Flaxseeds have been used as food for six thousand years and are likely to be the first cultivated superfood. Flaxseeds are extremely beneficial for the health. It helps to fight cancer, improves digestion, reduce sugar cravings, lower the cholesterol level, gives you clear skin, balances the hormones and also helps in weight loss. These are just a few benefits of this amazing super food, it has innumerous other health benefits.
Flaxseeds are also known as linseeds and are tiny, brown, golden colored seeds that are the greatest source of a omega-3 fatty acids. One unique thing about these seeds is that they are the number one source of lignans in human diets. These vital seeds contain seven times as many lignans as the nearest runner- up.
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Listed below are some more wonderful benefits of flax seeds:
1) Flax seeds for cancer
Flax seeds are extremely beneficial and help in fighting prostate, breast, colon and ovarian cancer. According to a study, eating flax seeds may lower the risk of breast cancer. The 3 lignans present in these seeds can be converted into enterodiol and enterolactone by intestinal bacteria. They balance the hormones naturally which is likely to be the reason why these seeds lower the risk of breast cancer. Another study also suggested that lignans in flax seeds may prove to be beneficial for lowering the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
2) Flax seeds are gluten-free
Consuming flax seeds is a very good way to naturally replace the gluten containing grains that are very inflammatory whereas flax seeds are absolutely anti-inflammatory. Flax seeds are a blessing in disguise for people who have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. These seeds may also be a wonderful alternative to omega-3 fats found in fish for those who suffer from sea food allergy. One more great aspect of these seeds being gluten free is they can be utilized as a grain free option while cooking.
3) Weight loss
According to a few studies, flax seeds and walnuts may support weight loss and improve obesity. Flax seeds are loaded with fiber and all the healthy vital fats and thus it keeps you full for longer duration so you will eat fewer snacks and consume lesser calories and in turn keep your weight in check. ALA fats may also assist in reducing inflammation. This is very crucial for weight loss as an inflamed body is likely to hold on to extra weight. Add a few teaspoons of ground seeds to smoothies, salads or soups as a part of your diet plan.
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4) Menopausal symptoms
The lignans present in flax seeds have been known to have many benefits for menopausal women. It can be used as a substitute to hormone replacement therapy as lignans have estrogenic properties. These useful properties may even lower the risk of osteoporosis. It is also useful for menstruating women as it helps to maintain the cycle regularity. Include one to two tablespoons of flax seeds in a breakfast smoothie with one table spoon of flax seed oil.