Flax Seed Benefits Everyone Must Know

By Editorial Staff in Health and Fitness On 27th November 2017

The health benefits of flaxseed have made it a part of the traditional cuisines of Asia, America, and Africa. Its high nutritional values and health benefits can outnumber those offered by any other cereal. It is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans. These components collectively fight many ailments and diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, arthritis, allergies, asthma, and diabetes. Flaxseed reduces the risk of various cancers and improves reproductive health in females. It is also a rich source of vitamins and fiber, which keep the heart and the intestines healthy. It aids in maintaining healthy eyes, skin, and hair.

#1 Healthy bowel movement

If the inside of your body is performing perfectly, the result will show on your skin. A healthy, proper bowel movement prevents skin diseases and encourages newer, healthier skin cells.

#2 Healthy Skin and Hair

If you want healthier skin, hair and nails then consider adding 2 tbsp of flax seeds to your smoothie or 1 tbsp of flax seed oil to your daily routine. The ALA fats in flax seeds benefits the skin and hair by providing essential fats as well as b-vitamins which can help reduce dryness and flakiness. It can also improve symptoms of acne, rosacea, and eczema. This also applies to eye health as flax can reduce dry eye syndrome. Flax seed oil is another great option since it has an even higher concentration of healthy fats. You can take 1-2 tbsp internally to hydrate skin and hair. It can also be mixed with essential oils and used as a natural skin moisturizer.

#3 Diabetes

Preliminary research also suggests that daily intake of the lignans in flaxseed may modestly improve blood sugar (as measured by hemoglobin A1c blood tests in adults with type 2 diabetes).

#4 Women's health

Flaxseeds are great for women's health, regular consumption may help reduce menopausal symptoms and can also help tackling irregular periods and menstruation-linked discomfort.

#5 Reducing Hypertension

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one in three Americans (68 million) has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. A normal blood pressure reading is 120 over 80. (If you consistently exceed these numbers, talk to your doctor.) Fortunately, flaxseed oil should also be able to help, according to Greek researchers. In their 12-week study of 59 middle-aged men, they discovered that flaxseed oil consumption resulted in significantly lowered blood pressure readings. Consider adding flaxseed oil to your diet and you may be saving yourself—literally—from the headaches associated with hypertension.

#6 Support the Immune System

Flaxseed protein is made up of abundant amounts of arginine and glutamine, which have been shown to help support our immune system. Glutamine in particular has been studied for its ability to reduce mortality and infection through immune system support and anti-inflammatory action. In addition, flaxseed also contains bioactive peptides that are powerful enough to inhibit the malaria parasite in culture samples.

#7 Prevents Cancer

There are abundant phytochemicals in flaxseed that act as antioxidants, which are the main agents in preventing and fighting against cancer. Also, it is a rich source of lignans, which convert into chemicals that balance hormones in the body. There is evidence that lignans aid reproductive health, prevent menopausal symptoms, and counter the effects of type-2 diabetes. Also, omega-3 fatty acids in these seeds have been proven to reduce the risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancer according to the journal Nutrition and Cancer.

#8 Weight Loss

Flax seeds also contribute to weight loss thanks to their high content of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps suppress hunger and sugar cravings, which could potentially result in weight loss. In fact, if taken regularly, the fiber contained in flax seeds helps reduce body weight by filling the stomach and stimulating receptors that send signals to the brain, informing it that it’s time to stop eating. When combined with a proper weight loss diet, flax seeds help bring down inflammatory processes in the body by 25–46% .

#9 Improves Cholesterol

Another health benefit of flaxseeds is their ability to lower cholesterol levels. In one study in people with high cholesterol, consuming 3 tablespoons (30 grams) of flaxseed powder daily for three months lowered total cholesterol by 17% and "bad" LDL cholesterol by almost 20%. Another study of people with diabetes found that taking 1 tablespoon (10 grams) of flaxseed powder daily for one month resulted in a 12% increase in "good" HDL cholesterol. In postmenopausal women, consuming 30 grams of flaxseeds daily lowered total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol by approximately 7% and 10%, respectively. These effects appear to be due to the fiber in flaxseeds, as it binds to bile salts and is then excreted by the body. To replenish these bile salts, cholesterol is pulled from your blood into your liver. This process lowers your blood levels of cholesterol. This is definitely good news for those wanting to improve their cholesterol.

#10 Prevents dandruff

Use flaxseed oil for hair to keep your scalp nourished and moisturised, and prevent flaking and dandruff. After applying flaxseed oil use Head & Shoulders Lemon Fresh shampoo for further dandruff reduction.

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