Flax seed -An excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids

Flax seeds are one of the oldest human foods. They are also one of the healthier foods because they contain alpha linoleic acid (omega 3 fats) that makes up half the fat in flax seeds.

Flax seeds are nowadays used as a gluten-free nutritional alternative, and their nutritional value is significant even in it’s healing effect.

Nutritional value

In addition to the omega 3 fats mentioned, there are also gama linoleic acids(omega 6 acids) and omega 9 fatty acids. It contains a lot of fiber (27%), only chia seeds have more. There are also vitamin B1, B2, C vitamin, calcium, selenium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, potassium, sodium, selenium and vitamin E. It is rich with lignin, which is a fairly strong antioxidant and contains in far greater amounts than other seeds. We basically have carbohydrates, proteins, fats, antioxidants, we have all in this seeds.

In 100 grams of flax seeds, we have the following:

Calories 534kcal

Protein 18 g

Total Fat 42 g

Cholesterol 0 g

Total Carbohydrate 29g

(Dietary fiber 27 g, Sugar 1.6 g)

Ca 199 mg

P 498mg

Fe 6.2 mg

Zn 4.1 mg

B1 0.2 mfg

Health value

Protects against cardiovascular disease

Healthy fatty acids are ideal for combating cardiovascular disease. Even some studies suggest that sufficient intake of healthy fatty acids, especially omega 3 fatty acids, reduce the chance of a heart attack. They reduce the fatty deposits in the arteries and the phenomena that cause loss of elasticity of blood vessels.

Improves digestion

It helps to protect the digestive system and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract. Due to the presence of dietary fiber, it can solve many digestive problems such as constipation. It acts on fast and easy flow of food and also influences the quality absorption of nutrients that are taken in with the meal. They are a natural laxative and reduce bloating.

Flax seeds for weight loss

Flaxseed contains healthy fats and fibers that help to maintain longer satiety. A longer feeling of satiety means fewer calories, which further causes weight loss

They reduce the risk of cancer

Flax seeds are effective in combating cancers breast, prostate, ovarian and colon , according to recent studies published by the US National Institute for Cancer Research (NSI). Flax lignans, which are strong antioxidants, are converted to eneterolactones and esterodiols, structurally similar to estrogen. Portuguese scientists, in a paper published in 2018 in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, point out that such compounds can bind to cell receptors and act to stop the uncontrolled growth of tumor cells.

Hair growth and strengthening

Omega 3 fatty acids from flax seeds nourish the hair, make it healthy and shiny, and Vitamin E has a beneficial effect on the hair root. They help with hair loss, stimulate its renewal and growth.

Consumption of flax seeds

There is a difference of opinion here that is an overwhelming way to bring seeds into our body. The truth is, if the flaxseeds doesn't feed properly thought meal , they can remain untreated and only pass through your digestive system. Therefore, my recommendation is ground flax seed or powdered. You also need to introduce flaxseed oil into your diet and replace it with other cooking oils.