People have been eating flaxseed for thousands of years but it’s only recently become known as a superfood.
Historians say these seeds were known to people about 6000 years ago with documents showing it might have been the world’s first cultivated super-food.
That was how the research on this particular food from nature began.
The contents of flaxseed are found to aid digestion, lower cholesterol, improve the skin health, fight cancer, balance hormones, lower sugar cravings and promote weight loss.
This research result is just the beginning of a new world of healthy living. Let’s look at the advantages and benefits of eating flaxseed.
Benefits of Eating Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are known as linseeds in some places. They are small differently colored seeds that come in brown, golden and tan colors.
According to biochemists, these seeds are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These unsaturated fatty acids help us to make several compounds to fight disease. Our body makes use of these compounds to create grey matter in our brain.
1. Flaxseeds are rich sources of lignans that form a major part of food we consume. They are found to contain 7 times more lignans than any other plant source.
2. These seeds have high fiber content, especially mucilage gum. It has a curing effect on the intestinal tracts and aids in bowel movement.
3. Consuming two table-spoons of flaxseed oil helps keep hair, skin and nails healthy.
4. Alpha-linolenic acid found in these seeds benefits skin and improves its texture so that it glows. It also reduces inflammation on the skin.
5. Walnuts work in tandem with eating flaxseeds to lower fat absorption. These seeds also support weight loss. The fibers make the stomach feel full so that you eat fewer calories of food.
6. Adding linseeds to your diet will automatically bring down the cholesterol level in blood. The soluble fibers present in the seeds trap cholesterol and lower its absorption in the body.
7. Flaxseeds are gluten-free and an excellent replacement for gluten-rich grains that are inflammatory.
8. Another plus point for these seeds is the presence of antioxidants. These seeds are found to have a huge reservoir of antioxidants.
9. Flaxseeds improve overall digestive health. Alpha Linolenic acid present in these seeds protects the lining of the digestive tract.
10. The contents in these seeds may also offer protection against cancer, so consuming flaxseeds on a regular basis can help with overall health.
11. Flaxseeds are used in vegan recipes instead of eggs, as the ground flaxseeds mixed with a liquid act as a binder. Use 3 Tbsp. of water to 1 Tbsp. of ground flaxseed to replace one egg in vegan recipes.
