Flaxseeds have been cultivated for centuries, but their incredible health benefits are often overlooked. These little seeds happen to be a rich source of a variety of antioxidants as well as nutrients, including dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin B1, and more.
Health Benefits of Flaxseed
Read on to learn more about Flaxseed and why you should add it to your diet starting today.
1. Protection Against Cancer
It is believed that Flaxseed consumption may help your body resist cancers of the prostate, colon, and breast. This is thanks in large part to the omega-3 fatty acids found in flax seeds, which is able to prevent malignant cells from attaching to other cells. In addition, lignans found in the seed are able to inhibit tumor growth.
A study presented by Dr. Wendy Demark-Wahnefried gave support to the idea that Flaxseed consumption can stop the growth of prostate cancer tumors. Furthermore, including Flaxseed in your diet can help protect your skin from radiation damage, according to researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania.
2. Lower Cholesterol
When men included Flaxseed in their diets, their cholesterol levels decreased, as was concluded by researchers at Iowa State University’s Nutrition and Wellness Research Center. This could especially be good news for those that suffer from high or borderline cholesterol levels but cannot take medication due to other health concerns.
3. Prevent Hot Flashes
The Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology published a study that suggested Flaxseed in a woman’s diet can help alleviate hot flashes related to menopause.
4. Improving Blood Sugar
Regular consumption of Flaxseed may also help regulate glycemic control, which is especially important for diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals who are overweight. This concept was first supported by a study published in Nutrition Research.
5. Rich in Nutrients
As briefly mentioned, Flaxseed is rich in a variety of nutrients that our bodies need. Among these nutrients is lignans, which is a chemical compound (similar to estrogen) that can hunt down free radicals in the body thanks to its potent antioxidants. Fiber is another important nutrient found in flax seed, and one that many people do not get enough of on a daily basis. Containing both soluble and insoluble fiber, Flaxseed can help you to feel full and keep your digestive tract squeaky clean. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in flax seed, and these little guys support healthy skin, hair, and heart.
How to Use Flaxseed
Flaxseed is easy to add to your diet, and obviously can give your body some powerful benefits. It is suggested eating one to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil or flaxseeds daily to reap maximum health benefits.
For your body to be able to digest them, however, make sure you purchase ground flaxseeds. Once you have your ground flax seed, try adding some to your oatmeal, smoothies, pancake batter, bread mix, veggie burger mix, and more.
No Comment