TOP HEALTH BENEFITS OF FLAXSEED
Flax seed, also known as linseed, originated in the Middle East thousands of years ago. These little nutritional powerhouses have been cultivated ever since for their taste, texture and wonderful health-giving properties. They come in brown and golden varieties, which are nutritionally very similar., although some people find the brown ones have a slightly stronger taste. The ground seeds can be nutritionally more advantageous than the whole ones, which often pass through the body undigested – but the whole seeds add an amazing toothsome texture to any dish they’re added to!
Here are the 5 biggest health benefits of eating Flaxseed:
They're a fantastic source of fibre.
Flax seeds are around 30% fibre, and eating 20 grams daily will give you a quarter of your recommended daily fibre intake. This helps regulate your blood sugar, making them an excellent food choice for diabetics. They also improve your digestive health as they are a natural laxative and can ease the process of food through the body, promoting regularity and leading to a healthy gut.
They are high in Omega-3 fats.
Vegans and vegetarians often struggle to get enough healthy Omega-3 fats, but flax is perhaps the best plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), one of the two essential fatty acids we need from the food we eat. It prevents the build-up of fat in the blood vessels of our heart, and this study showed its consumption leads to a significantly lower rate of heart attacks.
Flaxseed can help improve your cholesterol levels.
According to a study on the effect of flax seed powder in the management of diabetes, eating 10 grams of flaxseed powder every day for a month led to a 12% increase in HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ type) in diabetes patients. Flax powder is a very versatile ingredient, and can be added to bread dough, smoothies, biscuit mixes or simply sprinkled over sweet or savoury dishes.
They are perhaps the best source of lignans.
Lignans are phenolic compounds found in natural food which can be very powerful in the fight against heart disease, menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis. A recent study also found that eating Flaxseed is strongly linked with a reduction in the risk of breast cancer.
They're brilliant for weight loss.
Several studies have proved that eating Flaxseed can lead to a reduction in weight for overweight and obese people. A review of 45 randomised placebo-controlled trials found that people who added them to their diet tended to lose an average of 1kg compared to the control group. The soluble fibre is essential in crushing cravings, keeping you feeling fuller for longer!
So what are you waiting for? If you’re looking to stock up on Flaxseed, take a look at our huge range of whole, cracked and ground seeds, including organic and regular choices, as well as Flax Oil.
We also have a huge archive of healthy recipes, so why not learn how to make this delicious, flax-filled Seed & Nut Loaf today?