Flaxseed/Alasi/Javas - Health benefits, application, chemical constituents, side effects and many more

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Flaxseed/Alasi/Javas


Flaxseed is emerging as an important functional food ingredient because of its rich contents of α-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3 fatty acid), lignans, and fiber. Flaxseed oil, fibers and flax lignans have potential health benefits such as in reduction of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, autoimmune and neurological disorders. Flax (Linum usitassimum) belonging to family Lineaceae, is a blue flowering annual herb that produces small flat seeds varying from golden yellow to reddish brown color. Flaxseed possesses crispy texture and nutty taste. Flaxseed was native of India and was a staple food crop. 

India ranks first among the leading flaxseed producing countries in terms of acreage accounting 23.8 % of the total and third in production contributing to 10.2 % of the world’s production. In India flaxseed is mainly cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh and Bihar. 

It shows Antioxidant, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Hypocholesterolemic, Antiplatelet, anticancer, Anti-tussive,Cardio tonic, Digestive, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Emollient,, Galactagogue, Hypoglycemic, Laxative and Lipolytic properties.

            Click here for more information about Antioxidants and Free radicals

It has different names in different languages such as Hindi name(Alasi, Alsi, teesi, tisi),  Marathi name(Javas),  English name(Linseed or Flax, Flaxseed),  Gujarathi(Alshi, Arasi),  Tamil name(Aalisidirai, Ali, Virai),  Telugu name(Alsi),  Malayala(Amgastha, Agasi, Cheru charm),  Kannada(Agasebeeja, Semeagare, Agasi),  Unani name(Kattan),  Bengali(Masina, Atasi),  Siddha name(Ali,Virai, Sirrali),  Punjabi name(Ali),  Assamese name(Tisi, Tusi),  Oriya(Atushi),  Urdu name(Alsi, Katan).


Part of plant used

Seed, oil, flower





Vitamin and Mineral content

Vitamins : B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C

Minerals : calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, zinc

Flax seeds are 7% water, 18% protein, 29% carbohydrates, and 42% fat. 

In 100 grams(as a reference amount), flax seeds provide 534 calories and contain high levels (20% or more of the Daily Value) of protein, dietary fiber, several B vitamins, and dietary minerals. Flax seeds are especially rich in thiamine, magnesium, and phosphorus.

As a percentage of total fat, flax seeds contain 54% omega-3 fatty acids (mostly ALA), 18% omega-9 fatty acids (oleic acid), and 6% omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid); the seeds contain 9% saturated fat, including 5% as palmitic acid.

Flaxseed is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid, the lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and fiber. These compounds provide bioactivity of value to the health of animals and humans through their anti-inflammatory action, anti-oxidative capacity and lipid modulating properties.

The antioxidant content in flaxseed, provided in turn by its secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) content, is of great value in curtailing any oxidation process.

Flaxseed oil constitutes 98 % triacylglycerol, phospholipids and 0.1 % free fatty acids (Mueller et al. 2010). On an average it contains 21 % protein. Majority of the protein is concentrated in the cotyledons. Major protein fractions are globulin (26–58 %) and albumin (20–42 %). Flaxseed protein is rich in arginine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, while lysine is limiting. High cysteine and methionine contents improve the antioxidant levels.

Fkaxseeds have three different types of phenolic compounds–phenolic acids, flavonoids and lignans. Major phenolic acids present in defatted flaxseed are ferulic acid (10.9 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (7.5 mg/g), gallic acid (2.8 mg/g). Other phenolic acids include p-coumaric acid glucosides, hydroxycinnamic acid glucosides and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid that are present in low quantities . Flavone C- and Flavone O-glycosides are the major flavonoids found in flaxseed.

Cyanogenic glycosides are the major anti-nutrients and are fractionated into linustatin (213–352 mg/100 g), neolinustatin (91–203 mg/100 g), linmarin (32 mg/100 g).

              - Cyanogenic glycosides are heat labile and easily destroyed by processing methods namely autoclaving, microwave roasting, pelleting and by certain detoxifying enzymes such as β-glycosidases, releasing hydrogen cyanide which can be evaporated by using steam.

Phytic acid, another anti-nutrient present in flaxseed, ranges from 23 to 33 g/kg of the flaxseed meal (Oomah et al. 1996a, b). Phytic acid interferes with the absorption of calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper and iron. It is a strong chelator, forming protein and mineral-phytic acid complexes and thus reducing their bioavailability

            But as per the research review, flaxseed antinutrients have lesser impact on human health as compared to that of soyabean and canola.

Flaxseed mucilage associated with hull of flaxseed is a gumlike material composed of acidic and neutral polysaccharides. The neutral fraction of flaxseed contains xylose (62.8%) whereas theacidic fraction of flaxseed is comprised mainly of rhamnose (54.5%)followed by galactose.

                 - Mucilage of flaxseed consists of acidic and neutral polysaccharides. The neutral fraction constitutes L-arabinose, D-xylose and D-galactose and arabinoxylan and acidic fraction contains L-rhamnose, L-fucose, L-galactose and D-galactouronic acid.

Flaxseed is the richest source of plant lignans. Lignans  are  phytoestrogens,  which  are  abundantly available in fiber rich plants, cereals (wheat, barley, and oats), legumes(bean,  lentil,  soybean),  vegetables  (broccoli,  garlic,  asparagus,carrots) fruits, berries, tea and alcoholic beverages. Flaxseed containsabout 75- 800 times more lignans than cereal grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.


Properties and Benefits

  • Rasa- Madhura(Sweet), Tikta(Bitter)
  • Guna (qualities) – Guru (heaviness), Snigdha, Picchila(Sticky/Slimy)
  • Taste conversation after digestion – Katu(pungent)
  • Veerya(Potency) – Ushna(Hot)
  • Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata Dosha, Increases Kapha and Pitta Dosha. 
  •           Click here for more information about Tridosha (vata-Kapha-Pitta)

  • Flaxseed :

  • Druk Ghni – not good for eyes
  • Shukraghni – reduces sperm / semen
  • Vataghni – useful in treating disorders of Vata Dosha imbalance  such as neuralgia, paralysis, constipation, bloating, etc
  • Raktapitta Prakopana – not ideal in bleeding disorders such as nasal bleeding, heavy periods

  • Flaxseed oil :

  • Taste – Madhura(sweet)
  • Qualities –Teekshna(strong, piercing), Laghu(light to digest)
  • Sara – induces mobility, causes diarrhoea, purgation, relieves constipation
  • Agneya – hot
  • Achakshushya – not good for eyes
  • Balya – improves strength and immunity
  • Vatahara – useful in treating disorders of Vata Dosha imbalance  such as neuralgia, paralysis, constipation, bloating, etc
  • Malakrut – increases volume and bulk of faeces
  • Grahi – absorbent, useful in diarrhoea, IBS
  • Twak Dosha hara – detoxifies skin on external application and oral use
  • It is useful in
  • Basti Chikitsa – enema treatment
  • Paana – oral consumption
  • Abhyanga – massage
  • Nasya – nasal drops
  • Karna Poorana – as ear drops
  • Flaxseed oil acts as laxative but flax seeds are fried and made into Kashaya, acts as absorbent and used in Irritable bowel syndrome associated with diarrhoea.




Uses Remedies Benefits and Application

1) Flaxseed is establishing importance in the world’s food chain as a functional food. Functional food can be defined as the food or food ingredients that may provide physiological benefits and helps in preventing and/or curing of diseases.


2) Flax is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Moreover, flax fibers are used to make linen.

            - Flax fibers taken from the stem of the plant are two to three times as strong as cotton fibers but bless elastic. Additionally, flax fibers are naturally smooth, lustrous, flexible and straight. Europe and North America both depended on flax for plant-based cloth until the 19th century, when cotton overtook flax as the most common plant for making rag-based paper.


3) 1-2 teaspoons of Atasi seeds are soaked in a cup of water for overnight. Next day it is macerated well and filtered. This is consumed before food for the treatment of burning urination.


4) As It is high in protein, it help in strengthening of the nerves and building the muscles. It is also found to be beneficial for the proper functioning of the heart, brain, skin, and reproductive system.

             - Flax fiber is also a raw material for the high-quality paper industry for the use of printed banknotes and rolling paper for cigarettes and tea bags.


5) Early in the morning 2-3 ml linseed oil is added to a cup of warm water and taken in empty stomach.This helps to reduce the total cholesterol, and to reduce the mass in case of obesity.

                Click here for more information about Warm water


6) Four common forms of flaxseed available for human consumption include whole flaxseed, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil and partially defatted flaxseed meal. A new form available in the marketplace is flax milk. An alternative to “milks” like almond milk, flax milk is finely milled flaxseed mixed with filtered water and other minor compounds. 

              - Flax milk is high in ALA and is an excellent alternative to dairy milk, as it has no cholesterol or lactose. It is suitable for people allergic to soy, nuts and gluten, and it contains more health benefits than almond milk.

               Click here for more information about Almond


7) For piles - as it contains fibers and natural oil too, it helps to reduce muscle strain and also heal the affected skin.


8) Equal amount of seeds of Linseed, cumin and fenugreek are taken to make fine powder. This powder is mixed properly and taken twice a day in the dose of 5 gram along with milk.This improves lactation/Brest milk.

              Click here for more information about Fenugreek Seed

             Click here for more information about Cumin


9) Flax seeds help to decrease the symptoms of menopausal and hormonal imbalance.


10) 2 – 3 fresh flowers are collected and added with a pinch of salt(Sendha Namak) it is made into fine paste. This is applied around the throat. This pacifies throat pain in significant way.

                Click here for more information about Sendha Namak


11) Fresh, mature flax leaves are crushed to obtain fresh juice. In case of emergency, as a first aid this is applied over the wasp sting area. This quickly relieves burning sensation and pain.


12) As a functional food ingredient, flax or flaxseed oil has been incorporated into baked foods, juices, milk and dairy products, muffins, dry pasta products, macaroni and meat products. 


13) Flaxseed has been described as possessing a “nice nutty smell and aroma”, and is potentially ideal for the incorporation into a variety of foods. 


14) Flax seed sprouts are edible, with aslightly spicy flavour. 


15) Alsi (Flaxseed) might be considered as a useful additive in cosmetics as it is beneficial for skin due to its antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Applying Alsi oil on the skin might help manage skin allergies, skin inflammation and speed up wound healing due to its antioxidant property.


16) Linseed paste local application is useful in healing wounds and abscesses faster.The oil is applied externally to treat joint and muscle pains, non healing wounds, skin disorders.


17) One fist full of seeds are soaked in sour buttermilk. On proper moistening this is made into fine paste and applied over the joints.This relieves joint pain by one or two weeks.


18) For dry skin - consumption of flax seeds is beneficial in winter, as it moisturizes the skin and controls the oil balance as well.


19) Obesity : Viscous fibers appear effective in suppression of hunger. Soluble non-starch dietary fiber of flaxseed mucilage are multibranched hydrophilic substances, forming viscous solutions that delay gastric emptying and nutrient absorption from the small bowel.


20) Constipation : In constipation and in other diseases where constipation is seen, such as in IBS with constipation, haemorrhoids etc, 3 – 5 ml of flaxseed oil is administered at night or patient is advised to use it as part of diet.


21) Alpha linolenic acid, the omega-3 fat found in flaxseed promotes bone health by helping to prevent excessive bone turnover, when the consumption of foods rich in these omega-3 fats results in a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in the diet.


22) Flaxseed serves as the best omega 3 fatty acid source to the non-fish eaters.


23) Usually oils and fats rich in Omega 3, such as linseed oil and ghee are used to improve brain functions. Hence, it is very useful in treating intelligence related disorders such as ADHD. Bipolar disorder, depression.


24) γ-tocopherol is an antioxidant providing protection to cell proteins and fat from oxidation; promotes sodium excretion in urine, which may help in lowering of blood pressure and heart disease risks and Alzheimer disease.


25) Recent research has proved that consumption of Alsi seeds three times daily may help in type 2 diabetes.

            - Dietary fibers, lignans, and ω-3 fatty acids, present in flaxseed have a protective effect against diabetes risk. Flaxseed lignan SDG has been shown to inhibit expression of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene, which codes for a key enzyme responsible for glucose synthesis in the liver. Flaxseed fiber plays an important role in lowering the blood glucose levels. Studies demonstrated that insoluble fiber slows down the release of sugar in the blood and thus help in reducing blood glucose levels to great extent. 


26) Water-binding capacity of flaxseed insoluble fiber increases the intestinal bulk which is useful in the treatment of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease.

               - Dietary fiber of flaxseed reaches the large intestine and is fermented by colonic microflora with production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane and biomass and exhibit laxative effects. In the large intestine, both soluble and insoluble fibers have their bulking effect resulting in increasing both dry and wet weight of the colon contents and faeces. Soluble fiber increases water binding, initially by the binding capacity of its macromolecules, later by increasing the mass of microbial cells. The contribution of soluble fiber to faecal weight was insignificant compared to insoluble fiber. 


27) Alpha linoleic acid in flaxseed oil acts as a cardio protective. Add flaxseed oil to your diet and it can help lower the risks of heart disorders, blood pressure, regulates heartbeat and promotes heart health.

                   - According research, Soluble gum of the flaxseed may be helpful in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases by exhibiting hypocholesterolemic effect.




Side effects : 

  1. Flax seeds when consumed in excess can have a few side effects, which are minor such as nausea, stomach pain, etc.
  2. Flaxseed oil might even increase the chances of bleeding. Hence, refer any Ayurveda practitioner before use this flaxseed oil in case bleeding.



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