Health Benefits of Flaxseed
The health benefits of flaxseed are obtained from the oil within the seed. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha linolenic acid or ALA. These acids are essential fatty acids and humans cannot produce them. You have to obtain it from food. One of the roles of omega-3 fatty acids is to support healthy cholesterol levels and thus reduce the risk of heart disease.
Flax seeds or also called linseed come from the flax plant or linum usitatissimum. They are either brown or yellow color. The yellow or golden flax seeds are mainly used for human consumption. The seeds contain lignans which are chemical compounds and they have estrogenic and antioxidant effects.
Benefits of Flaxseed
Supports heart health
The American Heart Association has endorsed omega-3 fatty acids as good for the heart. This is because many studies have confirmed that people who include omega-3 fatty acids in their diets are less prone to abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks and stroke. So taking flaxseed extract either flax oil or flaxseed supplements will benefit your heart.
Another one of the benefits of flaxseed or linseed oil is its ability to manage cholesterol levels and blood triglycerides. It helps prevent blood clotting in the arteries. If your blood clots, you may experience stroke, heart attacks and thromboses.
PMS relief
Since flaxseed has estrogenic properties, one of flax seed oil benefits for women is in providing PMS relief. It may treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome such as mood swings, fatigue, headache and breast pain. Menopausal women will also benefit because it may help reduce hot flashes.
May reduce the risk of ovarian cancer
Flaxseeds have the richest amount of lignans compared to any other plants. A control study showed that women whose diet was high in lignan combined with a high fiber diet reduced their risk of ovarian cancer. Studies are still ongoing to determine if it is effective in preventing breast cancer.
May prevent diabetes
Through metabolic reaction, lignans produce secoisolariciresinol diglycoside which is an antioxidant. Clinical studies found that this chemical compound has the potential to prevent diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Boosts the immune system
In an article published by the Flax Council of Canada, it explains that flaxseed influences immune response. The ALA in flax seeds holds back the production of certain chemicals in the body that may cause inflammation. It further stated that this action has the potential to treat disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus.
Flaxseed and weight loss
Taking flaxseed by itself doesn't help in weight loss although it is low in carbohydrates. What works is when you combine flaxseed meals with foods that are rich in fiber.
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