Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), also known as linseed, has a long history of significance dating back thousands of years. In ancient civilizations, flaxseed was recognized for its medicinal properties. It was used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, skin conditions, and respiratory problems.
More recently, the power of flaxseed has become more recognized in the health and wellness community. Want to know how it can help you in your journey to better health? Keep reading!
The Nutritional Value of Flaxseed
The power of flaxseed comes from the many nutrients found in these tiny seeds. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, lignans, thiamine, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin E. It also contains minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. If that weren’t enough, it is a great source of antioxidants as well, including phenolic compounds, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and protect cells from oxidative stress. This means slowing the aging process and reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Obviously, these are all important nutrients for our overall health, but you’d probably like to know how they will help you more specifically, right?
What Can Flaxseed Do For You?
Here is what the power of flaxseed can actually do for you in terms of specific health benefits:
Heart health benefits– the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed promote heart health. Flaxseed consumption has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels.
Digestive Health- flaxseed’s high fiber content supports digestive health. It plays a role in preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. Fiber contributes to maintaining a healthy gut biome and flushing out toxins.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties– the lignans in flaxseed can explain their anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is associated with with several chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and bowel diseases. All things we want to avoid.
Weight Management Benefits– due to it’s high fiber and protein content, flaxseed can help you feel more satisfied and full longer after a meal. Adding protein to your diet can promote muscle growth, which increases metabolism as well. Also, because it decreases inflammation, it helps the body more readily burn fat.
Skin and Hair Health– Not only will you feel better when adding flaxseed to your diet, but you’ll look better! It promotes skin hydration and elasticity and the fatty acids can improve hair health and appearance. Who doesn’t want healthier hair an skin?
Simple Ways to Get More Flaxseed
So, now that you know the power of flaxseed and how it can truly boost overall health, you might be wondering how you can actually get it into your diet. Most of us aren’t going to just scoop it straight into our mouths. Which is fine because it’s fairly easy to sneak it into things you’re already eating. You can add it to oatmeal, smoothies, casseroles, scrambled eggs, yogurt, baked goods or even sprinkled on salads.
To get the most benefit from flaxseed you’ll want to either buy flax meal or buy whole flaxseeds and grind them yourself before adding them to your recipes. There’s nothing wrong with eating the whole seed, but they’re more difficult to digest and you’re body won’t be able to absorb the nutrients as easily. The daily recommendation is 1-2 tablespoons.
As with any high fiber food, make sure you’re staying hydrated when consuming it to avoid digestive issues. Also, flaxseed shouldn’t be taken at the same time as oral medications. For most people, consuming flaxseed won’t be a problem, but there are some instances when people should avoid it. It’s recommended that it shouldn’t be consumed during pregnancy and within a couple of weeks before or after surgery. It can affect blood clotting. And of course if you determine that you have an allergy to it, you’ll want to stop using it.
The Power of Flaxseed and Other Nutrition
Now that you know all of the amazing benefits of adding flaxseed to your diet, I hope you’ll give it a try! One of the main takeaways is that healthy eating doesn’t mean just avoiding certain foods, but adding more nutritionally dense foods. By adding more nutrient dense foods that fuel our bodies more effectively and that help us feel satisfied we won’t feel restricted and miserable
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be difficult!
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