Do you know about Flex Seeds? If not, you’re in for a treat! These tiny seeds have a ton of health benefits, and they’re easy to add to your diet. In this blog post, we will discuss all the things you need to know about Flex Seeds. We’ll talk about what they are, where to find them, and how to use them. So if you’re interested in learning more about these amazing little seeds, keep reading!
Contents
What Are Flax Seeds?
Flax seeds come from the flax plant, which is also known as Linum usitatissimum. The flax plant is a flowering plant that produces pretty blue flowers. It’s native to Eurasia, but it now grows all over the world. The flax plant has been cultivated for thousands of years and was even used by the ancient Egyptians!
The seeds of the flax plant are what we call “flax seeds.” These seeds are small and brown in color. They have a hard shell, but inside is a little white or yellowish “kernel.” This kernel is what we eat – it’s full of nutrients like fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
What Are The Benefits Of Flax Seeds?
Flax seeds have some amazing benefits to offer, some of which are given below:
High In Omega-3s
Flax seeds contain ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which is a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. They are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. This makes them beneficial for maintaining heart health and preventing chronic diseases. A single tablespoon (7 grams) of flax seeds contains about 2,300 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. This is nearly three times the recommended daily intake for omega-3s.
May Lower Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Flaxseeds may help lower cholesterol levels by preventing absorption and increasing elimination. A study in rats found that flaxseed oil reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
Another study gave men and women a daily flaxseed supplement or a placebo for four weeks. At the end of the study, those taking flaxseed had significantly lower total and LDL.
High In Fiber
Flax seeds are so rich in fiber that just one tablespoon of them contains 3 grams of it. This makes flax seeds a great natural remedy for constipation and other digestive problems. Moreover, fiber also helps in keeping the colon clean and healthy.
May Help Prevent Cancer
Phytonutrients in flaxseeds may help to prevent cancer, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer. The study showed that flaxseed extract was able to reduce the growth of breast cancer cells by 30 to 50 percent.
Another study, this one done on rats, found that flaxseed oil was able to significantly slow the growth of tumors. Researchers believe that the lignans in flaxseeds are responsible for these cancer-preventing effects.
May Reduce Blood Pressure
Flaxseeds are a good source of fiber and an excellent plant-based protein. They also contain lignans — compounds with both plant estrogen and antioxidant properties. All of these nutrients work together to keep your heart healthy by reducing bad cholesterol levels, protecting against harmful inflammation, and keeping blood pressure in check.
In one study, postmenopausal women who took 30 grams of flaxseed powder daily for 12 weeks lowered their systolic blood pressure by 7.2 mmHg and their diastolic blood pressure by 5.6 mmHg, on average, compared to women in the control group.
May Assist In Weight Loss
Flax seeds are a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can play a role in weight loss. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, helping slow down digestion. This can promote fullness and reduce calorie intake.
Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and helps speed up bowel movements. This can help prevent constipation and promote regularity, both of which may aid weight loss.
Where Can I Find Flax Seeds?
Flax seeds are available in most grocery stores. You can usually find them in the “health food” section or the “baking” aisle. If you can’t find them at your local grocery store, you can also purchase them online.
How Can I Use Flax Seeds?
There are many different ways to incorporate flax seeds into your diet. One way is to grind the seeds and add them to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods. You can also purchase flaxseed oil, which can be used in salad dressings, dips, and as a cooking oil. If you’re looking for a crunchy topping for your food, try using flaxseed meal (ground-up flax seeds) instead of breadcrumbs.
Do Lignans Lower Testosterone?
Flaxseeds contain a high concentration of lignans. Lignans are phytoestrogens, which means they have plant-based estrogenic properties. In animal studies, lignans have been shown to reduce testosterone levels. One study in humans showed that flaxseed supplementation reduced testosterone levels in men by up to 20%.
While these studies suggest that flaxseeds may have an effect on testosterone levels, more research is needed to confirm this. Additionally, it’s not clear if the lignans in flaxseeds would have the same effect on humans as they do on animals.
Who Should Avoid Eating Flax Seeds?
People with an allergy to flax seeds should avoid eating them. Additionally, people who have a history of gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or diarrhea may want to avoid eating flax seeds as they may worsen these conditions. Finally, people taking blood thinners or other medications should speak to their doctor before consuming flax seeds as they may interact with these medications.
Conclusion
Flax seeds are an incredibly nutritious food, packed with fiber, fatty acids, and antioxidants. They offer a range of health benefits. While flax seeds can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, it’s important to remember that they must be ground in order to reap the full nutritional benefits.
Consider contacting FitMantra for additional information on nutrition and fitness. You can also get in touch with their nutrition experts through our online nutrition counseling, who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your fitness goals. You can also lose weight with the help of our weight loss program. Download our FitnessApp on Android to know more about us.