Alsi aka Flax seeds are grown as cash crop in different states of India and also in USA, Canada, Africa etc. There are 2 types of flax seeds identified in Ayurveda, brown and golden yellow.
It is a fatty seed and the essential oil is rich in Omega-3, Omega-6 and ALA fatty acids also known as “good fats” that helps to lower the levels of bad cholesterol. Additionally, Alsi is rich in dietary fiber, protein and minerals. According to Ayurveda, adding Alsi seeds in a regular diet enhances the digestion and benefits weight loss. It can be consumed in raw or roasted form. It’s seed oil is also a rich source of antioxidants which helps in scavenging the free radicals produced by oxidative stress, thus acting as a anti-carcinogenic agent. These properties of Flax seeds make them an important medicinal herb for maintaining cardiac health and preventing heart attack.
Common forms of Alsi
Oil, Powder, Capsules, Seeds
Alsi is commonly used for:
Preventing cancer
Promoting heart health
Regulating blood sugar
Anti-Inflammatory properties
Maintaining menopausal health
Stimulating digestive health
Managing weight
Lowering and maintaining cholesterol levels
Managing high blood pressure
Treating scaly, itchy skin and eczema
Alsi Dosage
Oil: 1-2 teaspoon once a day Powder: ½ -1 teaspoon twice a day Capsule: 1-2 capsules once or twice a day Seeds: 1 tsp everyday
Alsi Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects: Alsi prevents blood clotting. Consult your doctor before taking theraputic dosage of Alsi if you are on blood-thinners. Not so common side-effects: Not known. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Avoid using Flax seed as it can mimic the action of hormone estrogen and is considered unsafe. Children: Not known. Warning:
Can exhibit allergic reactions in some individuals.
Chinmayi is a Nutritionist turned Marketer, with Masters in both Marketing and Nutrition. Her focus is to combine her knowledge to understand and evangelize Ayurveda.
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