Benefits and risks of flax seeds for pregnant women and ways to consume them

Flax seeds are a rich source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the health of the body, especially for pregnant women. However, caution should be exercised not to overeat them. In this report, "Dalili Medical" reviews the benefits and harms of flax seeds for pregnant women according to what was stated on our website.

**What are flax seeds?**

Linseeds are soft, shiny, brown seeds that are considered edible. They are used as a healthy food and are an important source of omega-3 acids and dietary fiber. Historically, flax seeds have been consumed since ancient times, as they were known to the Greeks and Romans, due to their containing a group of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, calcium, manganese, thiamine, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. Flax seeds can be eaten either roasted or raw, and they can be ground and added to baked goods, salads, and juices. In addition, flaxseed oil can be extracted, which is considered very beneficial for the skin and hair.

**Nutritional value of flax seeds**

Flax seeds are a rich source of many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats such as omega-3. A tablespoon of ground flax seeds, weighing 7 grams, contains the following nutrients:

- Calories: 37.4 calories

- Protein: 1.28 grams

- Fat: 2.95 grams

- Carbohydrates: 2.02 grams

- Dietary fiber: 1.91 grams

- Calcium: 17.8 mg

- Magnesium: 27.4 mg

- Phosphorus: 44.9 mg

- Potassium: 56.9 mg

- Folic acid: 6.09 micrograms

- Lutein and zeaxanthin: 45.6 micrograms

Flax seeds are rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates, which helps prevent constipation and contributes to expelling toxins from the body. It also contains a high percentage of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining health. In addition, flax seeds are gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for people with gluten sensitivity.

**Are flax seeds safe for pregnant women?**

Pregnancy is a sensitive period that requires pregnant women to be careful in choosing what they eat, so it is important to know whether flax seeds may harm the fetus. It is always advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications or herbs, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. So far, there are no studies confirming the safety of using flax seeds for pregnant women, but some research indicates the possibility of consuming small amounts, such as one tablespoon containing about 1.4 grams of linoleic acid. Caution should be exercised when consuming large amounts of flax seeds, as they may lead to hormonal disorders during pregnancy. It is also advisable to avoid flaxseed oil during this period.

**Flax seeds and twin pregnancy**

Many women who are planning to get pregnant with twins seek to eat foods that may increase the chances of this happening, and among these foods are flax seeds, due to their content of omega-3 acids that contribute to enhancing mental health and fetal development, and also help reduce the risk of premature birth. However, flax seeds should not be overused, as the maximum permissible amount of omega-3 acids for pregnant women is 300 mg per day.

**Flax seeds and childbirth**

Flaxseed oil can help facilitate the birth process, as it works to soften the cervix and helps start labor. However, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using flaxseed oil in the later stages of pregnancy due to the potential risks to the mother and fetus.

**Benefits of flax seeds for stimulating the ovaries**

Flax seeds contribute to treating the problem of polycystic ovary syndrome by reducing androgen levels in the body, thanks to their content of omega-3 acids. A study was conducted on a 31-year-old woman suffering from this syndrome, where she took about 30 grams of flaxseed daily for four months, which led to a significant decrease in androgen and testosterone levels.

**Is flaxseed oil safe during pregnancy?**

You should not take flaxseed oil during pregnancy without consulting a doctor. Although the oil contains essential fats that the fetus needs, it may cause problems as the pregnancy progresses. A study from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Montreal showed that pregnant women who took flaxseed had a 12% risk of premature birth, compared to 3% among women who did not take it. This association was particularly noticeable in women who used flaxseed oil during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. However, eating whole or wild seeds does not appear to cause the same risk.

**How ​​can you eat flaxseed during pregnancy?**

Despite the many benefits of flaxseed, it is recommended to eat it in moderation, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. You can grind roasted flaxseed and store it in an airtight container, and eat small amounts to avoid any side effects. Some ways you can incorporate roasted flaxseed powder into your diet are by mixing it into smoothies or yogurt, sprinkling it over salads, or mixing it with cheese.

**Is it safe to consume flaxseed during pregnancy?**

You can consume moderate amounts of flaxseed during pregnancy, as large amounts may act as estrogen in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances. Due to the lack of research on the effects of flaxseed during pregnancy, it is best to consult a doctor before using it.

**How ​​much flaxseed is allowed during pregnancy?**

You can eat one tablespoon of flaxseed daily during pregnancy, which will provide you with your daily requirement of 1.4 grams of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

**What are the benefits of flaxseed for pregnant women?**

Flaxseed is a rich source of nutrients, vitamins, and fiber, making it beneficial forFor pregnant women in several ways:

**Fetal development**

Flax seeds contain linoleic acid and omega-3 acids, which contribute to the development of the fetus's brain, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Therefore, eating flax seeds is of particular importance during the first months.

**Treatment of constipation during pregnancy**

Flax seeds are characterized by the presence of natural fibers that act as a natural laxative. Eating them in moderate amounts with water can help relieve constipation that pregnant women may suffer from, and also contribute to preventing hemorrhoids. However, caution should be exercised not to overeat them, as this may exacerbate the problem of constipation.

**Regulating blood sugar levels**

Pregnant women may suffer from high blood sugar levels, so their blood sugar readings differ from those of normal people. For example, a pregnant woman's fasting blood sugar reading should be less than 92 mg/dL, while for a normal person it is less than 100 mg/dL. Eating flax seeds in small amounts can help regulate blood sugar levels in pregnant women.

**Nourishing for skin and hair**

Studies indicate that flax seeds are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins B, E, iron, and magnesium, which help moisturize and nourish the skin and hair, and enhance their health and strength.

**Natural moisturizing for skin and hair**

Research indicates that flax seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that have therapeutic and moisturizing properties, which helps repair damaged and brittle hair follicles, in addition to removing dead skin cells from the skin.

**Stimulate hair growth**

Flax seed gel contributes to promoting faster and longer hair growth by providing the necessary nutrition to hair follicles, thanks to its vitamin E content, which is also beneficial for the scalp and reduces the effect of free radicals that are harmful to hair.

**Curly hair care**

Vitamin E, which is abundant in flax seeds, acts as a moisturizer and antioxidant, which helps control hair frizz by fighting harmful free radicals, and also gives curly hair the health and vitality it needs.

**Reducing scalp inflammation**

Studies have shown that the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed have anti-inflammatory properties, and prevent the conversion of linoleic acid, which is an inflammatory element. Flaxseed gel also improves blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes its health.

**Enhancing hair shine and skin glow**

Flaxseed helps prevent dry skin and scalp, and moisturizes dry, malnourished hair, giving it the desired shine, thanks to its fatty acids that help retain moisture for both hair and skin.

**Enhancing skin elasticity**

Flaxseed gel works as an anti-aging treatment, as it removes dead cells that cause wrinkles. Omega-3 fatty acids also help protect the skin from dryness and cracking, which helps the inner layer of the skin retain water, making the skin look plump and preventing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

**Combating dark spots and acne**

Flaxseed gel helps balance the estrogen hormone in the body, which reduces the spread of acne. It also helps control the secretion of excess oils on the face, thanks to its alpha-linolenic acid content, which is useful for treating oily skin and balancing sebum secretion, which prevents acne.

Flaxseed gel reduces skin sensitivity

Sensitive skin is more prone to inflammation and allergic reactions, and some studies have shown that daily use of flaxseed reduces this sensitivity, and the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the gel improve the skin barrier function and increase its hydration, which protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Prevents premature graying of hair

The presence of nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, vitamin E, etc. in flaxseed helps reduce free radical damage, which in turn prevents hair aging, graying, hair loss, and thinning. Topical application of flaxseed gel to the hair also improves hair quality. [2]

Flaxseed gel reduces skin sensitivity, as sensitive skin is more prone to inflammation and allergic reactions. Some studies have shown that daily use of flaxseed can alleviate this sensitivity. The polyunsaturated fatty acids present in the gel help improve the skin barrier function and increase its hydration, which protects the skin from damage caused by harmful ultraviolet rays.

Flaxseed gel also helps prevent premature graying of hair. Nutrients such as magnesium, manganese and vitamin E found in flaxseed help reduce free radical damage, which delays hair aging and prevents graying, hair loss and thinning. In addition, applying flaxseed gel to hair improves its quality.

Furthermore, flaxseed has anti-clotting properties, as it helps reduce harmful cholesterol levels and increase beneficial cholesterol levels, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

**Reducing the risk of heart disease**

Flaxseed is known for its anti-clotting properties, as it helps reduce harmful cholesterol levels and increase beneficial cholesterol levels.

**Risks and precautions when consuming flaxseed**

If you are allergic to seeds, it is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming flaxseed, especially during pregnancy. Symptoms of allergy include itching, swelling, redness, vomiting and nausea.

It is best not to eat raw flax seeds, as they are believed to contain amounts of cyanide compounds that may cause poisoning.

In some cases, flax seeds may lead to increased levels of estrogen, which affects the hormonal balance in the body.

AlthoughFlax seeds are rich in fiber, so a sudden increase in their consumption may lead to increased bowel movements, and pregnant women may suffer from symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

Flax seeds are not suitable for pregnant women who suffer from intestinal obstruction, intestinal inflammation, or esophageal stricture, as consuming large amounts of them without drinking enough fluids may lead to intestinal obstruction and constipation.

Flax seeds contribute to significantly lowering cholesterol levels, so if you are taking medications to lower cholesterol, it is preferable to avoid eating flax seeds, as they may interact with medications such as blood thinners, which increases the risk of bleeding.

**What are the harms of flax seeds for pregnant women?**

As previously mentioned, pregnant women should be careful when taking herbs and medications, and should consult a doctor before using them, as there are not enough studies on the effect of flax seeds on pregnant women. Therefore, it is preferable to consult a doctor before taking them, and consume them in small and moderate quantities.

1. **Effect on hormones**

Flax seeds contain plant compounds similar to estrogen, which may affect hormonal balance during pregnancy, which may lead to health complications.

2. **Increased risk of bleeding**

Flax seeds can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken in large quantities or in conjunction with other medications that thin the blood. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor before starting to take them.

3. **Irritability of the digestive system**

Some studies indicate that flax seeds may cause irritation of the digestive system, especially if they are not ground well before eating them or if they are consumed excessively.

4. **Allergy**

Caution should be exercised if symptoms of anaphylactic shock appear when eating flax seeds, such as swollen lips, chest pain, or shortness of breath. In this case, they should be avoided and a doctor should be consulted.

5. **High blood pressure**

Eating unripe flax seeds can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure in pregnant women, which can cause serious complications such as blood clots or preeclampsia.

6. **Cyanide poisoning**

It is important to stick to small amounts of flax seeds, as excessive consumption can lead to the risk of cyanide poisoning, which is life-threatening.

7. **Increased risk of premature birth**

Consuming flax seeds, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, can increase the risk of premature birth. Therefore, you should pay attention to the symptoms of premature birth if they occur.

6. Increased risk of cancer

A study conducted on mice in 2017 showed that consuming large amounts of flax seeds during pregnancy or lactation can increase the risk of breast tumors. This is due to the properties of flax seeds that resemble the effect of the hormone estrogen, in addition to containing high levels of cadmium.