May 21, 2024
5 min read
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Flaxseeds are tiny, reddish-coloured seeds rich in fibre and healthy fats. It is known as “Alsi” in Hindi and is used widely for its medicinal properties. People generally use this versatile seed as an evening snack due to its ability to control cravings.
They are a calorie-dense superfood, which means that from 100 g of seeds, you can get around 534 calories or 27% of the daily required levels. These also work well to lower the LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increase the blood's HDL or “good cholesterol” levels.
The benefits are a lot more than that, and in this blog, we will cover all of them. Just continue reading to learn why flaxseeds are a superfood and the best ways to consume them!
Table Of Contents
Flax seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid that can help to reduce excessive hunger and lower cholesterol levels. That's not all; they are also great for people with arthritis, diabetes, or kidney issues. Let’s uncover some more benefits of flaxseeds:
Flaxseeds are rich in fibre, which helps control blood sugar levels. Fibre also tends to slow digestion and prevent the risk of increased sugar levels, especially for diabetic patients.
Flaxseeds are rich in insoluble and soluble fibres that improve digestion, absorb water, and promote smooth faeces. They also help lower the signs of constipation and IBS.
Flaxseeds are a great source of lignans and other compounds that help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to control the production of cancer-causing tumours.
Flaxseeds contain important amino acids like glutamic, aspartic, and arginine. These amino acids can help strengthen your immune system and lower your risk of developing fungal infections.
The omega-3 fatty acid content in the flaxseeds keeps the lousy cholesterol in control and increases the good cholesterol that assists in cardiovascular health. It also reduces the formation of plaque in the arteries.
Women who have menopause experience hot flashes most of the time at night. The flaxseeds contain lignans that help increase the estrogen level in the body, which helps reduce the chances of having severe hot flashes.
The consumption of flaxseeds helps to control the haywire of systolic and diastolic pressure, thus reducing the chances of having hypertension if consumed regularly.
Many regard flaxseeds as a superfood for weight loss. Fibre works like magic in weight loss, as it slows down digestion, curbs hunger pangs, and makes you feel satiated most of the time. Thus, the risk of weight gain is reduced, and weight loss is promoted.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the joints and body, so daily consumption of flaxseeds helps lower joint pain and is very helpful in arthritis and other joint pains.
Flaxseeds are also known for lowering cholesterol levels. Their high fibre content gets bound with the bile salts before your body excretes them. Therefore, to replenish these bile salts, flaxseed helps to use cholesterol from your blood into your liver, resulting in lower levels.
Flaxseeds are great for controlling sebum production and managing estrogen in the body, which lowers the formation of acne on the skin.
The good omega-3 fatty acid content in the flaxseeds helps to brighten the skin, and the antioxidants fight off the dead cells from the skin by providing a radiant and smooth face.
Omega-3 fatty acids help retain moisture in the skin by keeping it looking healthy. Another function of omega-3 fatty acids is to keep inflammation and dryness away by providing moisture and hydration. Flaxseeds are a good source of antioxidants that help slow ageing and boost collagen production, making the skin firmer and younger-looking. They also help fade out the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
The omega-3 fatty acid content in the flaxseeds makes the hair shiny, bouncy, and conditioned. It also helps reduce the frizz from the hair and soften it. The flaxseeds promote the growth of the hair roots, increase hair volume, and lower baldness.
Flaxseeds are rich in vitamin E and work as a shiner in the hair, providing a glossy effect and reducing hair breakage. They are also rich in calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc, which reduce hair fall and prevent premature greying. The amino acids boost hair growth and prevent split ends.
Some of the best possible ways that you can use to incorporate flaxseeds into your diet are:
Try this combination if you're looking for a tasty and healthy weight-loss snack. You'll need either hung curd or regular curd (or flavoured yoghurt) and one spoonful of roasted flaxseeds. This snack contains healthy proteins, fats, fibre, and calcium. Enjoy!
To stay satiated longer, try drinking this healthy flaxseed smoothie. You need spinach 1 cup, water 1 cup, banana 1, flaxseeds 2 tbsp, and strawberry 4-5. Blend all the ingredients well in a blender, sprinkle more flaxseeds, and enjoy the delicacy.
It is excellent and effective for weight loss and for boosting immunity. You need 1.5 cups water, honey, 1 spoon, flaxseed powder, 1 tbsp, and 1 medium cinnamon stick. Start by boiling the cinnamon and water until they reduce to 1 cup, then add flaxseed powder and let it boil for 5-6 minutes. Serve it in a cup, add the honey, swirl well, and drink.
You can get the following nutrients from 100 grams of flax seeds:
Principle | Nutrient Value | Percent of RDA |
Energy | 543.35 Kcal | 27% |
Carbohydrates | 31.27 g | 22% |
Protein | 24.85 g | 33% |
Total Fat | 42 g | 170% |
Cholesterol | 0.1 g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber | 27 g | 68% |
Vitamins | ||
Folates | 87 µg | 22% |
Niacin | 3.08 mg | 19% |
Pantothenic acid | 0.985 mg | 20% |
Pyridoxine | 0.473 mg | 36% |
Riboflavin | 0.161 mg | 12% |
Thiamin | 1.64 mg | 137% |
Vitamin A | 0 IU | 0% |
Vitamin C | 0.6 mg | 1% |
Vitamin E | 19.95 mg | 133% |
Vitamin K | 4.3 µg | 3.50% |
Electrolytes | ||
Sodium | 30 mg | 2% |
Potassium | 813 mg | 17% |
Minerals | ||
Calcium | 255 mg | 22.50% |
Copper | 1.12 mg | 124% |
Iron | 5.73 mg | 72% |
Magnesium | 392 mg | 98% |
Manganese | 2.48 mg | 108% |
Zinc | 4.34 mg | 39% |
Including flaxseeds in your daily diet is a great way to boost your overall health. These tiny seeds are packed with essential nutrients like fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which have a wide range of health benefits. For instance, they can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve blood sugar control. Flaxseeds are also a great source of lignans, plant compounds with anti-cancer properties.
In addition to all these health benefits, flaxseeds are also incredibly versatile. You can easily add them to smoothies, oatmeal, and yoghurt or even sprinkle them on top of salads. The possibilities are endless! With all these benefits and tasty options, why not try adding flaxseeds to your daily routine and see how they can help you feel your best? For more information about natural products, visit ToneOp Care!