Flax seeds have gained the status of “superfood” and a staple in the nutrition world. But long before they were known as the superfood, these tiny seeds were used in the textile industry. These tiny seeds are referred to as the most useful plant product or labeled as the magic seeds that can regulate your hormones. But before deciding on them, there are many things you need to know about flax seeds.
I came to know about flax seeds when I visited a nutritionist in Karachi for some other health problem and the physician recommended me to use flaxseed flour rather than wheat flour. At that time, I started reading about flax seeds and I came to know about different beliefs regarding the use of flax seeds.
Health benefits of flaxseeds
But some of the reasons due to which flax seeds are considered as the superfood are
1- Highly nutritious
Most of the time, we have seen nutritionists talking about the benefits of flax seeds. Well, they have obvious reasons for doing this. Nutritionally speaking, Flax seeds are a rich source of many important nutrients crucial for human health. Flax seeds contain good quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, fibers, and proteins, alongside other important vitamins and minerals.
2- Rich source of omega-3 fatty acid
Omega 3 fatty acid is responsible for several key functions in the human body. Omega-3 fatty acids can help in cell division, growth, digestion, blood clotting, and fertility, and muscular health. All these health benefits including several others make them an essential nutritional component. Flax seeds are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids particularly for vegetarians.
3- Rich source of lignans
Other than an omega-3 fatty acid, flax seeds are a rich source of lignans. Lignans are basically precursor molecules that can help in cancer protection. Lignans can block certain enzymes that can play a key role in cancer spread. Among all the sources of lignans, flax seeds are the precursor of lignans and considered as the rich source of lignans.
4- Good for your digestive health (rich in fiber)
Flax seeds are rich in dietary fiber which is an important component. You already know how important dietary fibers are for our health. Some of the health benefits of dietary fiber are
- Dietary fiber is important for bowel health and improves the bowel movement
- Further, dietary fiber helps to regulate blood glucose level
- Additionally, dietary fiber helps in lowering cholesterol levels and can improve health in general.
5- Flax seeds are heart-healthy
Our modern lifestyle is accompanied by several unhealthy habits that adversely affect our health. Heart problems are associated with many risk factors; one of them is the increased levels of cholesterol. Many research studies support that intake of flax seeds is known to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the human body. Further, an increase in good cholesterol is also linked with the intake of flaxseed. Other than cholesterol levels flax seeds can also lower blood pressure that can be another risk factor for heart problems. Therefore, we can say that flax seeds are good for your heart health in general.
6- A high-quality protein source
You must be already aware of the importance of protein in the diet. Dietary protein can be obtained either from plants and animals. For those people who don’t consume meat plant-based proteins help to overcome protein deficiency. Flax seeds are an important source of plant-based protein.
A few years back I was going to Noor Hospital in Karachi for treatment of some health-related problem. I was not permitted to consume animal-based protein. At that time, flax seeds were really my best friend.
7- Reduced sugar levels
Apart from heart health, flax seeds are known to reduce a blood sugar level that is important for diabetic patients.
8- Weight control
Seeds serve as good snacking options that help in calorie management in general. Talking about weight loss, it’s all depending upon effective calorie management and any edible item that takes a longer time to digest is a blessing in disguise. Flax seeds can keep hunger at bay that helps in weight control.
Undoubtedly, flax seeds garnered their status as a superfood. No matter whether you take them as a fluid or add them to your cereals, flax seeds are beneficial for your health for several reasons. However, if you are suffering from a medical condition or notice any side effects, make sure you immediately discuss it with your dietician.