The world of health and nutrition is ever-evolving. It is surprising how the smallest of foods around us can go a long way in keeping us hearty and healthy. Shiny, tiny and nutty flaxseeds are also one of those foods that have garnered a lot of attention due to their high nutritive value. They have an earthy aroma and is super versatile too. Experts have termed flaxseeds as a superfood and believe that a little serving of flaxseeds, in its raw form, daily is enough for your daily need. But these brown seeds with a hard and crunchy covering needs time to chew, which if not done properly wouldn’t reap much benefits. So you can always soak them or consume in ground form. But what is it exactly about these tiny seeds that more and more people are adding it to their diet? Let’s find out!
1. Aids Digestion & Weight Loss
About 1 gram of flaxseeds contains double the amount of fibre, which is a natural laxative. This help in aiding digestion and reliving chronic constipation. Fibre also adds great satiety value, these make you feel full and therefore facilitate weight management, when coupled with easy digestion,
2. Lowers Cholesterol
As per experts, the phytosterols found in flaxseeds have a similar molecular structure as that of cholesterol which prevents complete absorption of cholesterol by the intestines. This ability of flaxseeds lower bad cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins).
3. Great For Skin & Hair
Rich in vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseeds promote the health of the scalp by reducing free radical damage while boosting the production of body's natural oil, keeping skin soft, supple and hydrated.
4. Manages Blood Sugar Levels
Flaxseeds are a treasure trove of insoluble fibres that enables slow release of sugar in the bloodstream, keep blood sugar levels in control and prevent the risk of spikes. One can easily include flaxseeds in a diabetes diet!
5. Lowers The Risk Of Cancer
Lignans are plant compounds containing a good amount of antioxidants and estrogens, which lowers down the risk of cancer. Flaxseeds have these in abundance which may help in keeping breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer at bay.
One can add flaxseeds in their diet in a number of ways. Simply add a handful of them to your cereal in the breakfast, or to your shake or smoothie. You can even soak a handful of flaxseeds in water for about half an hour and drink up first thing in the morning.
