The flax seeds have been consumed for over 5000 years now, and it may be one of the first super foods ever cultivated in the world. The benefits that you can gain from the flax seeds can give you a clear skin, improve your digestion, reduce your cravings for sugar, lower your cholesterol, promote a healthy weight loss process and so much more!
The flax seeds, or sometimes called linseeds, are small brown colored seeds filled with omega 3 fatty acids, among many other nutrients, and can definitely catch your eye as well as your appetite. It is easy to see why the flax seeds are one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, and for that matter we have comprised a small list of all the benefits that you can gain from regularly consuming them. Read on and enjoy!
1. They are high in fiber – one of the most amazing benefits that the flax seeds can bring you is that they contain quite high amounts of fiber. The fiber are water soluble and have incredible benefits of the intestinal tract. These compounds can keep the food in the stomach for a longer period of time and prevent the food from going into the small intestine too quickly, thus increasing the absorption of nutrients. Also, the flax seeds are filled with the fiber that can support the colon detox, reduce the sugar cravings and increase the loss of fat. Aim towards 30 to 40 grams of high fiber foods in a day.
2. Provide you with healthy hair and skin – if you strive towards healthier skin, hair and nails, then consider adding some flax seeds to your morning smoothie to your daily routine. The ALA fats found in the seeds will benefit your hair as well as your skin by providing them with essential fats that wil lreduce the weakness ad dryness. Also, it can decrease the symptoms of acne, eczema and rosacea. This also applies for the health of the eye, reducing dry eye syndrome. The flax seed oil is an option that you should consider too, because of the high concentration of healthy fats. You can consume a tablespoon or two in order to hydrate the skin and the hair. Also, it can even be mixed with some essential oils and be used topically as a moisturizer.
3. Aid the weight loss process – one study that was published in the Journal of Nutrition claimed that the flax seeds, along with the walnuts are able to help the weight loss process. Because the flax seeds are filled with fiber and healthy fats, it will help you feel fuller for a longer period of time, making you consume less calories and thus promoting a healthy weight loss. The ALA fats found in the flax seeds also reduce the inflammation in the body. This is an important part of the weight loss process because an inflamed body tends to hold on to the excess weight. Adding a couple of ground flax seeds to salads, soups and smoothies will be an excellent addition to your weight loss plan.
4. Lower your levels of cholesterol – the Nutrition and Metabolism journal claimed with certainty that adding some flax seeds into your dieting plan can naturally reduce your levels of cholesterol. The soluble fiber found in the flax seeds can trap the fat and the cholesterol into the digestive system so that it will be unable to be absorbed. What the soluble fiber also does is it traps the bile, made from cholesterol in the gallbladder. The bile is then gone from the digestive system, forcing the body to make some more, using up the excess cholesterol levels and lowering the overall levels of cholesterol.
5. The flax seeds are gluten free – if you want to naturally replace the gluten containing grains, the flax seeds are the way to go. The flax seeds contain anti inflammatory properties, making them great for those people who have Celiac disease or who are gluten sensitive. The flax seeds are also good for people who seek alternative for the omega 3 found in the fish for people who are suffering from seafood allergy. Another great aspect of the flax seeds being gluten free is that it can be used as a grain fre option when cooking. You can mix it up with some coconut flour when baking in your own home.
6. Flax seeds are filled with antioxidants – among all of the other nutritional factors, the flax seeds are known to be high in antioxidants. These antioxidants called lignans are actually unique fiber related polyphenols that can provide the body with antioxidant benefits that will slow down the process of aging, balance out the hormones and provide you with cellular health. These polyphenols support the growth of the probiotics in the gut and can even help with eliminating yeast and candida from the body. These lignans are also known for containing antiviral and antibacterial properties, so consuming flax seeds on a regular level can help reduce the severity of a cold, the flu or other inflammation.
7. Good for your digestive health – the biggest benefit of the flax seeds come from the ability to promote excellent digestive health. The flax seeds are able to protect the lining of the digestive tract and maintain the gastrointestinal health. It has also been proven to be beneficial for people who are dealing with Crohn’s disease or other digestive conditions, as it will help reducing the inflammation in the gut. If you want to naturally relieve constipation, mix some flax seed oil and mix it with some carrot juice. The flax is not only considered to be one of the highest magnesium foods in the world, it is also able to cleanse your colon and clean the waste from your system.
8. High in omega 3 fatty acids – we have heard so much good about the omega 3 fatty acids which are found in the fish. They are essential for optimal health, and we were happy to find out that the flax seeds contain a fodm of the omega 3 fats, making them even more healthy for consumption.
9. Relieve the menopausal system – the lignans, found in the flax seeds have been shown to improve the menopausal symptoms with women. It can even be used as an alternative to the hormone replacement therapy, because the lgnans found in the flax seeds contain estrogenic properties. These are the same properties that can even reduce the risk of osteoporosis and can help women maintain the regularity of their menstrual cycle. If you want to experience these benefits of the flax seeds, consume a tablespoon or two in your breakfast in the morning.
10. Filled with protein – finally, did you know that these amazing little seeds are filled with protein? There is about 18% of protein in 100 grams of flax seeds, so make sure you consume them more often.
Have you ever experienced the benefits from the flax seeds so far? If not, make sure you start incorporating them into your day to day dieting plan and see the difference for yourself! You will make a healthier version of yourself. Start now!