Eat More Flax Seeds!

     The seeds of most plants are rich in nutrients and can provide us with health benefits, but flax seeds are unique and offer health benefits not found within the seeds food group. The nutritional uniqueness of flax seeds features three nutrient aspects, and all three play a key role in the outstanding health benefits of this food: omega-3, lignan, and mucilage content.
     The problem is that finding creative ways to add flax seeds to meals can be a challenge. The ground seeds can be incorporated into muffins, cookies or breads. Recent research studies have shown that ground flax can be also added to baked foods. Most plant foods contain at least small amounts of lignans which are unique in that they provide antioxidant benefits and fiber-like benefits; flax seeds contain about 7 times as many lignans as the closest runner-up, sesame seeds, about 338 times as many as sunflower seeds, 475 times as many as cashew nuts and 3,200 times as many as peanuts. 
     When you think about antioxidant-rich foods the first foods that come to mind are vegetables and fruits, but flax seeds are significantly higher in antioxidants than fruits like blueberries or vegetables like olives. Antioxidant benefits are associated with prevention of cardiovascular diseases and have recently also been tied to decreased insulin resistance. 

Benefits of flax seeds: 

High in Fiber, Low in Carbs 
One of the most extraordinary benefits of flax seeds is that they contain high levels of mucilage gum content. Mucilage is a gel-forming fiber that is water soluble and has incredible benefits on the intestinal tract. Also, flax is extremely high in both soluble and insoluble fiber which can support colon detoxification, fat loss and reduce sugar cravings.

Healthy Skin and Hair 
For healthier skin, hair and nails add 2 tablespoons of flax seeds to a smoothie or 1 tablespoons of flax seed oil to your diet. It can also improve symptoms of acne, rosacea, and eczema and it's also good in helping reduce dry eye syndrome. 

Weight Loss 
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that flax seeds and walnuts may improve obesity and support weight loss. They may also help reduce inflammation. 

Lower Cholesterol 
The journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that adding flax seeds can reduce cholesterol levels. 

Flax seeds are Gluten-Free 
Using flax is a good way to naturally replace gluten-containing grains which are inflammatory where flax is anti-inflammatory. 

High in Antioxidants 
Flax seeds are also packed with antioxidants known as lignans are unique fiber-related polyphenols that support the growth of probiotics in the gut and may also help eliminate yeast and candida in the body. Consuming flax regularly may help reduce the number or severity of colds and flus. 

Digestive Health 
Flax seeds promote digestive health. They are beneficial for people suffering from Crohn’s disease or other digestive ailments, as it can help reduce gut inflammation. 

Flax Seeds for Cancer 
Flax seed benefits have been proven time and time again and even including fighting breast, prostate, ovarian and colon cancer. High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids These are generally associated with fish oil, but flax seeds are also an excellent source. 

Menopausal Symptoms 
The lignans in the flax have been shown to have benefits for menopausal women. It can be used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy because lignans have estrogenic properties. These properties may also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It can even help women to maintain cycle regularity. 

70 Reasons to Eat More Flax Seeds