THE SUPER FOOD

The one thing that I swear on and never regret trying was flax seed, linseed or flax. Two years back my life was on a sharp U-turn let’s say puberty hit me little harder. My face was literally flooded with pimples. After experimenting with all the condiments from the kitchen, which didn’t really work and made the situation worse, I met a hero a star and that’s FLAX SEED.

A very underrated star I must say. Flax is one of the oldest fibre crops in the world. It is known to have been cultivated in ancient Egypt and China. In Asia, it has played a role in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Today, flax seed is available as seeds, oil, powder, tablets, capsules and flour. It is consumed as a dietary supplement to prevent constipation, diabetes, cholesterol, cancer, and other conditions.

Let see a quick look on what flax seed can provide:

Component In 100 gm

1 Energy: 2,234 kJ (534 kcal)

2 Carbohydrates: 28.88 g

3 Sugar: 1.55 g

4 Dietary fibre: 27.3 g

5 Fat: 42.16 g

6 Saturated: 3.663 g

7 Monounsaturated: 7.527 g

8 Polyunsaturate: 28.730 g

9 Omega-3: 22.8 g

10 Omega-6: 5.9 g

11 Protein: 18.29 g

12 Vitamins

1. Thiamine (B1): 1.644 mg

2. Riboflavin (B2): 0.161 mg

3. Niacin (B3): 3.08 mg

4. Pantothenic acid (B5): 0.985 mg

5. Vitamin B6: 0.473 mg

6. Vitamin C: 0.6 mg

13 Minerals

1. Calcium: 255 mg

2. Iron: 5.73 mg

3. Magnesium: 392 mg

4. Phosphorus: 642 mg

5. Zinc: 4.34 mg

Well, that’s quite a huge list huh. Name it and it is there in it can you believe it.

Let’s get into the benefits of Flax seed.

1. Flax seeds Are Loaded with Nutrients: Flax seeds are good sources of many nutrients. Their health benefits are mainly due to their content of omega-3 fats, lignans and fibre.

2. Flax seeds Are High in Omega-3 Fats: Flax seeds are a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA. Plant-based ALA fatty acids are proven to have heart health benefits and are linked to a lower risk of stroke.

3. Flax seeds Are a Rich Source of lignans, Which May Reduce Cancer Risk: Flax seeds contain a group of nutrients called lignans, which have powerful antioxidant and estrogen properties. They may help in preventing breast and prostate cancer, as well as other types of cancer.

4. Flax seeds Are Rich in Dietary Fiber: With so much fibre packed in each tiny seed, adding flax seeds to your diet promotes regular bowel movements and can improve your digestive health.

5. Flax seeds May Improve Cholesterol: The high fibre content of flax seeds can help lower cholesterol and may play an important role in improving heart health.

6. Flax seeds May Lower Blood Pressure: Flax seeds have been proven to lower blood pressure and are especially helpful for those with high blood pressure.

7. Flax seeds Contain High-Quality Protein: Flax seeds are a good source of plant-based protein and can be an alternative protein source for people who do not eat meat.

8. Flax seeds May Help Control Blood Sugar: Flax seeds may lower blood sugar due to their insoluble fibre content. They can be a beneficial addition to the diet of people with diabetes.

9. Flax seeds Keep Hunger at Bay, Which May Aid Weight Control: Flax seeds keep you full for longer and may help you manage your weight by controlling your appetite.

10. Flax seeds Can Be a Versatile Ingredient:

• Adding them to water and drinking it as part of your daily fluid intake

• Drizzling flax seed oil as a dressing on a salad

• Sprinkling ground flax seeds over your hot or cold breakfast cereal

• Mixing them into your favorite yogurt

• Adding them into cookie, muffin, bread or other batters

• Mixing them into smoothies to thicken up the consistency

• Adding them to water as an egg substitute

• Incorporating them into meat patties

• Add a teaspoon of ground flax seed to your cheese spread or mayonnaise when making a sandwich.

• Drink plenty of water while consuming flax seed, so that it does not swell up or obstruct the throat or digestive tract.

11. Flax seed gel can be used to reduce redness, inflammation and hyper pigmentation from skin: The omega 3 fatty acids in flax seeds increase the speed at which wounds heal. The essential fatty acids in flax seed keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. Eat 1 to 2 tablespoons of milled flax seed daily to achieve healthy and younger-looking skin.

12. Flax seed gel with coconut oil serves as a good hair mask for smooth and soft hair: The high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in flax seeds increase the hair’s elasticity, making it less prone to breakage. It endows you with stronger hair.

13. Roasted salted flax seed are good on the go snack for one who targeting weight loss.

Safety Profile:

Flax seeds may block the normal absorption of medicines. Take medicines an hour or two before consuming flax seeds. The seed and oil may react with painkillers, blood thinners and medicines for high blood pressure.

Never eat unripe or raw flax seed, as it could be poisonous. People suffering from bleeding disorders, diabetes and high triglycerides should seek medical advice before consuming flax seeds. Speak to your doctor before taking or increasing the dietary levels of flax seeds. Doctors recommend 2 tablespoons of flax seeds for daily consumption.