What is the Benefit Of Flax Seed

 

Flax seed is collection of chemicals known as lignans, fiber, protein, and essential fats. These components give numerous health benefits to human body. These chemical compounds include: secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol, pinoresinol, neochlorogenic acids and other lignans Flax seed oil is an important source of omega-3 fatty acids which help in reducing inflammation by keeping it in control.

Flax Seed Is a Good Source of Fiber.

Flax seed is a good source of fiber. It contains more than two dozen different types of fatty acids, including ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which the body can use to make EPA and DHA.

Flax seed is a rich source of soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel that slows down digestion and absorption of nutrients in the gut. Soluble fiber also helps lower blood cholesterol levels by binding with dietary cholesterol in the intestines and carrying it out of the body before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water but instead passes through the digestive tract intact, thereby bulking up stools and helping maintain regularity.

Flax seeds are an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2 and B3 as well as folate, which is important for pregnant women because it helps reduce birth defects such as spina bifida when taken before conception and during early pregnancy.

Flax Seed Contains High-Quality Protein.

Flax seed is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients. These components help promote heart health, fight cancer and regulate blood sugar levels.

Flax seed contains high-quality protein. It’s comparable to animal sources of protein like chicken breast, which has about 22 grams of protein per 100 grams of food. A 3-ounce serving (about 28 grams) of flax seeds contains 8 grams of protein.

Flax seeds are also rich in iron and magnesium, two minerals that are essential for good health. Iron is important for carrying oxygen to every cell in the body and helps build red blood cells that carry oxygen through your body. Magnesium is needed to build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis later in life.

Flax seeds also contain lignans, which are phytoestrogens — plant compounds that can act like estrogen in the body. Phytoestrogens have been linked to reduced risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Flax Seed Is High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Flaxseed is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. The body can’t make ALA on its own, so it must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Flaxseed contains a large amount of lignans, which are phytonutrients that may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Flaxseed has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers when eaten regularly.

Flaxseed can help lower blood cholesterol levels when consumed daily over a period of time, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). It may also help prevent cancer, particularly breast cancer. Flaxseed is also believed to be helpful for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but more research is needed before firm conclusions can be made about these uses for flaxseed oil supplements.

Flax seeds are very rich in fiber (25% of total calories) and contain both soluble and insoluble fiber components that may promote intestinal health by helping regulate bowel movements and preventing constipation, according to UMMC.

Flax Seed Reduces Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors.

Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans and fiber. The health benefits of flaxseed include the following:

  • Reduces cardiovascular disease risk factors.
  • Improves bowel function and prevents constipation.
  • Lowers blood sugar, fights diabetes and reduces inflammation in diabetics.
  • Helps to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Flax Seeds Are Very High in Lignans.

Flax seeds are very high in lignans. Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.

The main lignans found in flax seeds is secoisolariciresinol diglycosidic (SDG). SDG has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and stimulate apoptosis, or cell death, in cancer cells. It also inhibits angiogenesis, which is the process by which new blood vessels form from pre-existing blood vessels to supply nutrients to growing tumors.

Flax seeds contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. The body converts these into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two types of omega-3 fatty acids that may reduce inflammation and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Omega-3s have also been shown to help protect against certain types of cancer including breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer.

Flax Seed Provides Valuable Nutrients.

Flax seed is a healthy addition to your diet. The seeds of the flax plant have been used for thousands of years as a food, medicine, and textile.

Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of plant lignans, which are phytonutrients that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Flaxseed also contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good fats that help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation.

Here are some other benefits:

  • Low in calories but high in fiber — 1 tablespoon (7 grams) has about 29 calories, but it also contains 2 grams of fiber. Fiber helps you feel full faster so you can eat less overall and lose weight. It also lowers your risk for heart disease by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
  • Rich in antioxidants — Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally as part of metabolism but also come from cigarette smoke, air pollution and other sources. Antioxidants help neutralize these harmful molecules before they can cause damage to your cells or DNA (the genetic material inside each cell).

Conclusion

Whether you are looking to lose weight or if you simply want to improve your general health, flax seed could prove to be a good choice for all of the benefits that it has. It can help you achieve your goals.