2016-04-08
Joybynature.com Team
Apr
08

 

Flaxseeds have been around for some time now. Yes! This wonder food has been among us for almost over 6000 years or more now and it would not be wrong to say that it is among the first super foods to be cultivated on the face of earth.

 

Wondering why this hullabaloo about flaxseeds being a super food! Well, if you would know the treasures of health benefits that it comes with you too would get all excited about it. From improving digestion to enhancing skin glow, to balancing hormones, promoting weight management, being hearth healthy to fighting cancer… the list is indeed a long one! 

 

What are flaxseeds?

Flaxseeds, or linseeds as they are sometimes known as, are obtained from the flax plant. They are small tan or brown colored seeds. These seeds are one of the best-known sources of plant-obtained omega 3-fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA) and lignans! The nutritional benefits of flaxseeds don’t end here. They are also rich sources of fibers, proteins, Vitamin B1 and B6, essential minerals like manganese, magnesium, selenium, iron, potassium, copper, zinc and phosphorus. Although this super food is the densest nutritional base, it owes its reputation to essentially the ALA, lignans (rich in antioxidants & plant estrogens) and soluble and non-soluble fibers.

 

Now that we know so much about its nutritional facts &constitution, let us give a glance to the innumerable health benefits that one can derive from an inclusion of flaxseeds into our daily diets and through its regular consumption.

 

  1. More Fiber & Lesser Carbs

Introduce flaxseeds to your diet to reap the extraordinary benefits that this super food comes with. Flaxseeds contain not just soluble and insoluble fibers that bring benefits like colon detox, reduced sugar cravings and reduction of fats, but also high levels of mucilage content. Mucilage is a water-soluble gel-like fiber that is considered very good for the alimentary tract as it increases nutrient absorption in the intestines. 

 

  1. Great for Skin and Hair Health

 

 

Add flaxseeds to your smoothies and shakes or to your meals as a garnish for that beautiful looking glowing skin, healthy, strong hair and clear vision. The ALA in these provides essential fats and Vitamins that check dryness of skin including dandruff in hair and dryness in the eyes too. If you are ridden with problems like acne or eczema, try taking at least 1-2 tbsp. of flaxseeds as part of your daily diet or use it as a natural moisturizer mixing it with essential oils.

 

  1. Perfect Weight Loss Companion

Flaxseeds are found to support weight loss and check obesity due to its rich content of healthy fats. The ALA in these reduces inflammation and thus is a good weight management food.

 

  1. Fights LDL Cholesterol

In addition to weight loss, flaxseeds also help in reducing bad cholesterol. The soluble fibers present in flaxseeds trap the bad cholesterol, bile and fats from the digestive tract, naturally lowering cholesterol.

 

  1. Gluten-Free Diet

Most food grains contain gluten that is inflammatory in nature. Flax, on the other hand, is anti- inflammatory and can be a great substitute to people with gluten-allergy. It is a great food grain for vegetarians or people with seafood allergy as well since it offers an alternative to omega-3 fats that are found primarily in fish.

 

  1. High in Antioxidants

Flaxseeds come packed with lignans that attribute the anti-oxidant quality to them. Lignans are polyphenol fibers that help with symptoms of ageing and hormone imbalance. These polyphenols also promote probiotic growth in the gut and assists in the elimination of yeast and candida as well. Lignans also serve in controlling symptoms of flu and cold due to their anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities.

 

  1. Great For Digestive Health

 

One of the most profound impacts that flaxseeds have on health is related to the digestive health. ALA present in flaxseeds protects the inner lining of the alimentary canal by promoting the growth of friendly colon bacteria and helps reduce inflammation within the gut. A daily intake of about 1-3 tbsp. of flaxseed oil with carrot juice has been found to relieve even the most chronic constipation.

 

  1. Fights Cancer

Recent studies have pointed to the benefits of flaxseeds in minimizing the risk of as well as fighting cancers of the breast, ovary, colon and prostate effectively.

 

  1. Relieves Menopausal Symptoms

The lignans present in the flaxseeds also benefit women during menopause and are a good alternative to hormone replacement therapies that many women undergo to alleviate the symptoms of related to menopause. Flaxseeds, due to their estrogenic properties, also help in regulating the menstrual cycle as well as are found to be beneficial in reducing the risks of osteoporosis related to menopause.

 

Now that you know so much about the efficacy and enormous health benefits of flaxseeds, do take a step to include some of the goodness of organic flaxseeds to your diet and reap its benefits.

 

If you still have question related to organic flaxseeds benefits, click here

Comments

Leave a comment

All blog comments are checked prior to publishing