Have you heard about the health benefits of flax seeds?

Consumed by humans for over 6,000 years, flax seeds, also known as linseeds, continue to be a hot topic in the world of health and wellness. So, what’s all the buzz about? Interestingly, there are countless health benefits to be gained from these tiny, nutritional seeds produced by flax plants. They are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, vitamins B1, B6 and E, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese and more, which makes them the ultimate nutrient-dense superfood.

Flax seeds are available in several forms: whole seeds, ground seeds or oil. The seed color can vary between dark brown and golden yellow; although, brown flax seeds are commonly preferred for a nuttier taste and slightly higher antioxidant content. They can be purchased at most supermarkets and health food stores, and you’ll often find them on the ingredients list for several of your favorite healthy snacks, like crackers, tortilla chips, breakfast cereals, granola and breads. They can also easily be sprinkled into salads, yogurt, cereal and smoothies.

What do flax seeds do for the body?

Nutritionists say consuming just two tablespoons of flax seeds or one teaspoon of flax oil daily adds a great nutrient boost to any diet. It is important to note that whole flax seeds should be ground before consuming to ensure proper digestion and optimal absorption of nutrients. Read on to explore the incredible health benefits of flax seeds and learn about how they can help your body.

• Flax seeds contain powerful, protective phytochemicals

Flax seeds contain 800 times more phytochemicals, or chemicals that naturally occur in plants, than what is typically found in other seeds. These phytochemicals can help lower your risk of developing breast or prostate cancer and colon cancer, increase brain function, reduce cholesterol, attack plaque build-up in the heart and lower blood pressure. Flaxseed phytochemicals are also known to have natural antiviral and antibacterial properties, which supports the growth of healthy probiotics in the stomach.

• Flax seeds support heart health

The omega-3 fats found in flax seeds help fight inflammation in the body and protect against inflammatory diseases, such as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. These healthy fats can also drop blood pressure levels by as much as 10 points in just six months. Flaxseed antioxidants are extremely powerful at fighting plaque build-up in the heart, which reduces unhealthy LDL-cholesterol levels and prevents blood platelets from clumping together, ultimately lowering your risk for heart attacks. Additionally, the lignans, another naturally occurring plant substance, found in flax seeds help improve blood flow in the body and reduce your stroke risk.

• Flax seeds improve digestion

Flax seeds are an excellent source of plant-based protein that is easily digestible and a gentle protein option for people with digestive issues. Two tablespoons of ground flax seeds contain around five grams of protein. Flax seeds contain both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, which work together to improve gut health and protect the lining of the digestive tract. Fiber promotes feeling fuller for a longer amount of time after eating and adds extra bulk to the stool, making it a natural remedy for constipation. Soluble fiber slows down digestion while also reducing the absorption of harmful cholesterol, sugar and fat into the body and then couples with insoluble fiber to effectively clean out the digestive tract. Fiber not only provides health benefits for treating digestive issues but also for heart disease and diabetes, too. Because soluble fiber slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, this helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity, which is helpful for managing diabetes.

Do flax seeds have any side effects?

While flax seeds are generally considered safe for consumption and have many positive health benefits, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. If you are taking any medications, it is best to consult with your primary care provider before adding flax seeds to your diet as they can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Additionally, some people may initially experience some mildly uncomfortable side effects, such as bloating, gas or diarrhea. It is important to start with consuming just a small amount of flax seeds until you know how your body responds and gradually increase your intake as your body adjusts.

Flax seeds are a nutritional powerhouse that can provide numerous health benefits. These tiny seeds are a great addition to any diet. With their mild flavor and versatility, it is easy to incorporate flax seeds into your meals and reap the benefits of this superfood. Give them a try and see the incredible health benefits for yourself! Search for recipes with flax seeds here.