7 Health Benefits of Flax Seeds
"Small seed, Big Impact." Flax seeds are powerhouses of nutrients despite their tiny size. They are full of nutrients such as omega-3, protein, and more that offer several health benefits to our bodies.
Flax seeds' nutritional benefits make them one of the superfoods for weight management. However, despite several advantages of flax seeds for skin, heart and more, there are not sufficient insights to encourage the use of these powerhouses in our daily diet.
Flax seeds' nutritional benefits make them one of the superfoods for weight management. However, despite several advantages of flax seeds for skin, heart and more, there are not sufficient insights to encourage the use of these powerhouses in our daily diet.
To help you plan a flax-induced diet in your next meal planning session, we have developed this blog about the advantages of eating flax seeds, their origin, and their nutritional profile. Read further to learn more about these wonderfully tiny powerhouses called flax seeds.
Flax Seeds: The Origins Of The Superfood
Flax seeds, also known as linseeds or flax, date back thousands of years. They originate from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), which, according to research, is one of the oldest cultivated crops.
Flax seeds are believed to have started in the ancient Middle East and modern-day Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. These seeds were highly valued both as fibre and seeds. Additionally, ayurveda describes many medicinal and health advantages of flax seeds.
Today, they are popular in Asian cuisines, including Chinese and Egyptian cuisine. The inclusion of Flax seeds is also gaining popularity in Emirati cuisine with the growing importance of health due to their nutritional benefits. Find out the nutritional advantages of flax seeds below:
Nutritional Advantage Of Flaxseeds
Flax seeds are popularly referred to as superfood powerhouses, and for a good reason. They are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), essential for heart health. You can get nutritional components such as protein, fibre, carbohydrates, and omega-3 fatty acids in a mere serving. They are also good sources of B vitamin- thiamine- and help boost metabolism. Generally we find more vitamin B benefits in flax seeds.
Another notable nutritional benefit of flax seeds is the presence of lignan—a form of phytoestrogen with antioxidant properties. Lignans are recognised to offer protection against several cancer types, specifically malignancies of the breast and prostate. Flax seeds are one of the best sources of this potent antioxidant since they have up to 800 times the amount of lignans as other plant foods.
5 Flax Health Benefits
Benefits Of Heart Health
Flax seeds are rich sources of necessary nutrients for heart health, such as omega-3 and fatty acids. These fatty acids help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots.
Moreover, the presence of lignin components helps lower cholesterol and LDL levels, thus preventing plaque buildup in the arteries. This, in turn, helps protect heart cells from damage and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Flax seeds might be a good choice for vegetarian meal planning if you're looking for plant-based food options that help improve heart health.
Digestive Benefits Of Flax Seeds
Another benefit of flax seeds is that they are high in dietary fibre. Dietary fibres are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. These powerhouses contain two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble.
Insoluble fibre adds bulk to your stool, which improves bowel movement and regularity and prevents constipation. Soluble fibres act as probiotics and feed beneficial bacteria in your guts. Gut bacteria are essential for maintaining a healthy microbiome as they support the immune system, influence mental well-being, and reduce inflammation.
Benefits Of Flax Seeds In Weight Management
Are you looking to go on a diet with plant-based ingredients? Then, you need to include flax seeds in your vegetarian or vegan meal plans. One advantage of flax seeds is that they help promote fullness due to their high fibre content. Feeling full will help you control overeating habits and reduce overall calorie intake.
Some studies suggest that flax seeds will help boost metabolism, and when combined with aiding in appetite control, it is an excellent tool for weight management. What's more, you can also incorporate flax seeds into various diets for weight loss, such as keto meal plans, macronutrient diets, and more, while ensuring your body receives the best nourishment possible.
Flax Seeds For Skin Health
One of the many advantages of flax seeds is for skin health. These superfoods' omega-3 fatty acids hydrate the skin and prevent dryness by acting as its moisture barrier. Additionally, due to the presence of lignans, the antioxidant properties of flax seeds reduce inflammation and help protect from free radicals.
Free radicals are pollutants that are harmful to your skin. Adding flax seeds to your healthy dishes can help your skin look clearer, hydrated, and younger while preventing signs of ageing.
Protection Against Cancer
The lignan compound found in flax seeds may have cancer-preventing properties. According to one study, flax lignans can help prevent certain types of cancers, especially hormone-sensitive ones, due to their antioxidant properties.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology discovered that women who regularly consume flax seeds had a lower risk of cancer recurrence and a higher survival rate. Another study indicated that flax seeds may help prevent prostate cancer in men.
The above mentioned studies show that flax seeds' health benefits might extend to cancer prevention and are a must-try!
Uses Of Flax Seeds To Add In Your Diet
Apart from the many health advantages of flax seeds, another use outside health is its versatile use in culinary creations. Incorporating flax seeds into your daily meal plans is easy. One standard method includes grounding flaxseed into a thin paste to add yoghurt or oatmeal to smoothies.
Other ways include sprinkling it in your favourite salads or gravies and more. When consuming flax in your routine, the general suggestion is to ground it rather than eat it whole, as your body will be able to digest ground flax seeds better.
And if you're not in the zone to cook, for reasons ranging from taking a personal day off to hustling off at work, you can opt for meal plan delivery services such as VMeals in Dubai. We are a healthy meal plan provider that aims to bring healthy home-cooked meals prepped and primed to your doorstep. We offer a wide range of customised plans for when you opt for a flax seed-infused diet.
So whether you're looking for vegan meal plans in Dubai or keto meal plans in Dubai to meet your weight loss goals, we are there for you with your favourite meal or a constant from our expert nutritionist.
Conclusion
The benefits of flax seeds are undeniable. Flax seeds offer many health benefits, from improving heart health and digestion to aiding in weight management and cancer prevention. With their rich nutritional profile, including omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and lignans, flax seeds can help to enhance overall health and well-being.
Incorporate flax seeds into your daily routine through simple home preparations or meal delivery services to take advantage of flax seeds and transform your health.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of flax seeds?
Flax seeds have numerous health benefits, from helping to level blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol for better heart health, and preventing cancer. Flax seeds also help boost healthy and clearer skin. This is all due to their rich nutrient profile, which is full of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fibres, and lignan, which is known for its antioxidant properties.
How can flax seeds help with weight loss?
One of the many advantages of eating flax seeds is that they are a rich source of dietary fibre. These fibres help you stay full for extended hours, thus controlling your appetite. Studies have also shown that flax seeds help boost metabolism in your body, further adding to its importance in weight loss.
Are flax seeds good for heart health?
Yes, flax seed offers numerous benefits for heart health. It is rich in omega-5 fatty acids, which aid in reducing blood pressure, inflammation, and the risk of blood clots. Lignans are rich in antioxidants and fibres, which help lower cholesterol levels.
Can flax seeds improve digestion?
Flax seeds improve digestion as they are an excellent source of dietary fibre—both soluble and insoluble fibres. However, to benefit from their fibre content, it is essential to grind flax seeds before consuming them entirely.
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