12 Amazing Health and Beauty Benefits of Flax Seeds

What is Flax Seed?

Flax Seed is considered to be the new wonder food that has amazing benefits. It is also known as the Linum usitatissimum or “the most useful”. These tiny seeds have been used by ancient civilizations of Egypt & China. Emerging research suggests that Flax seeds are as old as Nefertiti in Egypt. This seed contains the right amount of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fibre which is beneficial for the overall well-being of an individual. Flaxseeds also contain Lignans which have antioxidant properties. These are forms of estrogen found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans and have therapeutic properties.

Now, let’s have a look at the 12 amazing Health & Beauty Benefits of flaxseed which makes it the new wonder food.

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Top 6 Flax Seed Product Recommendations

1. It helps to reduce High Cholesterol

Heart health is one of the biggest health benefits of flaxseed. It is a natural way of reducing cholesterol levels. In a study involving people with high cholesterol levels, daily consumption of 3 tablespoons of flaxseed powder for 3 months showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol by 17% and “bad” LDL cholesterol by almost 20%. It’s beneficial when you eat your flax seeds rather than consuming them in their oil or pill form.

2. It can Reduce Inflammation

If you are looking to reduce inflammation naturally you can try out flax seeds. Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid which is known to reduce inflammation. It is useful for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases since it lubricates joints and lessens stiffness and joint pain.

3. It can help in Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a common symptom during the menopause transition. Menopausal women may benefit both physically and mentally by eating flaxseed since they are rich in lignans which have a weak estrogen effect that can ease the discomfort caused by hot flashes. A study showed that twenty-one women who consumed 40 grams of ground flaxseed daily had a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of their hot flashes.

4. It can help to prevent Cancer

Cancer prevention is surely the most surprising of all the health benefits of flaxseed. But studies reveal that diets rich in flaxseed provide natural protection from cancers, such as prostate, colon, and breast cancers. Lignans, Phyto-estrogen, and omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed have anti-cancer properties. Flaxseed can help your body fight cancer cells and can stop tumours from forming. A pilot study was conducted on 15 men who were given daily 30 gm of flaxseed while following a low-fat diet and showed reduced levels of a prostate cancer marker, suggesting a lower risk of prostate cancer.

5. It can help with Diabetes

Another health benefit of flaxseed is reducing blood sugar levels. Eating healthy and the right amount of flaxseed can help in reducing the absorption of glucose in your bloodstream and help you avoid type-2 diabetes. There is strong evidence that obese men and women with pre-diabetes saw a marked improvement in glycemic control after going on a daily diet of flax seeds. In a study published by World Health Organisation, on the effect of flaxseed powder supplementation in the management of diabetes showed that consuming a tablespoon of ground flax seeds every day for a month experienced a significant drop in fasting blood sugars, triglycerides, and most important thing, a drop in A1C level.

6. It can lower High Blood Pressure

People all over the world are highly affected by Hypertension and flax seeds which are high in fibre and omega 3 (good fat) can help reduce high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause harm to the heart by placing an extra strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder. Elevated levels of blood pressure are generally linked to a decrease in elasticity and flaxseed can improve the elasticity of the arteries. A report published in 2016 by Clinical Nutrition, showed a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by supplementing the diet with flaxseed.

7. It helps to Reduce Weight

If you want to keep your hunger at bay, you can consider munching on flax seeds. These have a high dietary fiber content which suppresses hunger and increases the feeling of being full. It triggers many hormones that control appetite and slows down digestion which helps one to stop snacking in between meals and helps to reduce weight. In a study conducted on mice, which consumed flaxseed supplements were more active physically and had less weight gain compared to those on high-fat diet groups.

8. It can help to Reduce Wrinkles & Fine Lines

Do you want to know a little secret? What you eat and drink affects your skin. Your skin may feel bumpy and itchy due to dead skin on it. To own beautiful, glowing and wrinkle-free skin you can try a handful of grounded flax seeds. There are several reasons behind early signs of ageing like bad sleep patterns, poor eating habits, and stress which tops the list. Here’s something that you can make at home to reduce these fine lines. Make a honey and flax seed anti-ageing face pack.

1. Grind half a teaspoon of flaxseed
2. Mix it in 1-2 teaspoons of honey
3. Add this mixture to a cup of yoghurt
4. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly
5. Apply over the face and neck and keep it for 30 minutes
6. Wash it off with cold water

9. It can keep skin healthy

Flax seeds are low in carbohydrates and high in fibre. These are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid which minimizes skin rashes, irritation, and redness, and also helps wounds heal faster. Rub a few drops of flaxseed oil into your skin. It will nourish your skin and tightens the skin. A healthy you is a beautiful you.

10. It can fight Male Baldness

Another important beauty benefit of flaxseed is fighting male pattern baldness. It can control the enzymes that cause male baldness. You can add powdered flaxseed to your healthcare routine to strengthen your hair follicles. Regular consumption can prevent hair breakage and make hair elastic and strong. You can also try applying flaxseed oil directly on your scalp to help grow healthy hair.

11. It can prevent Dandruff

If you are suffering from itching and a flaky scalp, then applying flaxseed oil to the affected scalp area can help you to keep your hair nourished and get rid of dandruff. Dandruff is nothing but the shedding of dead cells from the scalp. Individuals with scalp disorders experience an abnormally high amount of flaking along with itchiness and irritation. So instead of spending money on chemical treatments to get rid of dandruff, you can try using flax seeds in your hair care routine.

12. It can help protect the skin against Radiation

Human beings are exposed to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation from natural as well as man-made sources. Flaxseed may protect skin tissue from radiation. A study revealed that flaxseed, being a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, is also effective in protecting against the harmful effects of radiation on the human skin.

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How much flaxseed should you eat, and how?

Consuming 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed per day is the recommended dosage. Some people can increase it to 3 to 4 tablespoons. But take it gradually. Flax increases bowel movement and while it gets rid of constipation, taking too much too soon will have the opposite effect. Consume the amount mentioned on the product label, or less to give your body time to adjust. You can even consider talking to your dietitian. Now, how do you eat this superfood besides sprinkling them on your cereal?

1. Add them to make a delicious and nutritious smoothie for breakfast.
2. Use ground flaxseed powder to make bread, brownies, muffins and almost anything that requires flour.

Lots of people wonder whether foods made with flax seeds lack taste. Flax seeds do not have to be tasteless. There are many tasty ways of adding ground flaxseed to your daily diet.

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Who should NOT consume flaxseed?

Women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid ground flax seeds and flax supplements until more research confirms it is safe for babies.

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Summary

Researchers, nutritionists, and doctors are recommending people add ground flaxseed to their daily diet to keep health conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease at bay. Omegas, ALA, lignans, and soluble fibre are why ground flax seeds are considered super healthy.

But, there is no magic “superfood” that guarantees you and your family good health!

All you can control is to improve your diet by making better choices and leading a healthier lifestyle. Get the health benefits of flaxseed to improve your general health and well-being. flaxseed is easily available online, nowadays. Try searching for flax seed oil, soft gels, flax seed capsules or flax powder.
Remember: Check with a doctor before starting a new diet or supplement, especially if you have any serious medical condition. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, ibuprofen and others that can interfere with flax. Also, regularly adding flaxseed to the diet will increase bowel movement gradually. Eating flax every day may lead to bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea in some people, so the dosage needs to be reduced.

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Here are 12 amazing Health & Beauty Benefits of Flax Seeds

1. It helps to reduce High Cholesterol
2. It can Reduce Inflammation
3. It can help in Hot Flashes
4. It can help to prevent Cancer
5. It can help with Diabetes
6. It can lower High Blood Pressure
7. It helps to Reduce Weight
8. It can help to Reduce Wrinkles & Fine Lines
9. It can help Treat Acne
10. It can fight Male Baldness
11. It can prevent Dandruff
12. It can help protect the skin against Radiation