Amazing Benefits and uses of flax seeds

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Flax Seeds – the shiny, nutty seeds have an earthy aroma and a host of health benefiting properties. Flax seeds benefits could help you improve digestion, give you clear skin, lower cholesterol, reduce sugar craving, balance hormones, fight cancer and promote weight loss and much more. Flaxseeds belong to the Linaceae family and are botanically known as “Linum usitatissimum”. It is called “sana bija” in Hindi.

3 table spoons serving of flaxseeds contains:

  • Omega-3 (ALA) 6,338mg
  • Fiber 8g
  • Protein 6g
  • Vitamin B1 31% RDA
  • Manganese 35% RDA
  • Magnesium 30% RDA
  • Phosphorus 19% RDA
  • Selenium 10% RDA
  • Also, flaxseeds contain a good amount of vitamin B6, Iron, potassium, copper and zinc.

Health Benefits of Flax Seed

  1. High in Phytochemicals and Antioxidants:
  2. Cancer Prevention
  3. Digestion Improvision
  4. Prevent Cardiovascular diseases
  5. Control High Cholesterol
  6. Reduce Diabetes
  7. Fight Inflammation
  8. Reduces Hot Flashes

Flax Seeds are big source of omega 3 fatty acids which improve hair and skin like:

  1. High in Antioxidants (Lignans) : The lignans present in flaxseeds improve the appearance of the skin by reducing the levels of DHT in the body.
  2. Wounds Healing : Flax Seed consumption minimize skin irritation, rashes, inflammation and redness. It also shrinks the possibility of acne, dermatitis and psoriasis.
  3. Skin conditioning & moisturizing: The essential fatty acids in flaxseed keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. Regular intake of flaxseeds increases the body’s natural oil production, keeping the skin baby soft
  4. Prevent Skin Cancer : Researchers have found that a diet rich in flaxseeds may protect the skin tissues from radiation, significantly reduce skin damage after sun exposure. The antioxidants present in flaxseeds fight the free radicals, preventing skin cancer.
  5. Acne Control : Sebum, am oil substance produce by flaxseeds prevent the onset of acne by just consuming 1-2 table spoon of flaxseed daily.
  6. Scrub : Mix Flax seed with yoghurt, honey scrub it for 10 minutes and wash off will gives you silky smooth skin and rejuvenates you skin cells.

Flaxseeds are packed with nutrients like protein, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron and omega 3 fatty acids, which are required for the growth of your hair. A daily dose of flaxseeds can make your hair healthy, vibrant and strong.

  1. Prevents Hair Breakage : Consumption of omega 3 fatty acids increase hair’s elasticity which makes less prone to hair breakage and endows you with stronger hair. 
  1. Dandruff control : The anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseeds reduce the possibility of dandruff, eczema and other scalp conditions. 
  1. Reducing hypertension : Consumption of omega 3 fatty acids, and other nutritious values in flaxseeds result in reduced hypertension. 
  1. Prevents Cicatricial alopecia : Including flaxseeds in your diet can help to ameliorate several hair conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseeds prevent cicatricial alopecia, a permanent hair loss condition. Cicatricial alopecia damages the hair follicles severely, preventing the growth of healthy hair. 
  1. Prevents Male Baldness : The alpha linolenic acid in flaxseeds inhibits 5 alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks the hair follicles, leading to baldness. The ALA, linolenic acid and oleic acid in flaxseeds are used as natural remedies to treat male baldness. It also prevents hair loss due to Telogen effluvium.

Advantages of Flaxseeds in Ayurveda

  • Flaxseeds are counted as a superfood, one of the best natural substitutes to mount the immune system, boost vigor and muscular strength. Ayurveda measures them as Balya which means a provider of strength as they support in balancing the Vata element and are very productive in curing its disorders.
  • Flaxseeds consist of flax oil known as Medhya which is a brain booster as it contains Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids that improves the activity of the human brain. Hence, flaxseed oil can support in combating depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, epilepsy, and further other bipolar health disorders.
  • Flaxseeds block the growth of cancer causing cells. The presence of the lignin content has an anti-angiogenic property that prevents a tumor from creating new blood vessels. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties increase protection against radiation.
  • Routine consumption can support you to increase the glycemic control in obesity with pre-diabetes.
  • Flaxseeds play a major role as an antidepressant and reduce hypertension, headache, fatigue, anxiety, and physical exhaustion connected with hypertension.
  • The presence of a high concentration of mucilage, as they prove to be an excellent laxative.
  • According to research, they tend to be extremely productive in resisting the infestation of free radicals, harmful substances, salt, uric acids and also inhibits the risk of liver diseases.
  • Flaxseeds administers the metabolism of cholesterol and fat present in the body. They have the capability to improve HDL or good cholesterol and to lessen LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • Flaxseed is considered to be heavy, slimy and hot in nature and can also vitiate Pitta and Kapha when consumed in excess. Such consumption is not suggested in bleeding disorders, diseases of the eyes and certain other issues.

There are two types of flaxseeds- brown and golden. The nutritional profile of both the varieties is almost the same. Flaxseeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants. It is high in B complex vitamin, manganese and magnesium. Additionally, flaxseeds are low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for people who are on a weight loss and diabetic diet.