With its soft, nutty, clear, consistent consistency, flaxseed is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste and texture of almost any recipe. Flax seeds come from the flax plant (also known as Linum usitatissimum), which grows to about two feet in height. It was probably cultivated in Egypt but is now being developed worldwide. It is known for strengthening the immune system and maintaining good health. The use of flaxseed is as flexible as your choice. Flax seeds are a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste and texture of almost any recipe. You can use them at any time of the day.
The flax plant can be woven into linen – its fibres are two or three times stronger than cotton! When the plant first arrived in North America, it was grown primarily for clothing production. During the 20th century, however, cotton became the preferred crop in the United States, so these days, many North American plant-growing areas do so to produce seeds.
Flax seeds benefit your health in a lot many ways. They are loaded with nutrients and have a lot of health benefits. In this blog article, we will discuss how good are flax seeds for health and the various flax seed’s health benefits.
Here are the six reasons why you should start your day with flax seeds
1. Flax seeds are full of nutrients
Flax seeds are of two types – brown and gold? However, both are equally nutritious, which tells us how sound is flax seeds for health. One component of flaxseed provides a good amount of protein, fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and several essential vitamins and minerals such as Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin B6, Iron, and Folate. Flax seeds benefits in improving energy metabolism and brain development.
Flaxseed is high in thiamine, a B-vitamin that plays a crucial role in energy efficiency and cellular function. It is also a significant source of copper, which is involved in brain development, immune health, and iron metabolism.
2. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Flaxseed is an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for heart health and is found mainly in plant foods. ALA is one of the two most critical acids you should get from your diet as your body does not produce them.
Animal studies suggest that ALA in flaxseed can help reduce inflammation and prevent cholesterol from building up in your heart. A recent survey of 8,866 people reported an increase in ALA in lowering cholesterol levels and a lower risk of ischemic heart disease – related to small blood vessels – and type 2 diabetes.
Many studies have also linked ALA to a lower risk of stroke. In addition, one extensive review of 34 studies linked an ALA dietary supplementation with a reduced risk of dying from heart disease.
3. Rich in Fibre
Every seed is like a sack of fibre. Both the male and the female body need regular fiber-rich foods. The use of flaxseed supports intestinal health and improves intestinal function. It can also prevent constipation by adding a lot to the chair. You can add flaxseeds to baked goods such as cookies, muffins, or bread for side effects.
One teaspoon (7 grams) of ground flax seeds packed with 2 grams of fibre, 5% and 8% daily recommended for men and women, respectively. Flaxseed contains two types of fibre – soluble and insoluble – fermented by bacteria in your gut to support intestinal health and improve intestinal function. Although soluble fibre absorbs water from your heart and slows digestion, which can help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol, insoluble fibre adds a lot to the stool, prevents constipation, and promotes regular bowel flow. Overall, flax seeds benefit your digestion as well.
4. Helps in controlling cholesterol and blood pressure
One of the significant flax seed’s health benefits is that it helps you in controlling your cholesterol level. Taking Omega-3 fatty acids and fibre is associated with lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure control. For those with high blood pressure, flaxseeds are effective. They should be included in the diet in consultation. Flax seeds benefit you if you add them as a supplement to your diet and may significantly lower your systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
According to a one-month study on people with peripheral artery disease, consuming four tablespoons (30 grams) of digested flaxseed daily lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 15%.
A 12-week study of 112 people with high blood pressure reported that four tablespoons (30 grams) of flaxseed per day significantly reduced body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, and blood hypertension.
These effects may be due to the flaxseed fibre binding to bile salts before being excreted by your body. To replenish these bile salts, cholesterol is released from your bloodstream to your liver, leading to lower levels.
5. Helps in controlling blood sugar level
Flaxseeds promote blood sugar control. If you have type 2 diabetes, flaxseeds will be very helpful. If you like yogurt, you can mix flax seeds with your favourite yogurt flavour and enjoy the taste and texture.
According to a review of 25 studies, flaxseed whole can lower blood sugar and prevent insulin resistance, impairing the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
This effect on lowering blood sugar may be due to the content of this seed soluble fibre. Studies show that soluble fibre slows down blood sugar absorption, lowering blood sugar levels.
Remember that the benefits of flaxseed blood sugar control are more effective for flaxseed than flaxseed oil. This is because flaxseed oil has no fibre.
6. Helps in weight management
How do flax seeds help you control weight? Flaxseed reduces the feeling of hunger and reduces appetite. It gives a sense of fullness. You can eat flaxseeds by dipping them in a glass of water or sprinkling them in a smoothie. You can also add them to your veggie patties.
In addition to the benefits listed above, flaxseeds promote healthy hair growth.
Also Read: 7 Healthy vegetables You Should Subsume In Your Daily Intake