Flax seeds, though not known to many, have been protecting people’s health and also preventing various illnesses from taking place for many years now. To back this up, scientists have added many health benefits of including flax seeds in one’s eating habits. Here is a list of some of the benefits that flax seeds have on people’s health.
They Are Loaded With Nutrients
Flax seeds are one of the oldest growing crops and have been there since the beginning of civilization. These seeds are of two types, brown and green, and both are equally beneficial.
One tablespoon of these seeds contain the following nutrients.
- Calories: 37
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Protein: 1.3 grams
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 1,597 mg
- Fiber: 1.9 grams
- Total fat: 3 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.3 grams
- Monounsaturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Polyunsaturated fat: 2.0 grams
- Vitamin B1: 8% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 2% of the RDI
- Folate: 2% of the RDI
- Iron: 2% of the RDI
- Phosphorus: 4% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 7% of the RDI
- Calcium: 2% of the RDI
- Potassium: 2% of the RDI
High Omega-3 Fats Content
For people who don’t or cannot eat meat and fish, flax seeds or their other forms such as flaxseed oil capsules provide sufficient supply of Omega-3 fatty acids to the body. Flax seeds are a rich source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is a mostly plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. ALA is one of the two important fatty acids that can only be obtained from the food you eat, as your body doesn’t produce them.
They May Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
They contain approximately 800 times more lignan than other plant foods. Lignans are plant compounds that have estrogen and antioxidant properties that help in reducing the risk of cancer and also improve the health condition.
Rich In Fiber
One tablespoon of flax seeds has 3 grams of fiber which is the recommended daily intake (8-12%) for men and women. Further, they contain two types of fiber which are soluble and insoluble, and they are between 20-40% and 60-80% respectively.
They Improve Cholesterol
Consuming at least one to three spoons of flaxseeds has proven to improve the good cholesterol levels and lowers the bad one in men and women and also women going through the postmenopausal period.
The Lower The Blood Pressure
For those who are taking medicine for keeping their blood pressure in control, they can include flax seeds in their diet or may entirely substitute medicines with them. Hence, they are very helpful for people, especially those with high blood pressure.
They Are Rich In Protein
Flax seeds are a rich source of plant-based protein, and there is a growing interest in flaxseed protein as well as its health benefits. Flaxseed’s protein is rich in the amino acids arginine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid. The flaxseed oil is also used by medicinal industries in the making of natural breast enlargement cream.
Control Blood Sugar
A common problem worldwide is the rise in blood sugar levels and Type 2 Diabetes. It is caused by the inability of the body to secrete insulin or resist it. Flax seeds may help people with these problems by providing sufficient nutrients and other benefits.
Aids Weight Control/Loss
Flax seeds keep you full for more hours and may help you manage your weight by controlling your appetite (or not making you feel hungry). This is probably due to the soluble fiber in the seeds, and they are responsible for slowing down the digestion process. This triggers hormones that are responsible for controlling appetite.