How to grow flaxseeds at home and its keto benefits
Flax are one of the first crop cultivated by humankind and are also know as super food these days. The ketogenic benefit of flax seeds has hiked their demand in todays market.
It was primarily used for fiber but its hidden benefits lies within compound present in this species i.e. Omega-3 fatty acid (alternative supplements for fish and fish oil) which ameliorate heart health and improves overall eye health too.
Let’s learn about fast, easy and reliable breeding techniques of this valuable species at our home and explore its benefits.
INTRODUCTION
Common flax (Alas or Alsi) is an annual plant thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region of Europe primarily for the production of fiber. Commercial production of fiber flax has been started since 1753 A.D. Flax was first introduced in the United States by colonists and grew on small field of flax for home use but with the increase in building construction; demand for flax rise high. After 1793, flax was substituted by cotton for fiber (linen) production which reduce its demand. But, recently people have again began to cultivate this species for extracting its health-related benefits.
Most of you might already have the idea of wildflower cousins of this species i.e. blue flax and scarlet flax as it is common in the United States too. Alike these species common flax is also cool season species which add beauty to garden and provides multiple other benefits.
USES
- Linseed oil- to mix paints and protect woods.
- Linseed cake- to feed animals.
- Linen (Fiber)- for clothing.
- Flax seed- for ketogenic benefits.
EVERYDAY INTAKE / KETO BENEFIT
Studies have show that everyday intake of ground flaxseeds should be at least be at least 10g (1 table spoon) but should not be more than 50g. That contains less than 5 grams of carbs.
Ground flaxseeds can be used in drinks or in bread spread or as per the consumer preference.
Flaxseed contains outer cover contain with high amount of fiber which if taken before meal make us feel less likely to eat more. It helps in less intake of carbs resulting in weight loss.
HEALTH BENEFITS (FLAX SEED)
It is available in the form of seeds, oil, powder, tablets, capsules and flour. People use it as dietary supplements to generate its benefits.
- Key ingredient for keto diet as it helps in loose wight and keep apatite low.
- Prevents Constipation and diabetes
- Omega-3 essential fatty acid i.e. good fat from flax seed protects against heart diseases.
- Remove free radicals from the body, lower the risk of prostate cancer in men.
- Improve cholesterol level in body.
- Ease the symptoms of arthritis.
- High fiber context improves digestive health.
- Lignin of flax seed exhibits anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties.
- Reduce the risk of breast cancer after menopause.
- Prevents lungs diseases, lowers blood pressure.
- Treatment of respiratory disorders, flu, common cold, fever and rheumatism.
- Improve bone health and fight against bone disease called as osteoporosis.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Two tablespoon of flax (100g) provides adequate or sufficient amount of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Besides this, they are also rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 3 grams (g)
- Carbohydrate: 4 g (all keto food contain less than 5g carbs)
- Fat: 6 g (omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Fiber: 4 g
- Phosphorous: 100 milligram (mg)
- Magnesium: 60 mg
- Potassium: 120 mg
Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet/flaxseed-what-superfood-offers-how-add-it-your-diet/
REQUIRED LOCATION TO GORW AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Well-adapted in average to sandy well-drained soils. But, rich soil is optimum for its well growth.
Full sun site is preferred.
Crop-rotation i.e. cultivating different crops in same field every year need to be considered for reducing disease outbreak and improving yield.
Warm moist climate provides promising results for commercial flax production.
Doesn’t shows promising growth in heavy clay and wet conditions.
Planted in early spring and once it germinates, couldn’t be harmed by late spring frosts.
PLANTING METHODS (HOME GARDEN)
Recent trend has shown people growing flax seeds at home too. Let’s learn how to grow them.
Get a seed from nearby supermarket or seed store (Groceries).
Dig the soil (mix it with compost manure or organic manure if soil is poor).
Mix the soil well and smooth it with rake then spread seed evenly over the prepared soil at the rate of 1 table spoon of seed for every 1 square meter of planting space.
Cover the seed with 1 cm of soil and then water it using fine spray which should not remove soil cover and expose seed.
Keep them moist all the time
Water the soil regularly with fine spray for 15 days until the seed germinates. Then supplemental irrigation should be done for warm and windy weather period to make the soil cool and moist.
Mulching could be done to control weeds and conserve soil moisture.
Flax plants does not need fertilizers for rich soil but if soil is poor or low in nutrients for the plant then you could use organic manure. It will be enough for proper development of flax.
NOTE
Direct seeding is preferred rather than transplanting by cultivating in flat large pot.
HARVESTING
The flax seeds are harvested generally after 90 to 100 days.
At the time of harvesting there will be few flowers blooming and only few green leaves on the plant.
Could be identified by analyzing seeds i.e. 90% of the seeds turns brown.
Up rooting the plants is preferred.
Finally, bundle the stem and dry it for 3-5 weeks until the seeds dry out completely.
INTERESTING FUN FACTS
- Flax fiber is stronger than cotton fiber but less elastic.
- It is raw-materials for high quality paper industry.
- Flax fiber is renewable and 100% recyclable.
- Linen cloth made up of flax fiber are used to wrap the mummies of early Egyptian tombs.
- Flax seeds are indigestible unless ground in powder form.
- Linen was considered as symbol of purity in ancient Egypt.
