One simple way of taking better care of our minds and bodies is the addition of a small, shiny seed into our meals.
Flaxseed, also known as linseed, can help you lead a healthier life. It has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in diabetics and reduce cholesterol. It is considered a superfood because of its high dietary fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. Flax seed is also a great source of lignans, a form of phytonutrients that offer potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.
Flax seeds are versatile and easy to use.
Incorporating flax into your meals is a very low maintenance way of reaping exponentially more benefits. Flax seed contains a wide array of minerals, healthy fats, and vitamin B that can help promote healthier hair and skin, resolving issues of redness and flaky skin and reducing acne, eczema, and rosacea. Flaxseed oil is also a great moisturizer.
Flax seeds improve metabolism by acting like natural gum.
Flaxseed is rich in mucilage gum, which assists in nutrient absorption. It helps by keeping food in the stomach for longer periods of time, allowing for maximum nutrient absorption. The mucilage gum is water-soluble, which also enables better removal of toxins and waste and soothes the stomach lining.
The lignans do not stop there.
They can help regulate female hormones in the bloodstreams, act as phytoestrogens, and provide antioxidants. This regulatory effect on the female hormones is helpful because it presents a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy, reduces the risks of osteoporosis, and helps regulate menstruation cycles.
They may help reduce cancer.
Researchers have also found that the lignins present in flaxseed may help reduce the risks of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
Flax seeds serve as healthy substitutes for cooking and baking.
Ground flax is a good way to substitute flours that contain gluten. This is particularly beneficial for those who are afflicted by celiac disease or those who may be sensitive to gluten. Flaxseed is a multipurpose ingredient that serves as a powerhouse for better health.
Get your flax seeds daily.
Buy raw organic seeds to have on hand. Starting with whole flax seeds and grinding them when you’re ready to enjoy them is recommended so that they remain fresh and deliver the most benefits. You can grind them in a coffee grinder and add them to soups, salads, smoothies or use them to bake muffins or bread if your gluten and grain-free.
