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Flax seeds are available throughout the year. Whole and ground flax seeds and flaxseed oil is consumed by people all over the world. The seeds have a hard, smooth and shiny shell. They are slightly larger than sesame seeds and they can be of deep amber or reddish brown color. A health conscious person prefers to include flax seeds in his diet because of the abundance of omega 3 essential fatty acids in them. Omega 3 fats offer numerous health benefits. Nutrients in ground seeds are easily absorbed by the body. It is good that diet conscious people are now aware of the flax seeds benefits.
Flax Seeds Nutrition Facts
10 gm or 1tbsp of whole flax seeds can provide 55 calories.
The seeds are very low in cholesterol and sodium.
They are good source of magnesium, phosphorus and copper.
They are rich in dietary fiber, thiamine and manganese.
They contain total 2338 mg Omega 3 fatty acids.
They contains total 606 mg omega 6 fatty acids.
They provide folates and vitamin B6.
Flaxseed oil consists of lignans, which are naturally occurring plant estrogens.
Flax Seeds Benefit
Reduction of prostate problems, impotence and male infertility are the main flaxseed oil benefits for men. Consumption of these seeds can prevent the swelling and inflammation of the prostate and reduce the urgency to urinate. Similarly, healthy sperms and improved blood flow to penis, reducing impotency are the other benefits of these seeds.
Numerous health benefits of flaxseed oil are known. It especially helps improve the health of women. The oil helps regulate menstruation, balance the progesterone levels, reduce menopause symptoms, balance hormonal levels promoting natural ovulation, minimize the risk of breast cancer, etc.
The seeds can reduce the risk of colon cancer, skin cancer and endometrial cancer, as omega 3 from the seeds kill certain cancer cells without any effect on the normal cells.
Omega-3 fats are used by the body to produce prostaglandins, which are anti-inflammatory hormones. Inflammation is noticed in conditions such as asthma, migraine headaches, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Omega-3 fats can help reduce this inflammation and reduce the pain.
The topic 'flax seeds and weight loss' has not been yet researched thoroughly or proved scientifically. But use of flaxseed oil in weight loss diets has exhibited significant results.
One of the important benefits of flax seeds is that you can include the seeds in a vegetarian diet. Those who do not eat fish or do not want to consume fish oil supplements can consume these seeds and can reap almost all the benefits of fish oil.
Flax seeds and flaxseed oil, both can offer hyperglycemic effect, a positive effect on blood glucose levels. They help reduce the risk of diabetes.
Flax seeds health benefits include their use in treating and fighting lyme disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, arrhythmia, multiple sclerosis, preterm labor, ulcers, etc.
The seeds help nourish dry skin, reduce acne, psoriasis, sunburn, rosacea and they are used to lower the symptoms of eczema.
Flaxseed oil helps reduce the inflammation due to lupus, gout and kidney dysfunction. The oil offers an anti aging effect and it helps in healing sprains and bruises too.
Alpha linolenic acid, the omega-3 fat found in these seeds helps improve bone health. The seeds help reduce bone loss.
The seeds minimize the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
They strengthen the immune system by reducing nerve damage and by triggering nerve impulses.
Lowering of high blood pressure can be achieved with the regular consumption of these seeds.
They promote healthy skin, healthy hair and healthy nail growth.
They help enhance the liver function.
Flax seed benefits include boosting of circulatory system, nervous system and reproductive system.
Increased rate of calcium absorption in the body is noticed after regular use of these seeds.
The seeds help strengthen the joints, increase energy level and stamina.
they enhance the release of endorphins making you more happy, and thus helping you fight depression.
Dietary fibers in the seeds make them great laxative. The seeds help prevent constipation.
After knowing about the health benefits of flax seeds, you must have understood why the seed is called one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. These days, these tiny but healthy seeds are used in all kinds of foods like crackers, frozen waffles, oatmeal, etc., and also in the chicken food.
1. Hypertension
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one in three Americans (68 million) has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. A normal blood pressure reading is 120 over 80. If you consistently exceed these numbers, visit your physician. According to Greek researchers, flaxseed oil should also be able to help. In their 12-week study of 59 middle-aged men, they discovered that flaxseed oil consumption resulted in significantly lowered blood pressure readings. Consider adding flaxseed oil to your diet and you may be saving yourself –literally– from the headaches associated with hypertension.2. Skin Cancer
Do you dream of having a tan that would make George Hamilton or Snooki jealous? Nothing helps you look younger and highlights muscle quite like a tan, but there’s always a skin cancer risk. Forget indoor tanning.Research has proven just how damaging that is. If you’re lucky enough to be in a warmer climate, and the sun worshipper in you can’t be contained, apply sunscreen. Be smart and also consume flaxseed. Omaha researchers found that mice receiving 10% flaxseed supplementation were able to reduce melanoma tumors by as much as 63%.3. Depression
It’s true: Depression hurts. It has the potential to impact on every moment of your day. There are plenty of antidepressants that doctors may prescribe, but according to a Japanese study, a simple dietary addition may also prove useful. Their study found that patients with significant depression levels also suffered from lower levels of docosahexaenoic and eicosapentanoic acids that are found in various foods including fish, walnuts, and flax. If you’re depressed and haven’t yet investigated the effects your diet maybe having on you, there’s no time like the present.4. Liver Disease
Are you living a healthy and fit lifestyle, yet still can’t shake the alcohol consumption? Just like any self-destructive behavior, you may be putting yourself at great risk. One very serious possibility is liver disease. Fortunately, for those who can’t seem to help themselves, there may be a way to decrease the risk factors involved with liver disease. Recent research conducted on 30 men found that those receiving flaxseed lignan capsules effectively reduced their liver disease risk factors. They concluded that 100 mg supplementation could be beneficial. Of course, a better idea would be to stop drinking.5. Cholesterol
Are you suffering from high cholesterol? Left untreated, your arteries could become clogged leading to a heart attack or stroke. Studies indicate that flaxseed can help. Interestingly enough, according to Iowa State University researchers, it only has the ability to lower the cholesterol of men. So, while researchers caution that it cannot match the cholesterol-lowering effects of prescription medication, if you’re looking for a drug-free, relatively inexpensive way to treat your problem, consider taking flaxseed lignan tablets or sprinkling some ground flaxseed overtop of your meals.6. Prostate Cancer
Another male-exclusive benefit of flaxseed is its ability to assist in the fight against prostate cancer. In the United States there were 241,740 newly reported cases and 28,170 prostate cancer related deaths in 2012. With such ominous numbers, it’s no wonder researchers continue to search for ways to combat it. One study of 161 pre-surgery prostate cancer patients found that flaxseed appears to significantly reduce cancer cell creation rates. How? Another study indicates it’s likely because flaxseed has the ability to disrupt the events leading to cancerous cell production.HOW TO USE FLAXSEED
Photo Credit yogurt with cherries image by Elke Dennis from Fotolia.com
Flaxseed meal, also called ground flaxseed, is a
natural food used as a health supplement. It is thought to have several
health benefits and can be utilized in many ways. Flaxseed is high in
omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven to lower cholesterol, and thus may
lower the risk of heart disease. It is also high in fiber, which aids
digestion. Flaxseed meal is easy to use, but because of its high fiber
content, it can have a laxative effect if overused. Follow suggested
serving sizes on the package for best results.
Step 1
Sprinkle flaxseed meal onto your favorite foods.
Ground flaxseed adds a subtle, nutty flavor and heartier texture to
yogurt, oatmeal, cold cereals, cottage cheese, salads and casseroles.
You can even sprinkle flaxseed meal onto toast spread with peanut butter
or jam. Start with 1 tsp. for a single serving of these foods and
increase up to 1 tbsp. if desired.
Step 2
Add flaxseed meal to baked-goods recipes.
Homemade muffins, pancakes, waffles, quick-breads, pizza dough and
cookies can easily incorporate added ground flaxseed. Try about 1/4 cup
per recipe for added
Step 3
Mix flaxseed into smoothies for an
extra-nutritious drink. For one serving, blend 1 cup milk, 1/2 banana, a
handful of strawberries, a drizzle of honey, several ice cubes and
anywhere from 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. of flaxseed in a blender. This makes a
quick and healthy breakfast or snack that can be customized to your own
tastes by adding different fruits, peanut butter and more flaxseed if
desired.
VALUE FOR 100 GM
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
---|---|
Energy | 2,234 kJ (534 kcal) |
Carbohydrates | 28.88 g |
- Sugars | 1.55 g |
- Dietary fiber | 27.3 g |
Fat | 42.16 g |
- saturated | 3.663 |
- monounsaturated | 7.527 |
- polyunsaturated | 28.730 |
Protein | 18.29 g |
Thiamine (vit. B1) | 1.644 mg (143%) |
Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.161 mg (13%) |
Niacin (vit. B3) | 3.08 mg (21%) |
Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.985 mg (20%) |
Vitamin B6 | 0.473 mg (36%) |
Folate (vit. B9) | 0 μg (0%) |
Vitamin C | 0.6 mg (1%) |
Calcium | 255 mg (26%) |
Iron | 5.73 mg (44%) |
Magnesium | 392 mg (110%) |
Phosphorus | 642 mg (92%) |
Potassium | 813 mg (17%) |
Zinc | 4.34 mg (46%) |
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