8 Reasons You Should Add Flaxseed to Your Meal 2024
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Hello wonderful people, EllaTheDietitian here, I am bringing you exciting content on Flaxseed. Flaxseed is a nutrient-rich food that offers numerous health benefits.
The question is, What is flaxseed?
So when you hear of flaxseed, what comes into your mind, Well, let’s get started!!!
Flaxseed, which is also known as linseed, is the seed of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, lignans and antioxidants.
Let’s take a look at some more amazing health benefits of flaxseed.
1. Flaxseed is high in omega-3 fatty acids (ALA)
Flaxseed is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. ALA is essential for heart health and brain function and also helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Flaxseed helps support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving blood lipid profiles.
2. Flaxseed is rich in dietary fiber, containing both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help, promote digestive health, support healthy blood sugar levels, reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels and also help in weight management.
Flaxseed aids in digestive health by supporting healthy gut bacteria and also promoting bowel movements in young adults and people with diabetes. Taking flaxseed improves blood sugar control.
3. Flaxseed is a good plant-based protein source, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health.
4. Flaxseed is low in carbohydrates, and it is a good choice for individuals monitoring their carbohydrate intake.
5. Flaxseed is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, which helps support bone health.
6. It is high in antioxidants, including lignans, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which help protect us against oxidative stress and inflammation.
7. Flaxseed helps in cancer prevention: The antioxidant substances and lignans found in flaxseed, helps reduce cancer risk, However, individuals battling with hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions like breast and ovarian cancer should not take large amounts of flaxseed because it might worsen the condition.
8. Taking flaxseed helps reduce breast pain (mastalgia). Mastalgia comes in two forms: cyclical mastalgia: which is simply pain or tenderness that follows a monthly cycle, and two is non-cyclical mastalgia: that is pain or tenderness that does not follow a monthly cycle and can occur at any time.
Here are ways in which flaxseeds can be incorporated in our meals
1. We can enjoy the incredible benefits of flaxseed by adding it to our oatmeal, porridges, yogurt, or smoothies
2. Flaxseed can also be sprinkled on our salads or vegetables.
3. Flaxseed can be grinded before consumption to enhance nutrient absorption.
Incorporate about 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed into your diet and enjoy its amazing benefits.
Note//
Flaxseed lowers blood sugar levels, in this case, taking flaxseed along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low so therefore, it is always important to monitor your blood sugar closely.
Flaxseed might slow blood clotting. Individuals taking blood thinning medications should avoid flaxseed until they are told to do so. Taking flaxseed along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article, Feel free to comment, share and like. Stay tuned for more amazing nutrition content. #LiveLifeTheHealthyWay. Byeee
Check Also: 8 amazing benefits of eating beetroot by EllaTheDietitian
