The Wonderful Health Benefits Of Flax Seeds.

Flax seeds are also called linseeds. They are the seeds from flax, which is called Linum usitatissium.

Flax seeds are important in diets because they are rich sources of dietary fiber, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional profile of flax seeds.

• Flax seeds are high in fatty acids like linolenic and linoleic acids. They also contain omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid ALA), some omega-6 fatty acid, polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids.
• Flax seeds are high in proteins and contain a lot of essential amino acids.
• They have high contents of vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, pyridoxine vitamin C and E. Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants.
• They contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc which help with proper metabolism and functioning of the body.
• They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber.
• Flax seeds also contain lignans which have antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. Lignans are fiber-like polyphenols which are phytoestrogens. Flax seeds are one of the best sources of lignans.

Some health benefits of flax seeds.

1. Flax seeds can help in lowering blood cholesterol levels because of the dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and lignans.
2. Flax seeds can fight chronic inflammation because of the antioxidants. Chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of chronic diseases including cancer. The lignans in flax seeds may reduce the occurrence of many chronic disorders.
3. Flax seeds can prevent stroke heart and cardiovascular diseases because of the healthy fats present.
4. Flax seeds can help in diabetes because fiber can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
5. Lignans help in cancer treatment because they have the ability to stop tumours from forming new blood vessels.
6. Flax seeds boost digestive health because of the fiber.
7. Flax seeds are used to treat female hormonal imbalances and menopausal issues.
8. They help to treat respiratory tract disorders because of their anti-inflammatory properties.

There are so many ways that you can incorporate flax seeds to your diet for health, if you can obtain it easily in your locality. You can add to your cereal, oatmeal, soups, smoothies, salads, pap, yogurt etc. It can also be sprinkled on meals or baked with breads, cakes, muffins doughnuts etc. Flax seeds must be ground before being used or else they will pass through the digestive system without being digested. Flax seeds easily become rancid when ground, upon exposure to light and air, so it is best to grind enough to use at once.

Flax seeds are considered to be wonder foods. Let’s know what you have to say about flax seeds below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.