Antiquity understood flaxseed to be a powerful ancient medicine. Flaxseed’s sturdy fibers have been used in textiles for thousands of years. Now, thanks to considerable interest in active lifestyles and longevity of life, flaxseed has been scrutinized by the nutritional community and has enjoyed a resurgence in healthy diets. Let’s take a look at the uses and benefits of this powerful gift of the natural earth.
Flaxseed is available in many forms such as whole flaxseed, flaxseed meal, and flax oil.
What Makes Flaxseed Amazing for Your Health
Flaxseed is chocked full of linoleic and alpha linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acids known for heart health), lignans, and fiber. Flaxseed it is not only a functional food, it is a powerfood for the human body. According to the Austin Journal of Nutrition and Food Services, flaxseed has many health benefits*.
- Reduce Heart Disease
- Lower BP (blood pressure)
- Reduce Ulcers
- Lower Cholesterol
- Improve Renal Functions
- Lower Blood Glucose Levels
- Strengthen Immune System
- Promote Healthy Body Weight
- Antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-carcinogenic
- Diabetes Prevention
If all of these amazing benefits have not yet swayed you to jump on the flaxseed train, perhaps these flaxseed perks will change your mind.
Weight Loss
As a fitness and nutrition coach, I have always been a huge fan of flaxseed. I include flaxseed in my clients nutrition plans for a healthy waistline. Because of it’s high fiber content, flaxseed helps fuel the body while evoking that “full feeling” for much longer after your meal. This little brown seed of goodness can be sprinkled on your oats, meals, salads, shakes, veggies, and baked goods. Incorporating flaxseed into your diet, is an easy way to start transitioning to a more healthy happy you!
Thick Shiny Hair
The protein, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and vitamin E in flaxseed make this tiny seed of goodness great for healthy hair, skin, and nails. By consistently adding flaxseed to my morning oats, my hair is thicker and shinier. When I take a hiatus from the flaxseed train, I notice a huge difference in the health of my hair, skin, and nails. My secret for long, thick hair has always been taking my daily vitamin and nutrient supplements and 2 Tablespoons of flaxseed daily. Flaxseed will help moisturize, strengthen, and repair hair back to a lustrous shine.
Women’s Health
Flaxseed is one of the richest forms of plant lignans. Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogen is comparable to the female hormone estrogen. Daily intake of flaxseed is beneficial for women’s health. Extensive research has shown that 2 tablespoons of flaxseed daily may lower the risk of breast cancer. Flaxseed may also lessen hot flashes in menopausal women. You heard that right! Less hot flashes = happier females! Pregnant women and those who are breast -feeding should avoid flaxseed because of its high phytoestrogen content.
Say Goodbye to Constipation
Flaxseed speeds the process of intestinal movement, which means, your poop becomes more regular. Yayyy! We all have to poop, so it only makes sense for us to talk about it! Research shows that incorporating flaxseed can lessen constipation, bloating, and tummy pains. Because of this flaxseed improves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Less is More
Too much of anything is never a good thing. Stick to only 2 tablespoons a day for maximizing the effects of flaxseed and take advantage of this little brown seed of heart healthy goodness! Your body will thank you for it.
My favorite 3rd party tested brand is Barlean’s Forti-Flax. Not all flaxseed is created equal. To get the best absorption, I stick to this raw, organic, vegan, and gently cold milled flaxseed, favored by all of my fitness and nutrition clients. Find it here. Third party testing matters. What it means is that the product is tested for purity and potency by an independent third party laboratory. Not all products you find on the shelves at your health food store can claim this distinction, so do your homework.
Changing Lives Every Day
~ Dawn
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* The FDA Requires the inclusion of the following ; “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. As such, the FDA requires the following statement; This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
