10 Proven Health Benefits of Flax Seeds

Flax Seed (also often known as Linseed, or Alsi in Hindi) comes from food or fiber crop named as “Flax”, which is grown in cooler region of the world including Europe, South America, Asia and parts of United States. Flax seed is also considered as “Most Powerful Seed On The Planet”. Flax seeds are small, slightly brown in color, contains a rich source of omega 3 fats, manganese, copper, phosphorus, vitamin B6 and high quality protein which can be proven magical for a person’s health. Flax seed might not taste good, actually it is tasteless, but has numerous health benefits. The article will discuss the Health Benefits of Flax Seeds.

Origination of Flax Seed and How it Got Popular

Flax is one of the oldest fiber crops in the world and known to be cultivated in ancient Egypt and China. Historically, Flax has been cultivated thousands of years ago. The Roman naturalist Pliny wrote about laxative powers of Flax in 1st century A.D. and many authorities believe that seed and oil of Flax have been used as folk remedy since ancient times. Interestingly, King Charlemagne (King of France in 8th century) was so smitten with benefits of flax seed that he passed laws to incorporate this in diets of his subjects and to the people as well. From there the awareness regarding flax seed came into existence. The Latin name of Flax means, “The Most Useful”.

Health Benefits of Flax Seeds

1. Decrease Cancer Risk–

Though Flax seed helps in curing or preventing most of the diseases which could be proven hazardous to human life but the most important of them is cancer. It provides protection against breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer due to contents of minerals that are sensitive to hormones. It also blocks the enzymes that are involved in hormone metabolism and inhibits the growth of tumor cells. It is a proven home remedy for breast pain relief.

2. Promotes Healthy heart–

A human heart could be kept healthy by maintaining proper level of cholesterol, lowering the blood pressure and stabilizing the heart rate. Flax seed have rich content of Omega 3 fatty acid, which is responsible for taking care of all these stuff and also maintains the HDL level in blood.

3. Cures Constipation and other Digestive problems–

Flax seed is a well known remedy for constipation and the oil of Flax seed also gives relief from the uneasiness caused due to constipation and assists proper functioning of the digestive organs.

4. Weight Loss–

This might be the greatest news for those who dream about a slim body because the high fiber contents present in Flax Seed burns calories, that is fat which builds your mass. Only 3 tablespoon a day curbs your appetite and keeps you full throughout the day.

5. Hair Treatment–

The richness of minerals  in Flax seed helps in growth of thick and healthy hair. It removes dandruff from the hair and prevents unwanted thinning which lead to weakening of hair and then results in hair fall. Moreover, it gives shine to the hair and the fact that might amaze you more is that it might also assist in natural re-growth of hair.

6. Prevents Arthritis–

Another disease prohibition by Flax seed is Arthritis because the omega 3 fats reduces the stiffness in the joints, which an Arthritis patient usually feels in the morning. It reduces the chances of permanent disability and increase the pace at which the arthritis patient can walk.

7. Diabetic Control–

The one very common genetic disease which could be found in children and teenagers is Diabetes but Flax seed has the tendency of maintaining your sugar levels. This can help in delaying the dependance  on external insulin or suffer.

8. Anti-inflammatory Oxidant–

Flax seed helps relieve from pain, swelling and redness caused due to any injury because the lignin present in it blocks the agents of inflammation.

9. Beauty–

It is pretty obvious that a seed which has so many health benefits then it would be great for beauty as well. A regular Flax Seed diet could help improve your skin tone, by not letting it dry quickly.

10. Preparing Sweets and Desserts–

For people who are fond of sweets, Flax seed could be used in making various varieties of healthy sweets such as:

• Multi Grain Bread.
• Healthy Nut Bar.
• Almond Flax Bread with Eggs.
• Oat Flax Seed.
• Flax seed Dry Chutney

11. Feel Good Food–

Flax seed not only helps you in healing in numerous physical issues but it satisfies you mentally. It makes your mind feel healthy and keeps you surrounded with positive vibes which keeps you calm and composed.

How to Consume Flax Seeds

1. You can consume raw and natural Flax seed from market. 2-3 tablespoon daily early morning before having breakfast.
2. Another good option in order to increase crispiness is you can roast it. It’s easier to chew that way.
3. You can also use it in your daily smoothies by adding powder of Flax seed, only 1-2 tablespoon.
4. 1 tablespoon of Flax seed oil can be taken three times a day with juice, tea or water but make sure you check the package of Flax seed oil as excess usage can cause oily skin or breakouts.

Popular Packaged Products of Flax Seeds for health benefits:

Flax seed is so powerful food asset that different brands of food, oil, beauty and skincare products etc. use of flax seed in their products. Some of the popular packed products are:

1. Digestive Seed Mix.
2. Flax seed oil
3. Snacks Flax Crunch.

There some capsules of Flax seeds available in the market but for the best results eat raw and natural Flax seed available at your nearest store.

Precaution: Before usage of any market Flax seed products, kindly consult with your physician, specially if you are you are planning to use Flax Seed Capsules.