Have you ever given a second look at the small brown colored seeds stacked on the shelves of the supermarket? Those are Flax seeds otherwise also known as Linseeds. It is a superfood being low in cholesterol and high in fiber. It is one of the richest sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). The benefits of these flax seeds are invaluable as they help lower the level of cholesterol, fights against cancer, reduces hypertension, gives a clear skin, lowers risk of diabetes and supports weight loss.
Nutritional facts:
Three tablespoons of flaxseeds contains considerable amount of Iron, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Copper and Zinc along with the following elements.
- 6,338mgs of Omega-3
- 8gms of Fiber
- 6gms of Protein
- 31% RDA of Vitamin B1
- 30% RDA of Magnesium
How to use them?
Flax seeds can be bought from any stores as whole seeds or in powdered form. and can be stored for upto 4 months in airtight containers. It is best to powder it if bought as whole, as the whole seeds might sometimes pass through the system. It can be consumed raw or can be cooked along with any food. You can add it to cereals, smoothies, muffin or cookie dough or any other food for that matter. It does not affect the taste of the dish much but has a slight almost negligible amount of nutty flavor.
Benefits:
1. Fights Cancer:
Flax seeds help fight cancers like prostate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. With the abundance in Omega-3 fatty acids, the cancerous cells do not attach to the body. The ALA in flax seeds prevent the cancer cells from developing.
2. Improves Glycemic control:
Studies suggest that taking flax seeds everyday is found to control the sugar levels in obese men and women.
3. Reduces risk of heart problems:
Due to its cholesterol controlling nature, it greatly reduces the risk of heart problems. Flax seed has high soluble fiber which prevents the fat and cholesterol and prevents from being absorbed by the body.
4. Weight management:
Flax seeds intake makes you feel full for a longer period. It can be consumed before a meal to control one?s appetite.
5. Improves Immunity:
The ALA in flax seeds reduces inflammation and therefore improves the immunity level.
6. Reduces hot flash:
In menopausal women, researchers have found that flax seeds reduces the hot flashes and the risk of osteoporosis. It is also noted to regularize the cycles in menstruating women.
7. Shinier hair and skin:
The ALA provides Vitamin B and other essential fats which reduces dryness. It is found to reduce acne, rosacea and eczema. Flax seed oil is can be applied to your hair and skin to keep them hydrated as they contain more fat concentration.
Side effects:
The side effects on pregnant women are still unknown. It is therefore advisable that a pregnant women consider before taking too much. When taken too much it can cause constipation and bowel obstruction if the water intake is not sufficient.
