Top Amazing Benefits Of Flax Seeds For Skin And Hair

Introduction

This article delves into the benefits of flax seeds for skin and hair. Flaxseeds are tiny seeds also called linseeds packed with active compounds such as alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acids), lignans, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. These little seeds are loaded with essential nutrients and work wonders in improving overall health and beauty. Flaxseeds can improve heart health, regulate blood pressure, aid digestion, improve skin and hair conditions, and accelerate wound healing.

Nutritional Value of Flaxseeds

The nutritional profile of 100 g of flax seeds as per USDA is given below

Energy	534	kcal
Protein	18.3	g
Carbohydrate, by difference	28.9	g
Fiber, total dietary	27.3	g
Calcium	255	mg
Iron	5.73	mg
Magnesium, Mg	392	mg
Phosphorus	642	mg
Potassium	813	mg
Sodium	30	mg
Zinc	4.34	mg

Flax seeds are also a good source of copper, manganese, selenium, folate, vitamin E, vitamin B1 B2 B3 B5, and vitamin B6. The nutritional value of flax seeds may vary slightly depending on the growth location, quality, and processing of the seeds.

Benefits of Flax Seeds for Skin and Hair

Flax seeds are one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans. They play a vital role in promoting hair and skin health. The bioactive compounds found in flax seeds help to reduce inflammation, moisturize the skin, and combat signs of aging. For hair health, flax seeds are equally beneficial, as they have the potential to strengthen hair follicles, promote growth, hydrate, and add shine to the hair. Let’s dive into the details of the benefits of flax seeds for skin and hair.

Benefits of Flaxseeds for Skin

Flax seeds contain lignans, antioxidants that help to reduce free radical damage and support skin repair and healing.
The seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, which help reduce dryness and flakiness of the skin.
Studies suggest ingestion of flaxseed oil or whole flaxseeds regularly, helps to enhance various skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, skin sensitivity, skin roughness, scaling, and atopic dermatitis.
Flaxseed oil can be effectively used as a therapeutic anti-inflammatory agent for itching, eczema, and swelling.
The bioactive compounds present in flaxseeds reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lowering the chances of premature aging.
Flaxseeds help to maintain skin hydration and improve skin elasticity making your skin look healthier, toned, and younger.

Flaxseed Gel Benefits for Skin

Flaxseed gel is prepared by boiling flaxseeds in water to form a slimy consistency gel.
Flaxseed gel is a powerful remedy for skin health.
The application of flaxseed gel hydrates soothes and rejuvenates your skin.
It delays the aging process giving you firmer and younger-looking skin because of its anti-aging effects.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it provides a calming effect on skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin.
Flaxseed gel helps enhance your skin tone and reduces hyperpigmentation and blemishes.

How to Use flaxseed Oil For Skin

Flaxseed oil can be applied directly on your skin as well as can be consumed in your regular diet.

Direct Application

Take a few drops of flaxseed oil apply to your face and gently massage in a circular motion for a couple of minutes, especially on the area with wrinkles, fine lines, and dry skin. Leave it for 15-20 minutes then rinse it with water.
Flaxseed oil repairs and hydrates your skin. It helps reduce blemishes and gives you brighter and more radiant skin.

Include in Your Diet

Adding 1 teaspoon of flaxseed oil to your salads, and smoothies helps to nourish your skin from within giving you softer and healthier skin.

Benefits of Flaxseeds for Hair

Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and lignans are the vital compounds found in flaxseeds that improve hair growth nourishing hair follicles and enhancing scalp health.
Flaxseeds are a source of important minerals and essential vitamins required for hair growth.
Flaxseeds have hydrating properties which help to keep the hair smooth and moisturized and reduce thinning and breakage of hair.
Flax seed oil or flaxseed gel has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help control dandruff and inflammation on the scalp.
The antioxidants present in flaxseeds make the hair look healthier and shiny.

How to Use Flaxseed for Hair Growth

Flaxseeds can be used in different forms such as flaxseed gel, or oil, or can be consumed in grounded form in your routine diet. First of all, let’s have a look at how to prepare flaxseed gel.

How to Make Flaxseed Gel for Hair Growth

Add 4 tablespoons of whole flaxseeds to 2 cups of boiling water. Let it simmer on medium heat and stir the flaxseeds in between to avoid sticking. Once the mixture gets a gel-like texture, remove it from heat. Let it cool. Further, strain the gel and store it in an airtight glass jar. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week.

How to Use Flaxseed Gel for Hair Growth

Flaxseed gel can be used topically on the scalp and hair. You can add aloe vera gel, yogurt, or a few drops of coconut oil for additional benefits for hair.

1) As a Remedy for the Scalp and Hair

Liberally apply the flaxseed gel to your scalp, and massage gently for about 5 to 10 minutes. This improves blood circulation, nourishes hair follicles, hydrates the scalp and hair, and protects the hair against damage.

Now leave for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water or shampoo.

2) As a Mask for Hair

Soak 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds in one cup of water overnight. Later in the morning, grind it into a paste and add curd to the flaxseed paste. Apply this paste evenly to your scalp and hair. Leave it for 30 minutes and finally rinse it with warm water.

How to Use Flaxseed Oil for Hair Growth

Choose cold-pressed Flaxseed oil for optimum results and apply 2/3 times a week consistently to support hair growth holistically.

1) Topical Application

Take flaxseed oil in your palms and gently massage it into the scalp for 5 to 10 minutes. This promotes blood circulation, boosts hair growth, and nourishes the hair follicle.

Leave it for 30 minutes or overnight for best results then rinse it with gentle shampoo.

2) As Hair Mask

Add coconut oil to flaxseed oil and make sure you apply it on your hair from the roots to the tips of the hair. Leave it for 30 minutes or overnight. Rinse with mild shampoo and warm water.

3) As Hair Serum

Grab a little amount of flaxseed oil rub it between your hands and apply lightly to damp hair, especially to the ends of the hair to avoid frizz and split ends.

4) Oral Consumption of Flaxseed Oil

Adding 1 teaspoon of flaxseed oil to salads, and smoothies can provide you with essential nutrients to promote hair growth.

How to Use Grounded Flax Seeds Orally for Hair Growth

Add 1 tablespoon of freshly ground flaxseeds to smoothies, salads, oatmeal, yogurt, or jaggery daily.

Flaxseed is a natural remedy for hair loss, hair thinning, and dryness of hair. The seeds are beneficial in promoting hair growth and improving overall health.

Precautions

Flaxseeds are usually safe for most adults when taken orally.
However, for sensitive individuals, adding flaxseed to their regular diet may increase the number of bowel movements.
When consumed in excess it can give rise to bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or pain in the abdomen.
Always remember, for optimal results, flax seeds should be taken in moderation with plenty of water to avoid any gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.

Contra-indication

Avoid using flaxseed when you are pregnant or lactating as we do not have enough clinical evidence on the effects of flaxseed on pregnancy and breastfeeding conditions.
Do not consume flaxseeds if you are suffering from bleeding disorders as flaxseeds might slow clotting.
Diabetes: Flax seeds may lower blood sugar levels. If you are on medication for diabetes, and consuming flaxseeds then you need to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
Flax seeds may lower diastolic blood pressure, especially in individuals with low blood pressure (Hypotension).
In rare cases, if you are allergic to flaxseeds avoid consuming it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benefits of flax seeds for skin and hair care are amazing. These tiny seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help repair damaged skin, moisturize, and rejuvenate the skin combating free radicals and inflammation. For hair, flaxseeds strengthen hair follicles, boost growth, nourish the hair enhancing the appearance and texture. Whether flaxseeds are consumed orally or applied topically, they provide remarkable benefits for healthy glowing skin and strong hair naturally.

FAQ’s

Q1. What are the benefits of flaxseeds for skin?

Promotes skin repair
Moisturizes the skin
Reduces inflammation
Improves skin elasticity
Protects the skin from free radical damage

Q2. What are the benefits of flaxseeds for hair?

Strengthen the hair follicles
Promotes hair growth
Reduces hair fall
Nourishes the scalp
Lowers the dandruff
Hydrates the scalp and hair
Enhances the elasticity of hair
Adds shine to the hair

Q3. How to use flaxseed for hair and skin?

Ans: Flax seeds can be consumed orally in grounded form and topically can be applied on hair, scalp, or the affected part of skin as flaxseed oil or in gel form.

Q4. Can we eat flaxseed directly?

Ans: Yes, you can roast the flax seeds or soak them overnight before eating the flax seed directly. Make sure to chew them thoroughly as it is hard to digest. But if you grind them, it becomes easier to digest. Consider adding them to muffins, smoothies, salads, cereal, yogurt or oatmeal.

Q5. How to put flax seed on face?

Ans: Grind the flaxseeds and add water to form a gel. Apply this gel to the face as a mask and rinse it after 15 to 20 minutes to get soft and hydrated skin.

Reference

Top Amazing Benefits of Flax Seeds for Skin and Hair