8 Eye-Opening Reasons Why You Should Add Flax Seeds To Your Diet
Flax seeds are known to provide significant health benefits, in a myriad of ways. Whether you are someone who uses them all the time or have yet to make them a consistent part of your diet, you’ll be surprised at the wide range of healing properties that these crunchy little seeds truly have!
Here are eight reasons why flax seeds can work wonders for you:
#1. Smooths Your Skin and Glosses Your Hair
With a cocktail of healthy fats, B vitamins, and minerals – these seeds keep your hair and skin looking fantastic. They are also known for being very high in the anti-inflammatory index, which minimizes skin irritation, tissue inflammation, and redness. Acne, rosacea, and eczema can be significantly reduced with just a tablespoon or two a day.
#2. Can Reduce Your Cancer Risk
Lignans, a type of plant compound commonly found in flax seeds, have unique healing properties. According to a review published in Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences: “Experimental evidence in animals has shown clear anticarcinogenic effects of flaxseed or pure lignans in many types of cancer.” Intestinal bacteria that converts the lignans into enterolactone and enterodiol has a positive impact on balancing hormones, which can reduce the risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.
#3. Helps Your Body Absorb More Nutrients From Food
Flax seeds contain high levels of mucilage gum, which is a water-soluble, gel-forming fiber that can provide exceptional support to the intestinal tract. This way, food stays in the stomach longer and ultimately increases nutrient absorption.
#4. Keeps You Full
Fats combined with a healthy dose of fiber tends to fill you up fast.
According to a study completed in Denmark, “A small dose of flaxseed fiber significantly suppresses appetite and energy intake.” Due to the rich fiber content and a healthy dose of fats, flax seeds will get you full quick! The soluble fiber also swells in your digestive system by absorbing liquids and helps you stay full for longer.
#5. Balances Your Cholesterol Levels
Flaxseed has also been found to reduce blood cholesterol and potentially play a role in energy balance. Flax seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which helps to trap fat and cholesterol. The fiber also traps bile which is then passed through the digestive system, causing your body to produce more and lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
#6. Positively Impacts Female Hormones
The lignans that were discussed earlier (#2) also provide a dose of phytoestrogens. These phytoestrogens have a balancing effect on female hormones, which has been noted as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy due to their estrogenic properties. They also can be very beneficial for balancing menstrual cycles.
#7. Can Be Substituted for Flour
If you live gluten-free, then flax is an excellent alternative to gluten-filled flours. It is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory and is great to use while baking, try out this recipe if you are looking for a healthy flax-based snack.
#8. Helps To Release Toxins
As we discussed earlier, flax contains copious amounts of fiber, which will contribute to cleansing your colon, helping your body to release unwanted toxins. Start with 1 – 2 teaspoons a day to avoid bloating and your digestion will be on track!
How To Use Flax Seeds Every Day
If you are not too sure how to go about including more flax seeds in your daily diet, try these healthy ideas:
• Blend some flax seeds into your smoothie
• Mix into your salad
• Add a teaspoon or two of flax meal to your bliss balls
• Sprinkle a teaspoon or so over your next raw pasta dish
• Add to salad dressings or condiments
• Bake into crackers, cookies, muffins, or bread
• Alternatively, use as a vegan egg substitute in baking
Sources:
www.mercola.com
www.foodmatters.tv
http://www.whfoods.com/
Source: 8 Eye-Opening Reasons Why You Should Add Flax Seeds To Your Diet