkle flaxseeds on top of the tortillas. Preheat the oven in advance and bake at 180 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Flaxseed flour cake

• 120 g wheat flour;
• 4 tbsp. l. flaxseed flour;
• 6 tbsp. l. water;
• 125 g sugar;
• 150 g butter;
• 2 eggs;
• 100 g raisins;
• 1 packet of baking powder;
• 1 packet of vanilla.

Grind the butter with sugar, add one egg at a time and gradually knead. Add vanillin. Combine wheat flour, flaxseed flour and baking powder. Gradually add flour to the liquid mixture and mix well. Then pour in 6 tbsp. l. water. At the end, add the raisins and mix again. Grease the mold with oil and pour in the dough. Bake for 30 minutes at 180 degrees.

Kissel made from flax flour

Mix flaxseed flour (3 tablespoons) with one liter of hot boiled water. Use jam instead of sugar (to taste), add zest, vanilla, and cinnamon if desired. You can add honey to warm jelly.

Porridge in the morning is the start of a good day

Flaxseed flour is an excellent ingredient for making porridge. This dish has a sour viscosity and a darkish color, and if you use lean ingredients in addition, it will be an excellent dish for anyone who wants to lose weight.

To prepare it you will need:

• 1.5 tablespoons flour;
• 3–5 prunes;
• 1 cup boiling water.

Prunes can be cut into pieces, or you can beat them in a blender. Mix all the ingredients and the healthy dish is ready.

Similarly, you can prepare porridge with any dry and fresh fruits. You can sweeten them with honey.

Can you make jelly?

If porridge does not seem too pleasant to look at, then jelly is a tasty and healthy drink that will strengthen the immune system and normalize the functioning of the digestive tract.

To prepare it, you need to take 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed flour per 0.5 liter of water. The cooking algorithm is as follows:

• Mix flour with a small amount of water until smooth.
• Add the remaining volume of water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• During the cooking process, you can add sugar, syrup, jam.

After cooling, the healthy and low-calorie jelly is ready.

The use of flaxseed flour in cosmetology

Benefits of flax face and hair masks prepared according to folk recipes:

• natural ingredients contain a huge amount of microelements;
• providing a composition that nourishes the skin and hair with vitamins;
• lifting effect due to oil and collagen;
• reduction of pores and normalization of sebaceous metabolism;
• cleansing and evening out skin color;
• reduction of rashes, relief of irritation, anti-inflammatory effect.

However, they are not harmful and in very rare cases cause allergic reactions.

There are more mask recipes in the video:

Nourishing hair mask

A mask with the following composition is suitable for hair care:

• 30 g flaxseed flour;
• 70 ml kefir;
• 5 drops of calendula essential oil.

Preparation:

• knead the dough with flour and dairy products, let it swell for 20 minutes;
• add calendula oil.

Application: apply to the root area of ​​the hair, put on a plastic cap. Wash off after an hour.

Moisturizing mask for dry skin

To make it you need:

• spoon of flaxseed flour;
• 3 tbsp. l. water;
• 10 ml liquid honey;
• 5 ml olive or flaxseed oil.

Preparation:

• knead flour and water and mix, leave to swell for 15 minutes;
• add other ingredients and stir until smooth.

Application: apply evenly for 15 minutes, cover with a napkin. Rinse with warm water and moisturize the skin. Repeat every 3-4 days.

Mask for combination skin

This mask is especially suitable for those who are prone to rashes.

You will need:

• 10 g dried chamomile plant;
• 20 g flaxseed flour;
• 100 ml boiling water.

Preparation:

• pour boiling water over chamomile and leave for half an hour;
• filter the infusion and knead the dough with flour based on it.

Application: Apply evenly to the face and rinse thoroughly after the mask has dried. Moisturize your skin. Repeat 1-2 times a week.

Mask for oily skin

These components will be needed:

• 20 g main ingredient;
• 60 ml hot water;
• 10 g cosmetic clay.

Preparation:

• mix the dough with water and flour and let it rise for 15 minutes;
• add clay to the solution and stir until smooth.

Application: Apply to face (avoiding eyelids), leave to dry. Rinse with water and moisturize the skin. For greater benefit, this procedure should be performed 1-2 times a week at night.

Recipe for those with a sweet tooth

For those who cannot imagine life without sweets, we offer a recipe for low-calorie and very healthy sweets for the body. In addition, they cook very quickly.

We will need 3 tablespoons of any nut and chocolate paste (peanut urbech, Nutella), a tablespoon of flaxseed flour, a glass of oatmeal, 5 tablespoons of any fruit jam, and coconut flakes for decoration. From this quantity of products you will get about 35 candies the size of a walnut.

First, mix all the flour and nut butter until smooth. Then add jam (you may need less of it - it all depends on the consistency of the mixture and the desired sweetness).

Mix everything thoroughly with your hands, then roll into small balls. In a shallow plate, roll them in coconut flakes.

The candies can be placed in a cold place to harden, or eaten immediately. These sweets keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. But believe me, they won’t stay in the refrigerator for that long.