Top Health benefits of Flaxseeds - lifeseeze

 

Flax seeds are highly nutritious, they are good source of Omega 3, also rich in fibre and good source of quality protein. They are cultivated as a food and fibre crop in cooler regions of the world. Now a days flax seeds are emerging as a superfood, some people believe that it is the most powerful seed on the planet.

Nutrition facts

1 tablespoon (10 grams) of whole Flaxseed provides:

• Calories: 55
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 2.8g 
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 4.2g

1 tablespoon (7 grams) of ground or powdered Flaxseed provides:

• Calories: 37
• Carbs: 2g
• Fiber: 1.9g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fat: 3g

Top health benefits of Flaxseed

1. High in Omega 3 Fatty acids

Flax seeds are the richest plant source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids improve the health of your scalp and make your hair stronger, Shinier and flexible.

2. Contains Vitamin E

Vitamin E is very essential for healthy hair growth. Its strong antioxidants capicity improves blood circulation in the scalp and protects the hair from premature greying.

3. Restores the pH and oil production

Flaxseed oil has a tendency to balance the pH of your hairs, its application stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce the right amount of oil for proper hair growth.

4. Rich in Lignans

Lignans are fiber like substances which have strong antioxidant properties. Lignans have estrogenic properties which can decrease the hair loss due to menopause and hormonal imbalance.

5. keeps your Hair smooth

Flaxseed oil has a moisture locking effect that means your hair will be conditioned and smooth most of the time. This reduces the damage and makes it manageable.

6. Increases Skin glow

Omega 3 fatty acids helps in keeping the skin moisturized, smooth and increases the glow of skin.

7. Anti aging components

The inherent quality of the flaxseeds also helps in keeping the skin tight and lessen sagging with age.

8. Tightens Skin

Flax seeds helps in tightening the pores in the face and prevents dirt from settling in. Also removes dead skin in and blackheads from the face.

9. Soothes Skin irritation

Flaxseeds have highly concentrated antioxidants which protects skin from free radicals and UV rays. Anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseed helps in reducing redness and irritation.

10. Prevents Acne

Flax seeds can balance out the oestrogen in the body, which helps in reducing the breakout of acne. Another cause of acne is the secretion of excess oils on the face. Sebum production is regulated by flaxseeds which prevent acne.

11. Low in Calories

Flax seeds are low in starch and sugar, hence they are not high in calories. Eating flaxseed regularly is good for your health and helps in losing weight.

12. High in Proteins

Flax seeds are rich in protein. So, when you consume a teaspoon of flax seed along with dietary fibre then the protein content suppresses your appetite. Therefore, this prevents you from over eating and helps you in losing weight.

13. Rich in Fiber

It has 60 to 80% soluble fiber and 20 to 40% insoluble fiber. These fibers are very important for gut health. It supports the good bacterias in our stomach, suppresses hunger, reduce blood sugar, prevents constipation and also promotes weight loss.

14. Reduces Cholesterol

Flax seeds are beneficial in reducing cholesterol, the gel base water soluble fibre extracts all the fat and cholesterol in the digestive system.

15. Gluten free

Ingredients containing gluten are hard to digest while the flax seeds are easily digestible as these seeds can absorb a lot of liquid which helps in binding all nutrients.

16. Improves Digestive health

These seeds helps in maintaining bowel movements. Health issues like digestion and constipation can be prevented by the intake Of flaxseeds.

17. Reduces risk of Cancer

As the consumption of diet containing fibers, lignans and antioxidants decreases the risk of cancer, also the hormonal balancing by lignans results into lowering the risk of cancer.

How to eat or consume Flaxseed?

Flax seeds should first be roasted lightly so that its phytic acid is reduced, then grind it and then you can eat it daily. 

But don't store it for a long time, once you grind it, you have to consume it under 10 to 15 days because after that its nutrients start to run out.  So you should grind it in a small quantity and store it in the fridge.

How much to eat:

If you are a beginner or eating it first time then you should start with 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon daily and then you can  gradually increase the dose.

 While increasing the dose, you can consume it from 1 to 2 tablespoon on a daily basis, do not consume more than that.  The maximum limit which is inside the Danger is 4 tablespoon but do not go there.

Another way of consuming:

Apart from this, you can also consume it in sprouted form, that will also be healthy for you, it will also make it easier to digest your body and it will also reduce phytic acid.

When to eat:

It is best if you take it in the winter season because its nature is dry, heavy and warm.

If you want to take it in the summer season, then reduce its consumption to half or 1/4th.  So if you are taking 1 teaspoon in winters, then consume it till half or 1/4th teaspoon in summer.

You can consume with:

Best consumed with other fat like - oatmeal with milk, granola, pinni, laddoos, energy bars, dahi, soup, daal, salad, smoothies.

Avoid this:

Do not consume Flaxseed with water or in namkeem form, it is not the best way of taking it.

Note:

Increase your water consumption to double, to avoid the side effects and enjoy the health benefits of flaxseed.

Top Benefits of Flaxseed oil

1. Promotes Weight loss

Flaxseed oil works as a natural laxative and lubricates our intestine. Flaxseed helps to facilitate our digestive system in such a way that it makes your body get rid of waste quickly. The high fiber content in flaxseed oil promotes healthy digestion and makes our body shed some weight.

2. Fights against Cancer

When it comes to cancer treatment and prevention then flaxseed oil are considered essential because they help to prevent the growth of tumors in breast cancer. Flax seeds are effective against prostate cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. The growth of tumor cells is prevented due to the presence of lignans in this oil.

3. Improves Heart health

A study found that flaxseed oil lowers the blood pressure level as compared to any other oil. As we all know that high blood pressure puts a strain on your arteries, thus forcing your heart to work harder. Flaxseed oil also improves the health of arteries by increasing their elasticity due to the presence of a high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids. A significant number of studies unveil the positive role of this oil in reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure as well. The alpha linolenic acid which is also known as ALA is known to prevent cardiovascular disease and decreases the ratio of heart attacks.

4. Reduces Cholesterol levels

Due to the presence of a high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil is known to lower the low density cholesterol and maintains HDL in the blood which is also known as good cholesterol. However, you should keep this thing in your mind that flaxseed oil alone would not be effective unless you do a proper diet and exercise.

5. Improves skin health

A small study on 13 women's was done in which they were given supplements in the form of flaxseed oil for 12 weeks. The result of the study found that these women shows any improvement in their skin and roughness and irritation was decreased up to a great extent.

6. Prevents Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease in which your bones become soft and experience stiffness whenever you move. Essential fatty acids found in flaxseed oil can ease the stiffness of joint and the speed at which the patient walks.

7. Improves Bowel health

Flaxseed oil due to its inflammatory properties can be effectively used to treat bowel health problems such as Crohn's disease and colitis. Crohn's disease which is caused due to the deficiency of Omega 3 fatty acids can be improved with proper intake of flaxseed oil.

8. Improves hair growth

When we apply flaxseed oil on our hair regularly, then it prevents hair fall and eliminates scalp problems such as dandruff. Flaxseed oil being rich in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids promotes the growth of hair and keep them shiny and Lustrous. Hot oil massage also helps up to a great extent.

How to use Flaxseed oil?

A fantastic thing about this oil is its versatility when it comes to its usage. You can use it in salad dressings, sauces and dips. 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil can also be used in smoothies and shakes.

However, you need to keep this thing in your mind that doesn't ever cook this oil at high temperature because it can be harmful when exposed to high heat. It can also be used to massage on skin and scalp to make the moisturize.

Flaxseed oil for hair:

Take 2 tablespoon of flaxseed oil and heat it for few minutes until its warm. Now using your fingertips massage this oil on your scale for 15 minutes. Apply the rest of the oil on your hair, especially on the tips, after properly application wrap your hair with a hot towel and wait for an additional 30 minutes. You can either leave it overnight or wash your hair with a mild sulfate free shampoo. Don't blow dry your hair immediately after shampoo, you can do this 2 to 3 times a week.

Side effects of Flaxseed

1. Avoid it during pregnancy.

2. Beware of allergies like - wheezing, swelling, rashes, mouth ulcer. Then do not include flaxseed to your diet.

3. If consumed in excess may lead to bloating, gas, cramp, abdominal pain.

4. Avoid it if you are on blood thinning medication, like - Aspirin or Warfarin.

5. If you are on any other medication then consult your physician before taking flaxseed.

6. If you are adding flaxseed oil in your diet then never heat it because it will turn into toxic due to change in fat structure.

7. Avoid it during heavy periods.