New Health Bomb: Flax Seed And Its Benefits
Flaxseed is one of the oldest foods consumed by humans. Many people consider it to be one of the world’s first cultivated superfoods! Today, flaxseed is used in all kinds of foods, from crackers to cakes to oatmeal to smoothies.
Its nutty taste and aroma are liked by many. Another reason behind its popularity is its nutritional value that provides many health benefits. Let us help you discover it better now!
1. High in fiber
It is difficult to find food that has a good amount of fiber in both soluble and insoluble forms. But flaxseed does the job very well of adding such fibers in your diet. Flaxseed helps in reducing cholesterol and also helps in alleviating blood sugar levels. It is effective for proper functioning of the intestines. Flax seeds can prevent and also treat certain types of cancer. It reduces breast cancer, hot flashes, and prostate cancer in men.
2. Nutrition
Flax seed contains a high amount of vitamin B, magnesium, and manganese, which are required for proper functioning of the body.
3. High in phytochemicals
Flax seed has a good amount of phytochemicals and antioxidants. It is the best source of lignans which can balance female hormones. Lignans can promote fertility, reduce premenopausal symptoms, and also can prevent breast cancer.
4. Menopausal symptoms
In a study conducted recently, flax seeds were found to work in the same way as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopause treatment for mild menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood disturbances, and vaginal dryness.
5. Healthy skin and hair
If you want healthier skin, hair and nails then consider adding 2 tbsp of flax seeds to your smoothie or 1 tbsp of flax seed oil to your daily routine.
The ALA fats in flax seeds benefits the skin and hair by providing essential fats as well as b-vitamins which can help reduce dryness and flakiness. It can also improve symptoms of acne, rosacea, and eczema. This also applies to eye health as flax can reduce dry eye syndrome.
Flax seed oil is another great option since it has an even higher concentration of healthy fats. You can take 1-2 tbsp internally to hydrate skin and hair. It can also be mixed with essential oils and used as a natural skin moisturizer.
6. Weight loss
Since flax is full of healthy fats and fiber, it will help you feel satisfied longer so you will eat fewer calories overall which may lead to weight loss.
This is important for weight loss in that an inflamed body will tend to hold on to excess weight. Add a couple of teaspoons of ground flaxseed to soups, salads, or smoothies as part of your weight loss plan.
7. Diabetes
Daily intake of flax seeds modestly improves the blood sugar of people suffering from diabetes. Lignans can also prevent type 2 diabetes.
8. Reduces cancer risk!
Studies supported by the American Institute for Cancer Research indicate there is a link between flaxseed and reduced risk of cancer. Initially, it was found that flaxseed is effective against breast cancer, but now studies have found it is also beneficial in fighting prostate, ovarian and colon cancer.
The high levels of lignans found in flaxseed protect against breast cancer by blocking enzymes involved in hormone metabolism and responsible for the growth and spread of tumor cells. Plus, both ground flaxseed and flaxseed oil are high in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that is beneficial against cancer.
9. High cholesterol
People who follow a Mediterranean diet have high HDL i.e. good cholesterol level. This Mediterranean diet consists of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids.
10. Immunity
Flaxseed oil is the richest source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and lignans together provide good immunity to the body and fight alien substances.
11. Constipation
Flaxseed and flaxseed oil act as natural laxatives and give you relief from constipation without having any harmful side effects.
12. Depression
It’s true: depression hurts. It has the capability to impact every instant of the day. There are loads of antidepressants that physicians may prescribe, but based on a Japanese study, a straightforward dietary inclusion of flaxseed may also prove helpful.
13. Here are more tips for using, buying, and storing flaxseed:
Buy it ground or grind it yourself.
Check the product label. When buying products containing flaxseed, check the label to make sure ground flaxseed, not whole flaxseed, was added. Flaxseed is a featured ingredient in cereals, pasta, whole grain breads and crackers, energy bars, meatless meal products, and snack foods.
Add flaxseed to a food you habitually eat. Every time you have a certain food, like oatmeal, smoothies, soup, or yogurt, stir in a couple tablespoons of ground flaxseed.
Use it in baking. Substitute ground flaxseed for part of the flour in recipes for quick breads, muffins, rolls, bread, bagels, pancakes, and waffles. Try replacing 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the flour with ground flaxseed if the recipe calls for 2 or more cups of flour.
Keep it in the freezer. The best place to store ground flaxseed is the freezer. The freezer will keep the ground flax from oxidizing and losing its nutritional potency.
Whole flaxseed keeps longer. It’s a good idea to keep your whole flaxseed in a dark, cool place until you grind it. But as long as it is dry and of good quality, whole flaxseed can be stored at room temperature for up to a year.
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