You can call them flax seeds or linseed; they are powerful, tiny, and a significant nutritious addition to your diet. Flaxseed can be consumed in its raw form. However, to ensure maximum benefit, choose the grounded or sprouted form to fulfill the nutrient requirement by facilitating adequate absorption in the bloodstream.
So Let’s Check The Health Benefits Of Flax Seeds:
1. Drop Bad Cholesterol And Blood Pressure
Flaxseed induces the potential antihypertensive effect as it contains a number of constituents such as lignans, antioxidants, and alpha-linolenic acid, which work synergistically to lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure. They work by blocking the generation of oxylipins responsible for high BP.
A study found that ground or milled seeds have a significant efficiency in lowering BP.
Regular consumption of flax seeds prevents the risk of stroke and any cardiac complications in the long run.
2. Keeping The Blood Glucose In The Range
Firstly, they slow down the progression of diabetes in prediabetics because these seeds have the powerful secoisolariciresinol diglucoside with an antioxidant effect and soluble and insoluble fibers that reduce insulin resistance. Hence, flax seeds show positive effects in diabetic patients as well. We are aware that glycemic control is the cornerstone of diabetes care, so a daily flaxseed intake upgrades glycemic control and insulin sensitivity.
3. Minimize Cancer Risk
Flax seeds prevent various types of cancer such as breast, prostate, colon, and ovarian cancer. Flaxseed consumption is the most effective against breast cancer. Increased level of estrogen is the causative factor behind breast cancer, and lignans drop the estrogen level by blocking its synthesis.
4. Healthy Hair Growth
Flaxseed is a rich source of vitamin E; hence, if you massage your head with flaxseed oil, it improves blood circulation by promoting healthy, strong, and long tresses. It is also loaded with vitamins and minerals that provide nourishment to your scalp.
Flaxseed oil benefits the hair by making it shinier and healthy. The essential fatty acid and vitamin B sources resist dryness and flakiness. Also, it treats the scalp conditions like itching caused by eczema.
5. Healthy, Glowing Skin
Flax seeds are infused with omega-3 fatty acids and incredible phytochemicals that keep our skin hydrated and nourished. Additionally, antioxidants show anti-aging effects.
To get its therapeutic effects, take one to two tablespoons of oil daily or apply it as a natural skin moisturizer.
6. Eye Health
Omega-3 fatty acids help to improve the functioning of Meibomian glands that secrete the oily part of the tears and thus, relieve the dry eyes. Sometimes the imbalance of hormones also leads to some problems. Omega-3 fatty acids stabilize hormone production and ease inflammation and itching.
Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to treat macular degeneration that is caused due to nerve damage.
7. Improve Digestion Power
The abundant amount of fibers bulk up the stools and excrete the waste easily because of the seeds’ gel consistency. Hence, they are considered good for treating constipation.
Fibers also promote friendly bacteria that keep our digestive tract healthier.
It also helps patients suffering from Crohn’s disease and other gastrointestinal issues.
Other nutrients in flax seeds relieve the muscles of the GI tract.
You can take grounded flaxseeds or one to three tablespoons of seed oil with carrot juice for better results.
8. Reduce Ovarian Dysfunction
Regular consumption inhibits the cycle changes and reduces ovarian dysfunction.
9. Minimize The Menopausal Issues
Lignans can be used as a hormonal replacement therapy due to their estrogenic properties, thus relieving the symptoms.
Hot flashes are found to be common in post-menopausal women and can be healed by consuming flax seeds regularly along with yogurt and cereals.
10. Strengthen Immunity
When discussing immunity, flaxseed is considered very nutritious. Its chemical components such as Alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans positively impact the immune cells and are therefore found to be effective against severe chronic ailments.
11. Gluten-Free
Some people are intolerant to gluten, or some merely try to lose weight by avoiding this protein. For them, flax is a great choice to prepare gluten-free items, which bakers also find appealing nowadays. Also, dietary fats in flax seeds reduce inflammation not only in the body but in the bones too.
You can replace the grains with flax as gluten in grain causes difficulty in digestion while flax easily gets metabolized.
12. Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is the vital gland responsible for the secretion of different hormones. Hypothyroidism is a low level of thyroid hormones and a high level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the bloodstream. The nutritious flax seeds play an essential role in thyroid gland health. Flax seeds loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin B6 promote thyroid hormone production and normalize the TSH level after eight weeks from starting the supplementation.
13. Depression
A low concentration of serotonin, a mood-regulating hormone, leads to nervousness and anxiety. It shows signs of nervousness and depression. Tryptophan, an amino acid, is required for the synthesis of serotonin.
Flax seeds are rich in tryptophan and are a decent source of other amino acids. Hence, adequate intake of flaxseed fulfills the tryptophan requirement and raises the serotonin level too. An adequate concentration of serotonin produces a good chemical environment in the brain and energizes the mood.
14. Artery Health
Cardiovascular health is important. Arteries’ health and clogged arteries in medical terms are referred to as Atherosclerosis. They should be strong and elastic to supply oxygen-rich blood for the efficient functioning of the body.
Flax seeds benefit clogged arteries by nourishing them with soluble and insoluble fibers. Ground flax is the most preferable, as oil does not contain any fiber. Furthermore, ground flax has enough amount of alpha-linolenic acid to prevent inflammation and high BP and hence, unclog the arteries.
15. Weight Loss Plan
As mentioned above, flax seeds have fibers that become sticky when mixed with water. The high fibrous portion suppresses your cravings, makes your tummy fuller for longer, and supports you in shedding some pounds.
Why Do Dieticians Recommend Flax Seeds In Your Diet?
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Flax has a chock-full amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of fatty acid that you get from food, neither through the body nor through synthesis.
- Lignans: A type of phytoestrogen, has antioxidant properties and is a great choice to treat menopause symptoms.
- Fibers: Enough quantity of soluble and insoluble fibers that are essential to strengthen digestion.
- Plant-based proteins.
- Loaded with amino acids like tyrosine, tryptophan, lignan, lysin, valine, etc.
- They contain minerals and vitamins, namely calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, sodium, potassium, thiamine, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
