Alsi
Alsi
Alsi or Flax seeds are important oil seeds which are used for various medicinal benefits. It is rich in fibre, carbohydrates, protein and minerals. Health-promoting properties of Alsi are antioxidant, cardiovascular, anticancer, antidiabetic antiviral and anti-inflammatory. These benefits help to manage diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, respiratory, genitourinary (relating to the genital and urinary organs) diseases, skin disorders and constipation[1][2].
What are the synonyms of Alsi?
Linum usitatissimum, Alasi, Teesi, Linseed, Flaxseed, Marshina, Javasu, Alasi, Atasi, Bittu, Neempushpi, Kshuma
What is the source of Alsi?
Plant Based
Benefits of Alsi
Modern Science View
Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing diabetes and pre-diabetes in obese individuals. It decreases the level of blood glucose and insulin levels and increases insulin sensitivity[3][5][6].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Alsi (Flaxseed) helps to correct impaired digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This reduces Ama and improves the function of insulin. Alsi also has Tikta (bitter) property and helps to maintain normal blood sugar level
Modern Science View
Alsi may be beneficial in lowering total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in blood. This may be due to the presence of some bioactive components such as 𝛼-linoleic acid, fibre and non-protein content[3][7][8].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Alsi helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi may be useful in managing enlarged prostate[3].
Modern Science View
Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in reducing the risk of breast cancer. It inhibits the proliferation and expression of breast cancer cells[3][12][13].
Modern Science View
Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing heart diseases due to the presence of omega 3 fatty acids, fibre and lignans. It lowers total cholesterol and low-density protein (LDL) levels in the blood. This reduces the buildup of plaque in the arteries and irregular heartbeat. Thus it may prevent heart attacks[3][14][15].
Ayurvedic View
Alsi helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases by controlling high cholesterol. High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Alsi helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins. This reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4 cup of Alsi, roast them in a hot pan until crispy.
2. Take half of this roasted Alsi and grind them.
3. Mix both whole and grinded Alsi together.
4. Add 1 cup chilled yogurt.
5. Add 1 teaspoon honey or as per your requirement.
6. Add 1 medium size sliced banana on top of the smoothie.
7. Have this in breakfast to reduce the risk of heart problems.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4 cup of Alsi, roast them in a hot pan until crispy.
2. Take half of this roasted Alsi and grind them.
3. Mix both whole and grinded Alsi together.
4. Add 1 cup chilled yogurt.
5. Add 1 teaspoon honey or as per your requirement.
6. Add 1 medium size sliced banana on top of the smoothie.
7. Have this in breakfast to reduce the risk of heart problems.
Modern Science View
Alsi (Flaxseed) may be beneficial in managing colorectal cancer due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and lignin. It inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells and protects the normal neighbouring cells[3][16][17].
Modern Science View
Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in the prevention and management of constipation. It is due to its laxative property. It increases the volume of stool and stimulates the relaxation and contraction of intestinal muscles. This helps in the easy removal of stool[3][18-20].
Ayurvedic View
Alsi oil is useful for managing constipation. Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata Dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Alsi oil helps correct constipation due to its Vata balancing and Rechana (laxative) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon Alsi seeds or as per your requirement.
2. You can eat either raw or lightly roasted.
3. Take them preferably after meals and chew properly to control constipation.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon Alsi seeds or as per your requirement.
2. You can eat either raw or lightly roasted.
3. Take them preferably after meals and chew properly to control constipation.
Modern Science View
Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing high blood pressure due to the presence of fibre, lignans, 𝛼-linoleic acid and arginine. Arginine is required for the production of nitric oxide which is a potent vasodilator. It may lower blood pressure in case of hypertensive patients[3][21][22].
Modern Science View
Alsi may be useful in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as it is rich in dietary fibre. Insoluble fibre binds with water and increases the intestinal bulk. This may give relief from IBS[3][23].
Ayurvedic View
Alsi helps to control the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to Ayurveda, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also known as Grahani. Grahani is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Alsi helps to improve Pachak Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This helps control the symptoms of IBS.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon Alsi seeds or as per your requirement.
2. You can eat either raw or lightly roasted.
3. Take them preferably after meals and chew properly to keep better digestion.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon Alsi seeds or as per your requirement.
2. You can eat either raw or lightly roasted.
3. Take them preferably after meals and chew properly to keep better digestion.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in reducing the risk of lung cancer[3].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be slightly useful in managing menstrual symptoms[3][25].
Modern Science View
Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing prostate cancer due to the presence of lignans. It inhibits the growth and proliferation of prostate cancer cells[3][26][27].
Modern Science View
Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing weight. Alsi is rich in soluble and insoluble fibre that combines with water and digestive juices. This increases gastric content, the time food remains in the stomach and also promotes the feeling of fullness. It may also decrease the absorption of some nutrients which in turn may reduce fat accumulation[3][28][29].
Ayurvedic View
Alsi helps to manage weight when added in the daily diet. An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu. Alsi helps to correct digestive fire and reduce Ama due to its Ushna(hot) nature which is responsible for weight gain.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4 cup of Alsi, roast them in a hot pan until crispy.
2. Take half of this roasted Alsi and grind them.
3. Mix both whole and grinded Alsi together.
4. Add 1 cup chilled yogurt.
5. Add 1 teaspoon honey or as per your requirement.
6. Add 1 medium size sliced banana on top of the smoothie.
7. Have this in breakfast to manage weight.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4 cup of Alsi, roast them in a hot pan until crispy.
2. Take half of this roasted Alsi and grind them.
3. Mix both whole and grinded Alsi together.
4. Add 1 cup chilled yogurt.
5. Add 1 teaspoon honey or as per your requirement.
6. Add 1 medium size sliced banana on top of the smoothie.
7. Have this in breakfast to manage weight.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing Endometrial cancer[3].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder due to the presence of certain fatty acids[3][30].
How effective is Alsi?
Likely effective
Diabetes, High cholesterol ABC
Likely ineffective
Osteoporosis
Insufficient evidence
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Benign prostatic hyperplasia, Breast cancer, Cancer of colon and rectum, Constipation, Endometrial cancer, Heart disease, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Irritable bowel syndrome, Lung cancer, Menopausal symptoms, Obesity, Prostate cancer
Precautions when using Alsi
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Avoid taking Alsi during Breastfeeding[2].
Other Interaction
Modern Science View
Alsi may decrease the blood clotting. So it generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Alsi with other anticoagulants drugs[2].
Ayurvedic View
Alsi could block the intestines due to the bulk-forming effects due to Guru(heavy) nature so it should be taken with plenty of water to prevent this from happening.
Ayurvedic View
Alsi seeds should not be taken as a whole as these are complex to digest due to Guru(heavy) by our digestive system. Grinding is the first step which has to be accomplished before adding them to any dish.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Alsi may lower the blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Alsi with anti diabetic drugs[2].
Ayurvedic View
Alsi may lower the blood sugar level due to its Tikta(bitter) property. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Alsi with antidiabetic drugs.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Alsi may lower the blood pressure. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood pressure level while taking Alsi with with anti hypertensive drugs[2].
Ayurvedic View
Alsi may lower the blood pressure due to its Vata balancing property. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood pressure level while taking Alsi with antihypertensive drugs.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Avoid taking Alsi during Pregnancy[2].
Ayurvedic View
Also should not be taken during pregnancy because of its Ushna(hot) potency.
Recommended Dosage of Alsi
- Alsi Powder - ½ -1 teaspoon twice a day.
- Alsi Capsule - 1-2 capsules once or twice a day.
- Alsi Oil - 1-2 teaspoon once a day.
How to use Alsi
1. Alsi (Flaxseed) Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Alsi seed powder
b. Add 1 glass of warm water
c. Have it after lunch and dinner
2. Alsi (Flaxseed) oil capsule
a. Take 1-2 Alsi (Flaxseed) oil capsule.
b. Swallow with water after taking food.
3. Alsi (Flaxseed) oil
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Alsi (Flaxseed) oil.
b. Mix with hot water or milk.
c. Have it at night before sleeping.
4. Alsi (Flaxseed)
A. For Cold and Cough
a. Soak 1-2 teaspoon of Alsi seeds overnight in a glassful of water.
b. Squeeze ½ lemon to it and drink empty stomach next morning.
c. Use this remedy to get rid of Cold, cough, flu, and sore throat[4].
B. For Better Digestion
Eat raw or light roasted Alsi seeds 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
Take them preferably after meals and chew properly for better digestion
5. Alsi Tea
a. Take 1 cup of water in a pan and bring it to boil.
b. Add 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of tea to it and boil on the medium flame for 4-5 mins.
c. Also add 1 teaspoon of Alsi seed powder to it.
d. Enjoy the refreshing tea with goodness of Alsi[4].
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Alsi seed powder
b. Add 1 glass of warm water
c. Have it after lunch and dinner
2. Alsi (Flaxseed) oil capsule
a. Take 1-2 Alsi (Flaxseed) oil capsule.
b. Swallow with water after taking food.
3. Alsi (Flaxseed) oil
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Alsi (Flaxseed) oil.
b. Mix with hot water or milk.
c. Have it at night before sleeping.
4. Alsi (Flaxseed)
A. For Cold and Cough
a. Soak 1-2 teaspoon of Alsi seeds overnight in a glassful of water.
b. Squeeze ½ lemon to it and drink empty stomach next morning.
c. Use this remedy to get rid of Cold, cough, flu, and sore throat[4].
B. For Better Digestion
Eat raw or light roasted Alsi seeds 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
Take them preferably after meals and chew properly for better digestion
5. Alsi Tea
a. Take 1 cup of water in a pan and bring it to boil.
b. Add 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of tea to it and boil on the medium flame for 4-5 mins.
c. Also add 1 teaspoon of Alsi seed powder to it.
d. Enjoy the refreshing tea with goodness of Alsi[4].
Benefits of Alsi
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be useful in managing skin infections. This is due to its antibacterial and antioxidant property[34].
Ayurvedic View
Tips:
1. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Alsi oil.
2. Directly apply on the affected area once or twice a day to manage skin problems.
1. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Alsi oil.
2. Directly apply on the affected area once or twice a day to manage skin problems.
How effective is Alsi?
Insufficient evidence
Skin infections
FAQs about Alsi benefits
Precautions when using Alsi
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Alsi(flaxseed) should be used with rose water if your skin is hypersensitive because of its Ushna(hot) potency.
Recommended Dosage of Alsi
- Alsi Powder - ½ - 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Alsi
1. Alsi seed Powder Facepack
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Alsi seed powder.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it to sit for 5-7 minutes.
e. After about 7 to 10 minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.
f. Pat dry with a towel and apply moisturizer.
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Alsi seed powder.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it to sit for 5-7 minutes.
e. After about 7 to 10 minutes, rinse off with lukewarm water.
f. Pat dry with a towel and apply moisturizer.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Alsi is a rich source of sugar, Fructose, Linamarine, Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Kempherol, Sitosterol, Plenyl propanoid glycoside. These constituents of Alsi are responsible for its pharmacological properties such as anti diabetic, anti hypertensive, gastroprotective and wound healing activities.
Modern Science View
Alsi is available in the market under various product form such as:
1. Seeds
2. Oil
3. Capsule
They are available under various brands such as Keva, NutroActive, 24Mantra, Rich Millet, Total activation, Sri sri tatva, Organic India, Nature’s way, etc. You can choose the brand and product according to your liking and requirement.
1. Seeds
2. Oil
3. Capsule
They are available under various brands such as Keva, NutroActive, 24Mantra, Rich Millet, Total activation, Sri sri tatva, Organic India, Nature’s way, etc. You can choose the brand and product according to your liking and requirement.
Modern Science View
Yes, Alsi (Flaxseed) have a number of health benefits due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans and fibre. It has potent antioxidant and anti-cancer activity and is also beneficial in managing diabetes and high cholesterol[5-11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Alsi (Flaxseed) is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that acts as natural blood thinners[32].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may affect hormone metabolism in postmenopausal women. It may reduce the level of estradiol and increase the level of prolactin in the blood[33].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be a useful additive in cosmetics. It may be good for your hair due to its antibacterial and antioxidant activity[34].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Alsi (Flaxseed) may be a useful additive in cosmetics. It may be good for your skin due to its antibacterial and antioxidant activity[34].
Ayurvedic View
Alsi (Flaxseed) oil helps to manage skin problems like skin allergy, wound, and other skin diseases. It helps to reduce skin inflammation and promote wound healing. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
1. Take ½ 1 teaspoon of Alsi oil.
2. Directly apply on affected area once or twice a day.
3. To get rid of skin problems.
Tips:
1. Take ½ 1 teaspoon of Alsi oil.
2. Directly apply on affected area once or twice a day.
3. To get rid of skin problems.
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.