Flaxseed is one of the world’s most potent plant foods, according to some. This may help lower your chance of developing diseases related to the heart and other chronic conditions.
It is also considered one of the best fiber food options with omega-3 fatty acid benefits. Flaxseeds could also be consumed as weight loss snacks.
As a result, you could say that it has several benefits. This article will inform you of some of Flaxseeds’ essential benefits.
List Of Flax Seeds Benefits
Nutrients found in flaxseed have been linked to a variety of health advantages. Omega-3 Fatty acids are abundant in flaxseed and many other plant-based diets.
By eliminating chemicals known as free radicals from the body, they may prove helpful in lowering the risk of diseases. Flaxseed’s prospective health advantages are discussed in greater detail in the following sections.
Hypertension And Cholesterol Control
Research from Iowa State University found that flaxseed could lower cholesterol in men, but it couldn’t match the efficacy of the medicine.
Flaxseed oil is a great source of ALA, which has been shown to reduce[1] high cholesterol risk. Blood pressure may be also kept under control, which is crucial to the health of the heart.
May Reduce Blood Pressure
Blood pressure sufferers may benefit the most from this seed.
Consuming 4 tablespoons (30 grams) of flaxseed a day lowered blood pressure in people with high levels, according to a small 12-week trial.
A major evaluation of 11 articles also found[2] that consuming flaxseed daily for at least three months can lower blood pressure by 2 millimeters of mercury.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels
Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level may be aided by the use of flaxseed. In a review of 25 research articles, whole flaxseed may lower the sugar level in the blood.
It may also get lower resistance to insulin, a condition that inhibits the body’s capacity to manage blood sugar levels properly, according to the findings.
This seed’s soluble fiber content may be to blame for its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. Sucrose absorption is slowed by soluble fiber, and this may help to lower blood sugar levels.
If you have type 2 diabetes, flaxseed may be especially beneficial[3].
May Help Lower The Risk Of Cancer
Flaxseed may help lower the risk of[4] breast, prostate, and colon cancer, according to recent research. Kelley C. Fitzpatrick, who is the director of health and nutrition for the Flax Council of Canada, claimed that flaxseed contains at least two components that may help.
Flaxseed’s ALA, a plant omega-3 fatty acid, has been shown in animal experiments to reduce tumor incidence and growth.
May Aid Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose or maintain weight, flax seeds are a must-have[5] in your diet. This is largely due to the high quantity of dietary fiber in the product.
You consume fewer calories per day if you eat a diet high in fiber. To put it another way, flaxseeds help you feel full, which in turn helps to reduce your appetite.
Because of this, you are less likely to overeat to satisfy your hunger. If you’re trying to cut back on your caloric intake or satisfy your hunger between meals, flax seeds are an excellent addition to your diet.
Rich In Fiber
Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber are the two basic forms of fiber. Your digestive process is slowed down by soluble fiber. It also improves the viscosity of the various digestive juices in the intestines.
Aside from regulating blood sugar and decreasing cholesterol levels, it also has other benefits[6]. Softer stools can be achieved by increasing the amount of water that binds to the stool through soluble fiber.
To alleviate constipation, it functions as a laxative. Diarrhea sufferers and those with irritable bowel syndrome may benefit from it as well but should first consult with a doctor.
Could Prevent Chronic Illness
Flax seeds are a good source[7] of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been shown to have some protective effects against heart disease and cancer, according to a 2013 review in the Oleo Science Journal.
Protecting our cells from aging and chronic diseases, such as heart disease, is the primary function of polyphenols.
Good For Skin
Flax seeds contain vitamin E, commonly known as the “vitamin of beauty.” A combination of this vitamin and the required omega fatty acids aids in the development and maintenance of healthy hair follicles and skin cells by reducing[8] free radical production.
Flax Seeds are not only effective in improving the texture of hair, but they also stimulate the formation of new follicles. You can use flax oil as a DIY hair spa by massaging it on your scalp.
Beneficial For Women
Flavourful for female health, regular ingestion of flaxseeds may help alleviate the symptoms of menopause as well as menstrual cramps[9].
Women can consume the flaxseed to take the advantage of flaxseed to its fullest.
If consumed in a controlled manner, it could be considered one of the best foods to eat while being pregnant.
Good For Hair
When it comes to hair growth and quality, flaxseeds could be an excellent food option. If you’re looking to hydrate your hair, try applying it as a gel, oil, or spray.
Flax seeds are an all-natural alternative to chemical hair treatments. Its essential omega 3 content may as well help in reducing hair loss.
Conclusion
Plant-based food flaxseed is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber that may be added to any diet. As a so-called “functional food,” it can be eaten to improve one’s health.
Flaxseed contains lignans, antioxidants, fiber, protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids like alpha-linolic acid (ALA), or omega-3, which are all important components[6] of its nutritional profile.
There are numerous health benefits to consuming these nutrients.
References/Sources
Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.
- Andrea L Edel, Delfin Rodriguez-Leyva, Thane G Maddaford, et al. Dietary flaxseed independently lowers circulating cholesterol and lowers it beyond the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications alone in patients with peripheral artery disease J Nutr. 2015 Apr;145(4):749-57. doi: 10.3945/jn.114.204594. Epub 2015 Feb 18. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25694068/
- Saman Khalesi, Christopher Irwin, Matt Schubert Flaxseed consumption may reduce blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials J Nutr. 2015 Apr;145(4):758-65. doi: 10.3945/jn.114.205302. Epub 2015 Mar 4. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25740909/
- Afrooz Javidi, Hassan Mozaffari-Khosravi, Azadeh Nadjarzadeh, et al. The effect of flaxseed powder on insulin resistance indices and blood pressure in prediabetic individuals: A randomized controlled clinical trial J Res Med Sci. 2016; 21: 70. Published online 2016 Sep 1. doi: 10.4103/1735-1995.189660
- Ana Calado, Pedro Miguel Neves, Teresa Santos, et al. The Effect of Flaxseed in Breast Cancer: A Literature Review Front Nutr. 2018; 5: 4.
Published online 2018 Feb 7. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2018.00004 - M Mohammadi-Sartang, Z Mazloom, H Raeisi-Dehkordi, et al. The effect of flaxseed supplementation on body weight and body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 randomized placebo-controlled trials Obes Rev. 2017 Sep;18(9):1096-1107. doi: 10.1111/obr.12550. Epub 2017 Jun 21. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28635182/
- Priyanka Kajla, Alka Sharma, and Dev Raj Sood Flaxseed—a potential functional food source J Food Sci Technol. 2015 Apr; 52(4): 1857–1871.
Published online 2014 Feb 28. doi: 10.1007/s13197-014-1293-y - Ankit Goyal, Vivek Sharma, Neelam Upadhyay, et al. Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food J Food Sci Technol. 2014 Sep; 51(9): 1633–1653. Published online 2014 Jan 10. doi: 10.1007/s13197-013-1247-9
- Kanae Yamashita, Saiko Ikeda, Mariko Obayashi. Comparative effects of flaxseed and sesame seed on vitamin E and cholesterol levels in rats Lipids. 2003 Dec;38(12):1249-55. doi: 10.1007/s11745-003-1185-7. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14870927/
- W R Phipps, M C Martini, J W Lampe, et al. Effect of flax seed ingestion on the menstrual cycle J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1993 Nov;77(5):1215-9. doi: 10.1210/jcem.77.5.8077314. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8077314/
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Louise Rodriguez is a full-time health and fitness writer. She considers herself a gym rat and takes pride in showing her biceps. She dedicates most of her time to her health. With the time left, she spreads information regarding health and fitness among the masses. Harry Potter is her first love.