Flaxseeds are small little seeds packed with alot of nutritional benefits, but three of them stand out more than the others. They are, Omega-3 fatty acids, Lignans, and Fiber. This is a healthy superfood that has been around for centuries and has never shown anything less than great health benefits for anyone that consumes them.
One serving of flaxseeds is one tablespoon (7 grams) with 2 of those grams being full of Omega-3 fatty acids. This is a great benefit because the Omega -3 fatty acids are important for managing and preventing heart disease, lowering blood pressure and helping in the reduction of triglycerides. They also reduce inflammation which is important because if you have inflammation anywhere or everywhere it can cause damage to your blood vessels which can lead to strokes and heart disease. Heart attacks are also caused by high levels of plaque and triglycerides building up in the inside of the coronary arteries which will cause the arteries to harden and narrow preventing the blood to flow and carry necessary nutrients and oxygen to the heart and the rest of the body. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce the plaque and triglyceride build up thus allowing the coronary arteries to still be able to properly function.
Flaxseeds have the highest amount of lignans than any other source. Lignans are mainly known for reduction of excess amount of estrogen and for their antioxidant effects, but they are also a great source to strengthening the immune system, strengthen ovarian and prostate and colon health, improve and strengthen digestion, reduction of diabetes, and reducing cardiovascular disease. They have the highest antioxidant value and any other fruit or veggie as well. That alone should make it a reason to be a staple of your diet. Lignans are also great for lowering the LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
Within one serving (1 tablespoon {7 grams}) of flaxseeds there are 3 grams of fiber. This is great also because it consists of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber is important because it dissolves in water and as it passes through the digestive track it turns into a gel and picks up any left over build up within and allows it to get flushed out of the body. This will reduce bloating, improve digestion, keep your intestines clean and healthy and strengthen your immune system. It also improves your body’s blood glucose control which will help with diabetes. Insoluble fiber helps bring water into your stool (poop) making it easier to pass out of your system and not allowing constipation which will also reduce the amount of stress within your bowels. The benefits of these fibers alone will allow you to control your body weight, reduce blood pressure, regulate your blood sugar levels, and reduce risk of colan cancer and diabetes.
Quite a bit of healthy benefits from one little seed. These are reasons enough to add them to your diet regimen. You can snack on them as seeds itself or you can mix them into your meals. They come as seeds or ground up alread as a flax meal. There are two types, golden or brown. Virtually no difference between the two kinds so just grab whicher one you choose. You can also get it as a supplement as well such as a gel capsule from your local vitamin store.
