Flax seeds, also known as linseeds or common flax, are tiny oil seeds that emerged thousands of years ago in the Middle East. They are usually brown or yellow. They’re available whole, ground/milled, or roasted, and they’re often used to make flaxseed oil. Flaxseeds contain 534 calories per 100 grammes, which equates to 55 calories per tablespoon (10 grammes) of whole seeds. They are 42 per cent fat, 29 per cent carbohydrates, and 18 per cent protein. Flax seeds are rich in many vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health. Vitamin B1, copper, molybdenum, magnesium, and phosphorus are among them.
Here are a few health benefits for flax seeds:
- Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in this product: Flaxseed is high in omega-3 essential fatty acids, reducing inflammation. These seeds are helpful to those who suffer from hypertension because they assist in blood pressure control.
- Nutrients-dense: Vitamin B complex, manganese, and magnesium are all abundant in flaxseed. They also aid in cholesterol reduction.
- It helps digestion: Since these seeds are high in fibre, they serve as a natural laxative. They should be eaten regularly to help with digestion and bowel movement.
- Cancer-preventive: Flaxseed is high in lignans (a plant chemical with various health benefits) which aid in the prevention of prostate and breast cancer.
- Controls blood sugar levels: Flaxseed can help with insulin resistance and blood sugar regulation. Flaxseed contains lignans, which can help to prevent diabetes.
- It can help you lose weight: Flaxseed is low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent alternative for those looking to reduce their sugar and starch intake. It’s also a boon for vegetarians because it’s a decent source of omega-3 fatty acid that doesn’t come from animals. It’s sometimes used as an egg substitute in bakeries to give food more muscle.
- It’s helpful for women’s medical issues: Flaxseed is especially great for women. It’s been shown to increase women’s fertility by growing their chances of becoming pregnant. Flax seeds also assist in the normalisation of ovulation and the maintenance of hormonal balance. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.
- Relieving arthritis symptoms: Flaxseed, according to the Arthritis Foundation, can help with joint pain and stiffness. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Raynaud’s phenomenon in some individuals. They say that there isn’t enough evidence to back up its use for this reason but that the ALA in flaxseed can help reduce inflammation.