Flaxseed
Flaxseed is also known as linseed and is a nutritious brown or golden coloured seed that has many potential health benefits including reducing sugar cravings, improving heart health, cholesterol levels and more. The oil extracted from flax plant seeds is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids (Alpha-Linoleic Acid).
Using food sources for your daily nutritional needs is the best way to have a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Flaxseed may help improve
- The risk of heart disease
- Skin health
- Hyperlipidemia
- Brain function maintenance
- Blood sugar levels
What are the benefits?
1) May lower the risk of heart disease
ALA (Alpha-Linoleic Acid) is a fatty acid that helps to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, inflammation and heart arrhythmias. It may also improve endothelial cell function and protect arterial function. (1)
2) Skin health
Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of Omega 3,6 and 9. It could benefit individuals with skin conditions such as eczema, due to the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of the essential fatty acids. Mixing flaxseed with essential oils and applying it to the skin can increase skin hydration.
3) May reduce hyperlipidemia
A study carried out on seventy people suffering from hyperlipidemia found that flaxseed consumption reduced serum lipid desirably. It follows that flaxseed may reduce hyperlipidemia. (2)
4) May help to maintain brain function
Essential fatty acids (EFA’s) help to create brain and nerve tissue and therefore, flaxseed oil could help brain function.
5) Reduces blood sugar
Flaxseed is a water-soluble fibre that turns into a gel-like substance. According to the Mayo Clinic staff, flaxseed can reduce blood cholesterol and glucose levels. (3)
You can use it a myriad of recipes, and add it to smoothies, cakes, buns, yoghurt, cereal and bread. It can also be used as an egg substitute and is suitable for coeliacs, vegans and vegetarians.
Flaxseed works well with
- Soya Lecithin to lower cholesterol
- Multivitamin to help the body to absorb and utilise essential fatty acids.
- Goji berries to improve digestion and bowel movements
- Senna to relieve constipation and help regulate bowel movements
Some things to consider
Consuming too much flaxseed oil can cause abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, nausea, constipation and diarrhoea.
Do not consume flaxseed if you are on blood-thinning medication.
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15945135
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25612882
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
