8 Nutritional facts And Health Benefits Of Flax Seeds In 2021

Flax seeds are one of the ancient and neglected crops, but currently, it is emerging as a ‘superfood’, with recent studies denoting their countless health perks. In this article, Dr Kausthub Desikachar shares everything about flax seeds and the health benefits of Flax Seeds.

So What Exactly Is a Superfood?

Lately, we have been hearing a lot many times of this new term, ‘Superfood’. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a superfood as “a food that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fibre, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health.”

Texture, Taste & Best Practice To Consume Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are tiny, brown in colour, and has a shiny, crunchy coat on them as a whole. Just one tablespoon of Flaxseeds contributes to an enormous measure of protein, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids and a rich source of vitamins and minerals. No wonder lately, Flaxseeds have acquired recognition as a Superfood. They are available locally and online in the form of whole seeds, oils, grounded powder, and capsules. Flaxseeds, as a whole, cannot be chewed directly. Nutrition experts recommend consuming ground Flaxseeds to get the most benefit out of it as they are easier to digest and the best way to absorb the nutrients. They release oils in the process of grinding, which gives an earthy aroma and has a mild flavour of a nutty taste. This way, Flaxseeds can easily be included in your diet. You can add flaxseed powder to your smoothies, salads, breakfast cereals, baking recipes or mix the powder in a glass of water with lime, and gulp it down. In India, people add flaxseed powder to idli chilli powder, making it a healthy choice to have along with idlis and dosas. It is advised to have one to two Tablespoons of Flaxseed powder every day to meet your essential, daily nutritional requirement. The best place to store the freshly ground Flaxpowder is a refrigerator that helps from getting oxidized, losing its dietary benefits, and giving a longer shelf life. 

8 Nutritional Facts And Health Benefits Of Flaxseeds

Dr Kausthub Desikachar says the benefits of flaxseeds are in abundance. These nutty delights enriched with fibre, omega -3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), antioxidants, protein, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, lignan, other vitamins and minerals come with a bevvy of health benefits. 

Keeps Cholesterol At Bay

Flaxseeds are a high source of soluble adhesive (gumlike) fibre that reduces unhealthy cholesterol (LDL), also identified as the bad cholesterol that builds up cholesterol in the arteries. 

Reduces The Risk Of Pre-Diabetes And Type-II Diabetes

Flaxseed is low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for people who are trying to curb sugar and starch consumption. It is also said that plant compounds like lignans and other phytoestrogens available in the flaxseed help decrease insulin resistance in the pre-diabetics stage, further lessen the chance of developing type-2 diabetes, and control blood sugar levels.

Facilitates Weight Management

High in fibre, Flaxseeds quells your hunger by making you feel full for a more extended period, consequently aiding weight management.

Controls Blood Pressure And Triglycerides 

Lignans present in Flaxseeds help control your systolic blood pressure. Their high Omega-3 fatty acids help lower triglycerides (unhealthy fats in the blood ), reducing heart attacks and stroke risk. Systolic readings are the top numbers in the report that refer to the blood pressure in your arteries and are better predictors of risk. 

Better Gut Health 

As Flaxseeds are high in insoluble fibre and are a natural source of laxative, they help digestion and improve bowel movements. But keep in mind, flaxseeds, when consumed with significantly less water, have adverse effects and can tighten your stools. 

Better Eye Health

Omega 3 fatty acids in Flaxseeds ensure good eye health. They help lessen the occurrences of itchiness, burning and inflammation caused by dry eyes syndrome and reduce muscular eye degeneration.

Great For Women’s Health

Regular consumption of Flaxseeds helps tackle irregular periods, discomfort caused by menstruation, maintains balanced hormonal levels and reduces menopausal symptoms. Also, high levels of lignans in flaxseeds guard against breast cancer. 

Anti Cancerous Properties

Flaxseeds contain up to 800 times more lignans than any other plant-based foods. Lignans are plant compounds with high antioxidants and estrogen properties, thereby helping slow down tumour growth by restricting them from developing new blood vessels.  

Who Should Not Consume Flaxseeds?

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not include Flaxseeds in their diet. Dr Kausthub Desikachar strongly recommends checking with your physician or a dietician before consuming them. 

Conclusion

Remember that no particular magical food can provide all the nutrients that can serve human requirements and guarantee improved health. Dr Kausthub Desikachar says the most basic method is to follow a healthy diet with various nutritionally balanced food and healthy lifestyle modifications.