Registered women’s health nutritional therapist and nutrigenomics practitioner Cara Shaw gives us insight into Flaxseed and why it’s nature’s secret to a healthier you.
So, what are the benefits of flaxseeds?
Flaxseeds may be small, but they certainly pack a remarkable punch in terms of health benefits. Adding these little nutrient powerhouses into your diet daily can provide many advantages for your overall well-being. From improving digestion to supporting cardiovascular health, let’s delve into why consuming flaxseeds every day is beneficial and how they can positively impact you.
Flaxseed is packed with plant-based protein and energy-boosting nutrients
Flaxseed is a natural energy booster and an excellent source of plant-based protein (a huge 5g protein per serving). Protein is vital for muscle function, energy production, hormones, digestive function, and immunity. Adding flaxseed to your breakfast daily is an easy and convenient way to increase your protein intake, particularly if you are primarily plant-based or following a vegan diet.
Flaxseed may be tiny, but they offers a perfect blend of macro and micronutrients to help sustain energy levels throughout the day. Just 2x dessertspoons provide 76mg of Magnesium, crucial in energy production. Magnesium also has a big role to play in managing blood sugar. You can see energy crashes and typical afternoon slumps when blood sugar is dysregulated. Whether you sprinkle them onto a warm bowl of porridge or add them to overnight oats, flaxseeds are a delicious and nutritious way to power up your day.
Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids
Flaxseed is a great source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that our bodies cannot produce on their own and, therefore, essential to have in the diet.
Omega-3s play a vital role in heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially ALA, have been shown to help reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which in excess can lead to plaque build-up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids also have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to cardiovascular problems, and the anti-inflammatory effects of flaxseeds can help protect blood vessels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
By incorporating flaxseed into your diet daily, you can support healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular well-being.
Flaxseed supports healthy digestion
Flaxseed contains both soluble and insoluble fibre, which both contribute to a healthy gut and healthy microbiome.
Insoluble fibre adds bulk to the stool, promoting regular bowel movements and helping to prevent constipation. Soluble fibre forms a gel-like substance which helps slow down glucose absorption, thus supporting blood sugar.
The high fibre content of flaxseed provides prebiotics to the gut, helping to feed good gut bacteria and create a thriving microbiome.
Just 2x dessertspoons a day provide you with a whopping 5g fibre, getting you well on your way to the recommended daily amount of 30g per day.
Incorporating flaxseeds into your daily diet can be a simple yet impactful step towards optimising your health and overall well-being. Providing a rich source of omega-3, protein, vitamins and minerals, flaxseeds offer key nutrients that many individuals are deficient in in today’s world.
Whether you sprinkle them on your porridge as a topping, blend them into your oats or stir them in after cooking, these versatile seeds will provide you with a convenient and delicious dose of fibre, healthy fats, protein, and nutrients.
