Since four thousand years ago, flaxseeds have been a staple part of those in Africa, Asia and Europe. But the well-deserved attention of the seeds has only been endowed recently when they were named as one of the modern superfoods.
And no matter how small each grain is, the health benefits they bring are colossal.
Flax seeds contain large amount of minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, soluble and insoluble fiber, and phytoestrogens. This gives them the ability to treat heart diseases and prevent cancer. The seeds are also known to regulate digestion and production of hormone among women, thereby reducing pre-menstrual syndrome and menopausal gripes.
Munching on a pack a day, or cooking them with your favourite dish can supply you with all the nutrients necessary to protect your body from different illnesses.
Digestion Regulators and Laxative
Nutritionists suggest that eating at least a couple of tablespoons of milled flaxseeds a day can satisfy 15% of USDA recommended daily intake of fiber. When the flax seeds are coupled with plenty of water, they can well promote regularity in the digestive system.
Experts suggest that you can get the most out of flax seeds benefits when you mix a tablespoon of flaxseeds with eight ounce of water. The mixture should be taken three times a day for three days. Doing so also works when you are suffering from constipation. Another way of taking flax seeds is to top them on rice. This is down in India to cure stomach aches and indigestion, along with frequent acid refluxes.
Be wary though, that eating flax seeds without flushing them down with water may result to instestinal blockage.
Lower Cholesterol in the Body
The Mayo Clinic conducted a study among animals fed with flax seeds. At the end of the experiment, they discovered that the grains have provided ample level of ALAS necessary in reducing the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Similar study by Mozaffarian D revealed that two to gree grams of flax seeds contain notable level of alpha linolenic acid. This substance can effectively prevent the build up of fats around the cardiovascular muscles, thereby preventing the occurrence of coronary heart disease.
When you indulge in fatty foods, it is therefore imperative to follow through with desserts made with flax seeds. Ground seeds mixed with water can replace an egg when you bake. Topping ice creams of yogurts with the seeds are just as mouth watering.
Fighting Cancer
Oncologists are convinced that 30 to 40% of all types of cancers can be prevented by proper diet and healthy lifestyle. And with the findings pointing to the potential of flax seeds in getting rid of almost all kinds of toxins inside the body, the grains may play a major role in the battle against cancer.
Lignas or phytoestrogens found in flaxseeds are great in creating blockage for homone-dependent cancers in the breast, ovary, and prostate.
On the same token, a research in Canada shows that dietary flaxseeds reduces tumor growth among women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. In less than a month, patients who included flax-rich muffins daily (approximately 25 grams of flaxseeds) were observed to have slower tumour cell growth and surge in the death of cancer cells.