Health Benefits of Flax Seeds

The benefits of Flax seed are numerous and this tiny brownish seed is packed with micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy cholesterol.

 Flaxseeds are a great source of fiber. Most Indians do not get enough fiber in their diet. Each tablespoon of flax contains about 8 grams of fiber. This helps keep the bowels regular. Because of all the fiber, be sure to start slow (say, with a half-teaspoon) and build up.

Flaxseeds are plant source of omega-3. Once again, most Indians are short on their omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids play an important role in the anti-inflammatory system of our body.

Benefits for women : Flaxseeds with their wonder properties are a brilliant solution for all kinds of hormonal problems. Due to their high content of lignans, flaxseeds help reduce high levels of estrogen and also boost low estrogen levels. They can help reduce menopausal symptoms, such as flushing and night sweats. Flaxseeds can also help women with irregular periods and those with extreme symptoms of PMS – for example, headache, anxiety, mood swings etc. They also help in controlling ,heavy bleeding during menstruation, reduce the risk of breast cancer and improve uterine function.

Food for the heart – Flaxseeds are rich in alpha linolenic acid which prevents inflammation and protects blood vessels from damage. Researchers showed that regular intake of these seeds lowers LDL (low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol) and increase levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol).

Rich in antioxidants – Flaxseeds are significantly higher in antioxidants compared to fruits or vegetables. Adding flaxseeds to your diet boosts your overall and also helps in delaying ageing.

 

How to eat Flax Seeds?

It is better to grind the flax seeds rather than eating them whole, because the lignans are better absorbed by the body if it is consumed in the ground form. Make it a point to take plenty of water with the flax seed powder.

How to Include Flax Seed in Your Daily Meal:

Don’t go for the whole seeds because it becomes too complex for the body to break it down and so it tends to pass through your system. Make it a point to grind the seeds before adding it to dishes.

• Add to your favorite juice, energy drink and smoothie.
• Sprinkle on dishes and salads.
• Mix it with breakfast cereals.
• Mix it with green chutney while making sandwiches.
• Use flax seed power to bake cookies, bread, cakes, and muffins.

 

While adding flax seed powder to any dish, keep in mind not to put the powder directly into the oil, as it tarnishes the nutty flavor of the powder and excess also destroys the valuable properties of the seeds.