Why and How to Add Flaxseed in Your Diet

Flaxseed is all over internet these days when it comes to healthy eating habits. Most of us know that It should be added to diet but not all of us are clear as to why exactly we need to have it and how to do it. With rising awareness in food,  health and nutrition, its almost compulsory to know what you are consuming and what you should be consuming. Good health is a blessing and having a tiny seed packed with so many health benefits is a plus. With a small quantity of flaxseed in your diet, you can curb and prevent many health issues. With that being said, here is how besties incorporate this superfood in their daily routine.

Flaxseed (Alasi in Hindi) is obtained from Flax plant and is know for thousands of years for its health benefits. Its primarily known for its high amount of plant fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant compounds called lignans. All these together provide various benefits which if added to our diet, can prove very beneficial.

Also read – Health Benefits of Fenugreek

Benefits of Flaxseed

1. Better Digestion – Due to its high fiber content, flaxseed play a great role in aiding improved digestion and tackling multiple gut problems. The fiber in flaxseed carries good bacteria which cleanses the colon. Flaxseed also ensures a protected GI tract.
2. Helps in Constipation – Again due to its high fiber content, flaxseed help a great deal in regulating bowel movements and curing chronic constipation issues. Flaxseed contains both soluble and insoluble fiber which is very good for a healthy bowel.
3. Brain Development – The presence of omega-3 fatty acids help in improving brain functioning. These fatty acids which are also present in fish oil (partly) provide nutrition to brain connections ensuring and well working memory system.
4. Better Skin and Hair – Again, omega-3 fatty acids are a boon for various skin and hair problems, Regular intake of flaxseeds can help get rid of acne prone skin, dandruff and hair fall issues. It also provides nourishment to hair and skin making them look all the more beautiful.
5. Hormonal Balance – Lignans present in flaxseed have the ability to balance estrogen which helps maintaining the hormonal balance in women. It also helps maintain a regular menstrual cycle and is also beneficial to menopausal women.
6. Lowers Cholesterol – Flaxseed is known to have played role in reducing cholesterol levels. The fiber in flaxseed aid in regulating bowel movement which help in releasing extra fat from the body thus reducing cholesterol levels.
7. May protection Against inflammation – Studies have shown that antioxidants present in flaxseed can help in inflammatory issues, joint pains and arthritis.
8. May Control Diabetes – Studies have shown that regular flaxseed consumption improves the insulin sensitivity in our body and helps in reducing or delaying the onset of diabetes.

There are various studies which also say that flaxseed is helpful in curbing cancer, asthma and many heart diseases, all these claims are still under research.

Now that we know this is a very important ingredient to be added in our diet, lets see how we can consume in an easy way.

Also read – Turmeric: The golden powder

How to take Flaxseed

• Add a teaspoon in your morning smoothie or juice. A great way to kick start the day and feel fuller with less intake.
• Add to your morning oatmeal or cereal and up your nutrition chart.
• Add to your sandwich dressings and have with sandwiches.
• Add to your salads during lunch for added nutrition and fiber.
• Take a spoonful with a cup of milk before going to bed. This is particularly helpful in constipation and better digestion.

Check out our post on using flaxseed in your morning oats – Overnight Oats: A bowl full of health

If you do not like to chew whole seeds, roast them and ground to powder.

Possible Side Effects of Flaxseed

While this is a highly beneficial seed, it must be taken in right amount and should be overdone. It is not needed in huge amount and consumption of 1 teaspoon to a table spoon should suffice.

If taken in moderation, initial days of flaxseed consumption may still have some side effects due to high amount of fiber:

• Loose stools
• Bloating
• Decreased appetite

If your are already taking medication for any of the issues that flaxseed helps in like cholesterol, hormonal imbalance, diabetes etc., you might want to check with your doctor before starting taking it.

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These are our views on flaxseed. We do think that this is a very good food and should be taken for a healthy body. We hope you found this post helpful and would love to know your views, as always!

Stay Healthy!
A | XOXO