Health Benefits of Flax Seed
Flax seed has become a buzzword in our society, as we are
becoming more conscious about our health and wellness. This seed
is highly recommended for general well being and whole body
nutrition. The seeds are also considered as the nature's richest
source of omega-3 fatty acids - one of the vital requirements
for the health of all body systems.
At first glance flax seeds look like sesame seeds that are used
on hamburger buns. The color is generally yellow, while some
flax seeds come in brown color. However, the color of flax seeds
doesn't change their nutritional value. Whatever the color is,
flax seeds bear all the nutritional ingredients in them.
Flax seeds are available everywhere - at your nearby health food
store or the place where you get natural foods sold in bulk. You
can buy the seeds or can buy the vitamin supplements of flax
seeds in pill form.
Nutrients in flax seed
Flax seed is the best source of Omega 3 fatty acid, one of the
best nutrients for brain and concentration. Because of the
presence of Omega 3, consuming flax seeds increases our ability
to think faster and concentrate better.
Following are the nutrients we get from flax seeds:
Fiber: Flax seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. The
seeds also contain a special fiber called mucilage, which is a
natural laxative and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Lignans: These are natural plant chemicals that boost the
production of a substance attached to estrogen and carry it out
of the body. Flax seed contains more lignans that other
vegetables and grains.
Protein: Flax seeds are a rich source of protein too, as every
100 Gms of flax seeds provide 25-30 Gms of protein. Fat: Flax
seed is one of the best sources of essential fatty acid - alpha
linolenic acid. This is very important for bodybuilding, since
it enhances insulin sensitivity within muscle cells.
Vitamins and Minerals: Flax seeds contain Vitamin E, and B group
of Vitamins. These seeds are also rich in minerals like zinc,
iron, magnesium, copper, nickel, manganese, calcium, sulfur,
silicon, molybdenum, chromium, and cobalt.
Benefits of flax seeds
Flax seeds are the most effective solution of constipation
problem. The seeds are astringent and have a laxative action. So
you can have these seeds for mild to moderate symptoms of
constipation.
You can have flax seeds in various ways: Simply chew the seeds
in their natural form. Grind the seeds in a grinder (you can use
a coffee grinder) to make the powder and eat the powder. You can
mix the powder in juice, cereal, or nondairy smoothie and have
it. You can sprinkle the powder on salad and consume it to get
the nutrition of both salad and flax seeds.
However, you should drink plenty of water after consuming flax
seeds. Be careful about having the quantity of flax seeds. Up to
3 tablespoons twice a day can give you best result while large
amount can cause toxic effect.
Flax seeds are also useful to remove acne, because of the
presence of fatty acids that help control the production of
androgens (hormone that causes acne). Apart from this, the
androgen control mechanism of flax seeds also helps building
muscle, burning fat and reducing water bloating that occur due
to excess androgens.
So what are you waiting for? Flax seed is not even expensive and
you can easily get them in your nearby health food store. So
when the entire health conscious society is joining the wagon of
wellness you should also experience the benefits of one of
nature's best health food - the flax seed.