6 Health Benefits of Flaxseed
The fast paced, grab and go lifestyles that we live today can often put a strain on our health, mind and body. Desperate to stay fit, healthy and happy we search for miracle aids that will counteract the damage caused by the modern way of life, improve our nutrition and leave us looking fabulous.
Thankfully there are many elements on this planet to assist us in achieving the ultimate goal; so many so that it can become hard to physically consume individually, all of the foods and supplements that we require daily without becoming confused, intimidated or simply running out of time. This is why flaxseed may be the answer to all of our prayers. An absolute powerhouse of health giving qualities this tiny seed packs one of the biggest nutritional punches on earth and gives us an easy and much needed helping hand in improving our wellbeing.
Health Benefits of Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a weight loss wonder – Extremely low in carbohydrates, flaxseed is a great addition to a diet for those of us who are looking to limit our intake of starch and sugar without losing any of their energy giving benefits. By offering a healthy balance of fibre and Omega-3, flax helps speed up the metabolism whist giving enough fatty acid to keep us satisfied and feeling fuller for longer.
Brimming with vitamin B – Flaxseed is a wonderful source of almost all of the B vitamins. These are the vitamins that enhance our immune and nervous systems’ functionality and support and speed up our metabolism. They also promote cell growth and division within the body which can help prevent life-affecting illnesses such as anaemia. The B vitamins found in flax don’t just perform miracles within our bodies; they also work to provide us with healthy skin, hair and muscle tone that glow from the inside out.
A great provider of Omega-3 – The essential fatty acids of Omega-3 are necessary to human health. Playing a vital role in brain function, growth, and development, Omega-3 is something that we can’t afford to be without. Unfortunately the body can’t produce these fatty acids by itself, so it’s extremely important that we obtain Omega-3 through the foods that make up our diet. Flaxseed is one of the best and most convenient ways to ensure we receive a healthy dose of these unsaturated fats through nutrition.
Flaxseed can help prevent chronic illness – Evidence shows that inflammation within the body can play a part in the formation of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and even certain cancers. The inflammation that occurs around our vital organs can be enhanced if our diets are lacking in Omega-3, particularly if the intake of Omega-6 (such as oil) varies considerably from that of its fellow essential acids. Flaxseed is a great aid in balancing these essential fats and reducing swelling. The levels of Omega-3 and fiber that is released into the bloodstream from eating flaxseed daily has also been linked to a notable reduction of cholesterol levels in the body, therefore reducing the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndromes.
Heroically high in fiber – Without a doubt Fiber is one element that a lot of us lack within our diets yet is something that can drastically improve the wellbeing of our bodies. Providing roughage that helps eliminate waste from our bodies efficiently, fibre is a component that we should all be consuming in order to avoid stomach problems and poor digestion. Flax produces through both its seed and oil some of the highest levels of fibre to be found nutritionally and has been shown to not only maintain proper function of the intestines but also to lower cholesterol and stabilise blood sugar levels.
Power to promote fertility – Flaxseed is extremely high in many antioxidants and is probably our best source of the natural extract lignin. Lignin when consumed converts within our intestines into a substance that tends to balance female hormones. The harmonising of these hormones by the lignin is believed to promote fertility and reduce menopausal symptoms.
When you look at the health benefits of flaxseed it doesn’t come as a surprise that this small grain has been being consumed by our ancestors from as far back as 3,000BC. Boasting a collection of some of nature’s most health beneficial attributes, flaxseed is a versatile source of goodness that in both its natural grain or oil form is a delightful feel good, satisfying and easy to prepare addition to any diet. Whether on salads, as an accompaniment to a meal or as a nutritious snack to boost your health, flax is a ‘super seed’ that is simple enough for us to grab in between our busy schedules or to savoir in serenity. A minute miracle from Mother Nature, flaxseed is a small but perfectly formed wonder that can help us all to achieve the healthy body, mind and soul we often wish for with very little effort.
