Flaxseed, Fiber Rich Seeds with a Row of Benefits

Now the awareness of healthy living is increasing. Consumption of healthy food is the main focus. One of them is flaxseed or flaxseed, which has many benefits. Flaxseed is rich in fiber, good fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, and zinc. These seeds also have antioxidant benefits and estrogen-like effects, thanks to the content of lignans in them. Flaxseed has high calories, which is about 530 calories in 100 grams.

Benefits of Flaxseed

The following are some of the health benefits of flaxseed:

• Lower cholesterol level

Flaxseed is thought to reduce levels of bad cholesterol or LDL (low-density lipoprotein), as well as overall cholesterol levels. However, flaxseed does not appear to affect HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol.

• Prevents heart disease

The nutritional content in flaxseed, including fiber and omega-3s, seems to help normalize heartbeat rhythms and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Recent studies also mention that omega-3s in flaxseed can help lower blood pressure.

• Reducing inflammation

Inflammation that usually accompanies asthma and Parkinson's disease, is thought to be reduced by alpha linoleic acid (ALA) compounds and lignans contained in flaxseed. The content of flaxseed is also said to prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries, which can also prevent heart attacks and strokes.

• Slows the development of cancer cells

Based on research in the laboratory, substances in flaxseed are seen to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, such as colon, breast, skin, and prostate cancer. The content of lignans in flaxseed is thought to be able to provide protection from breast cancer. Researchers believe that consuming lignans as a teenager can help reduce the risk of breast cancer and increase life expectancy in breast cancer sufferers.

• Stabilize blood sugar level

In one study, intake of flaxseed three times a day for 3 months, seemed to help stabilize blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Other studies have shown that regular intake of flaxseed powder for one month can reduce fasting blood sugar levels.

Tips for consuming Flaxseed

Be sure to consume flaxseed that has been crushed, because in the form of whole seeds this can come out of the digestive tract without being digested properly. Unprocessed raw flaxseed may contain toxins. Therefore, cook flaxseed along with other foods to destroy the poisons that may be contained in it. You can add flaxseed to biscuits, cakes or bread before baking. However, make sure not to consume too much. Flaxseed consumption of about 50 grams or 5 tablespoons per day, is considered sufficient. Add a spoonful of flaxseed to breakfast cereals, or to mayonnaise in sandwiches. Flaxseed will also add fiber and flavor to yogurt as a snack or dessert. To get the health benefits of flaxseed, consume these seeds regularly. But if you have certain health conditions, consult your nutritionist before taking flaxseed.