Some people regard flaxseed as one of the most amazing plant foods on earth. There’s proof that it may help lessen the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. That is quite something for a tiny seed, especially during the 8th century when King Charlemagne put his faith in the health benefits of flaxseed that he ordered his subjects to consume the beneficial seeds.
Flaxseed could be the world’s first superfood, and it has been around since 3,000 BC. Many centuries later, many of modern foods contain flaxseeds. In Canada and the U.S. in 2010 alone, at least 300 new flaxseed-based goods were created. The consumer demand for flaxseed-based products has increased significantly, together with its agricultural use.
Flaxseeds are sometimes called linseeds. They are small and are tan or brown in color. The tiny seeds are the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and the top source of lignans, which provide one of the best antioxidant benefits for cellular heath, hormone balance, and anti-aging.
Flaxseed Health Benefits
While flaxseed benefits cannot be conclusively established, research shows that flaxseed may decrease the risks of acquiring certain cancers as well as lung and cardiovascular diseases.
Helpful Weight Loss Aid
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed that flaxseeds can help a lot in weight loss. Flaxseed has plenty of fiber and beneficial fats that can make you feel full for a long time. You consume fewer calories which could help you lose weight in no time.
Also, the amazing seeds have mucilage gum content in high levels. Mucilage can help the stomach keep the food for a longer time and boost nutrient absorption. Flax is also rich in insoluble and soluble fiber that can reduce cravings for sugar, aid in fat loss, and promote colon detoxification.
Defensive Effect Against Cancer
Flaxseed may provide a defensive effect against prostate cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer as recent studies have suggested. There are at least two components of flaxseed that seem to fight cancer.
In animal studies, the flaxseed’s omega-3 fatty acid known as ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) slowed down the growth and incidence of tumor. The lignans may also have provided some sort of protection to counter cancer.
Hinder Cardiovascular Disease
Diets that are rich in flaxseed omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent the build-up of plaque deposit in the arteries. It can also inhibit the hardening of the arteries. The omega-3 fatty acids may also help maintain the natural rhythm of the heart as well as treat arrhythmia or the irregular beating of the heart.
Lower Cholesterol Levels
The Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found out that incorporating flaxseeds in your daily diet can reduce cholesterol levels naturally. The fat and cholesterol get trapped by the soluble fiber, which the flaxseeds contain. The trapped fat and cholesterol won’t be absorbed into your body.
The soluble fiber can also trap bile, which is the product of cholesterol in the gallbladder. The digestive system excretes the bile, and drive the body to produce more bile. The extra cholesterol found in the blood is used to produce bile. As the excess cholesterol in being used, the overall cholesterol level diminishes.
Improve Blood Sugar Levels
Preliminary research also insinuates that regular consumption of lignans that are found in flaxseed may fairly make your blood sugar level better.
Decrease Inflammation
Flaxseed’s lignans and ALA may diminish the swelling that comes with certain illnesses like asthma and Parkinson’s disease. The two components in flaxseed can help block the discharge of agents that can cause the swelling.
Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms
In 2007, a published study reported that a group of women in their menopausal stage were able to cut the occurrence of their hot flashes in half by mixing 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds in their yogurt, drinks, or cereal two times a day. These women also noted that the hot flashes they experienced became less intense. They noticed improvement after consuming the flaxseeds in a week and they were able to enjoy the maximum benefits of flaxseeds within two weeks.
More Uses
If you want to have healthy nails and skin as well as shiny hair, then include 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil to your everyday routine or consider mixing 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds to your smoothie or drinks. The flaxseeds can give your hair and skin the healthy glow that they need, all thanks to the presence of B-vitamins and essential fats in flaxseeds.
Flaxseeds have no gluten and they are a great grain-free option in cooking. Individuals who suffer from Celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten will benefit a lot from using flaxseeds.
Sources: foodrevolution.org, medicalnewstoday.com, draxe.com
READ MORE BY AUTHOR ALEX JORDON.
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