Flaxseeds – know the health benefits of adding the superfood to your diet
Flaxseeds are a storehouse of nutrients. From just one tablespoon, you can acquire a decent amount of fibre, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. You can always count on flaxseeds for Omega-3, dietary fibre, antioxidants, and a host of other nutrients to keep your body healthy. What makes it a favourite snacking alternative is its no-trans-fat and cholesterol-free properties and it is also very low on calories. Here are 5 health benefits of adding Flaxseeds to your diet.
1. Flax Seeds are a Rich Source of Omega-3 Fats
Talking about Omega-3 fatty acids, the easiest way to get it is by including fish in your diet. But for those of you who belong to the vegetarian community or allergic to seafood, flaxseeds are the most viable alternative. The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in flax seeds can also help prevent cholesterol from getting deposited in the blood vessels of the heart. In short, ALA keeps your heart healthy and happy.
2. Source of Dietary Fibre
Flaxseeds are a blessing for the digestive system. With both soluble fibre and insoluble fibre content in each seed of flax seeds help promote bowel movements and improve your digestive health. The fibre content of flax seeds can give you feelings of reduced hunger. Flax seeds slow down digestion in the stomach – this can trigger several hormones responsible for appetite and give you a feeling of fullness.
3. No Trans Fat and no Cholesterol
We all know that Trans Fat is very bad for our health. It increases the LDL or bad cholesterol and lowers your HDL or good cholesterol. Diet laden with trans fat manifolds the risk of cardiovascular issues. But, flaxseed comes in as a saviour. With zero trans fat and no cholesterol, it raises the amount of high-density lipids helping you maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
4. Low on Calories
Because the versatile seeds are low on calories, one can easily consume it as a healthy snacking alternative. You can avoid snacking between meals by adding flax seeds to your beverage, as doing so can help stave off hunger pangs. Being loaded with fibre, they are great for healthy weight management.
5. Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants aid in regeneration and repair of body cells and flaxseeds are full of them. Flaxseeds contain polyphenols known as lignans - plant compounds that possess antioxidant and estrogen properties. What makes flax seeds relevant in this regard is that flax seeds contain up to 800 times more lignans than plant-based foods. The gamut of benefits it thus offers include balancing hormones, cellular health and anti-ageing.
