Atasi, known as Alsi or flaxseed in layman’s language, has the botanical name Linium usitatissimum. This blog will shed light on the health benefits of the Atasi herb (Alsi, Flaxseed). It is a flowering plant native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. It is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal and nutritional properties.
Atasi seeds are small, blue, and have a slightly nutty flavor. They are a rich source of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Atasi seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, or ground into a powder.
It is rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, lipolytic, antiplatelet, anti-tussive, cardiotonic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, estrogenic, anti-tumor, and analgesic properties and works effectively in fever, malaria, constipation, diabetes, blood cholesterol, gout, backache, cold, cough, higher weight, blood pressure, severe headache, etc.
Atasi Herb Nutritional Powerhouse
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These essential fatty acids, mainly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), offer numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and promoting heart health.
Fiber’s Role
Flaxseed is an exceptional source of soluble and insoluble fiber. This dietary fiber content is vital for digestive health, regulating cholesterol, and contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Lignans: Nature’s Powerful Antioxidants
Lignans are unique to flaxseed and known for their antioxidant properties. These compounds contribute to its potential health benefits by combating oxidative stress and inflammation.
Flaxseed is a rich source of fat, protein, and dietary fiber. It has around 41% fat, 20% protein, 28% dietary fiber, 7.7% moisture, and 3.4% ash.
Atasi Herb Health Benefits:
Atasi has many medicinal properties. Some of them are as follows:
- Laxative: Flaxseed has a good dietary fiber content. It is reported that flaxseeds produce laxative effects by increasing fecal volume and fecal weight. It stimulates peristalsis and thus works as a laxative.
- Anti Ulcer: In a study, flaxseed oil and flaxseed mucilage showed significant protective activity against gastric ulcers.
- Atherosclerosis: Flaxseed is effective in reducing hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis by reducing oxidative stress and lowering serum levels of HDL-C in the early stages. It reduces the relative risk of coronary artery disease. The presence of Lignans, adds a favorable effect on atherosclerotic plaque.
- Weight Loss: Alsi (flaxseed) may be useful in managing weight. Alsi is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber that combines with water and digestive juices. This increases gastric content and promotes the feeling of fullness. It decreases the absorption of some nutrients, which reduces fat accumulation.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the Omega-3 fatty acid present in high quantities in flaxseeds, prevents the deposition of cholesterol in the blood vessels of the heart. It is effective in reducing inflammation in the arteries.
- Antidiabetic Effect: Alsi (flaxseed) may be useful in managing diabetes and pre-diabetes in higher-weight individuals. It decreases the level of blood glucose and insulin and increases insulin sensitivity.
- Breast Cancer: Alsi is useful in reducing the risk of breast cancer. It inhibits the proliferation and expression of breast cancer cells. Kaya Cure Churna, Ayurvedic Supportive for Cancer treatment is by leading Herbal and Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturer in India.
- Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome: It shows a significant reduction in ovarian volume and the number of follicles in the ovaries, an improvement in the frequency of the menstrual cycle.
- Prostate Cancer: Alsi inhibits enzymes like tyrosine kinase and topoisomerase, these are crucial to cellular proliferation and may contribute to lower incidences of prostate cancer.
- Nephroprotective: It has been seen that dietary phytoestrogens have a beneficial role in chronic renal disease. Flaxseeds have been shown to limit or reduce proteinuria and renal pathological lesions associated with progressive renal failure.
- Bone Development: Lignans present in flaxseed influence the development of bone. Hair Growth -Being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, flaxseeds can strengthen the hair and prevent breakage. Flaxseeds can soothe inflammation on the scalp and ensure hair growth too.
Atasi Herb seeds can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Added to Food: Atasi seeds can be added to cereal, yogurt, smoothies, baked goods, and other foods.
- Ground into a Powder: Atasi seeds can be ground into a powder and added to smoothies, shakes, and other beverages.
- Made into a Tea: Atasi seeds can be used to make a tea by steeping them in hot water for a few minutes.
- Used in oil Form: Atasi seed oil can be used in salad dressings, marinades, and cooking.
- Ayurvedic formulations of Atasi: Sarshapadi Pralepa, Kolakulathadi churan, Gojihwadi Kshayam, Atasyadilepa etc.
Who should not eat Atasi?
Pregnant, Breastfeeding, Prostate cancer patients must consult the doctor while taking flaxseed. People with a bowel obstruction, an inflamed bowel, or a narrowed esophagus should not take flaxseed. It is high in fiber and could make the condition worse. Taken in large amounts and with too little water, flaxseed causes Bloating, Gas, Diarrhea.
Conclusion
Atasi is nutrient-rich, versatile herb. It is a safe and effective supplement for most people to use. it is not advised to take after consulting a physician if suffering from any serious or severe diseases.
References
- Khan Heena Umer, Fahmeeda Zeenath, Wasim Ahmad, Intezar Ahmad, Abdul Vakil khan, Therapeutics, phytochemistry & Pharmacology of Atasi (Linum usitatissimum Linn.) An important Unani drug, Journal of Pharmacognosy and phytochemistry, 2017,6(5):377-383
- Shweta Gokhale, Alakh N Sahu, Pharmacological properties of flaxseed, Linum usitatissimum as a potential medicinal plant: An overview, World journal of pharmaceutical sciences ;2016, page 207-215
- Mohit Pandey & Dr. Vandana Pathak, Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological activities & therapeutic potential of Flaxseed; A review, International journal of research in Engineering & Science, Volume 9, issue9, 2021,pp-45,46.
- Hutchins AM, Martini MC, Olson BA et al.Flaxseed consumption influences endogenous hormone concentrations in postmenopausal women.Nutr Cancer.2001;39(1):58-65.
- Pag AI, Radu DG, Drăgănescu D et al.Flaxseed cake – a sustainable source of antioxidant and antibacterial extracts. Cellul Chem Technol Cellul Chem Technol.2014;48(3-4):265-273
