Given its miniature size, it can be easy to dismiss the health benefits of the humble flaxseed or regard it as a little more than an accompaniment thrown onto a meal as an afterthought. However, the flaxseed is packed to bursting with nutrients and vitamins that can boost your overall health, as nutrition and wellness specialist Raihane Hassaine can attest.
As its nutty, slightly sweet taste and thick texture make it an excellent addition to smoothies and baked goods, it’s easy to enjoy the numerous health benefits while pleasing the palate.
Although the popularity of the flaxseed has increased significantly in recent years, flaxseeds have long been used in the manufacturing of bread and breakfast cereals. Now recognised as a true superfood, the flaxseed is more versatile than people realise.
A Boost to Heart Health
The flaxseed is extremely beneficial to heart health as it’s abundant in Omega-3 fats. Consuming plentiful quantities of Omega-3 fats can lower bad cholesterol in the bloodstream, improving good cholesterol and decreasing the risk of irregular heartbeats. In addition, Omega-3 fats assist in lowering inflammation, which can cause heart disease.
Clinical trials have also indicated that consuming flaxseeds can lower blood pressure. While the reduction may only be small, these benefits can make a significant difference to those with particularly high blood pressure.
Reducing the Risk of Diseases Associated with Poor Diet
As well as the improvement to cardiovascular health, flaxseeds can help to reduce the risk of many diseases and conditions that can be brought about by an unhealthy diet. Flaxseeds can play a role in lowering the risks of certain cancers, diabetes and strokes. This may be due to the fact that flaxseeds can make a difference to the digestive system; as they are rich in fibre, they can help to soften stool and move it through the gut more effectively.
Benefits for Skin and Hair
These same Omega-3 fats can have immense benefits for the skin. Using flaxseed oil on the face can help to reduce inflammation, restore skin elasticity and increase hydration of the skin; all these factors can result in a brighter complexion. Using flaxseed supplements can also improve the appearance of hair. These benefits have not been demonstrated through clinical trials on humans but animal clinical trials show promising results.
Incorporating Flaxseeds Into a Healthy Diet
It’s simple to add flaxseeds to a healthy diet and start feeling the benefits. It’s advisable to consume flaxseeds in ground form rather than whole as it’s easier for the body to digest and they make an excellent accompaniment to smoothies, mixed in with breakfast items such as granola or used as a topping for yoghurt.
