Health Benefits of Flaxseeds

Recently flaxseeds have become very popular with the nutritionists and health conscious people. Is it a new seed or a new scientific research? Well, frankly speaking, it’s neither. Flaxseeds are known as Linum usitatissimum, which means "most useful." The flax plant originated in Mesopotamia and its history dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. Flax was introduced in Canada in the 17th century; and now, it is the largest producer of the seed in the world. Flaxseeds have become nutritionally very important due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and phytochemicals. Most of the B vitamins, magnesium, and manganese are also found in these seeds. Alpha linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseeds that helps to maintain the omega 3 to omega 6 ratio, which improves bone health. Due to its anti-inflammatory property, omega-3 fats play a very important role in the treatment of asthma, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and migraines. Magnesium, which is also found in flaxseeds, keeps the airways relaxed, thus preventing a severe asthmatic attack. Flaxseeds are a rich source of fiber. They have both soluble and insoluble fiber. Omega-3 fats along with fiber are known to lower the cholesterol levels and reduce the formation of blood clots, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks. They also regulate blood pressure, maintain sugar levels, and protect against cancer of the colon, prostate, and breast. High fiber diet also increases the intestinal motility and facilitates bowel cleansing. Lignan is an antioxidant phytochemical found in flaxseeds. Lignans are converted into two very important substances called enterolactone and enterodial. They are known to balance the female hormones.Many researches suggest that lignan may promote fertility and reduce peri-menopausal symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, fluid retention, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, weight gain, tumors, fibroids, and heavy bleeding. Ground flaxseeds are more beneficial because grinding increases the total surface area, thereby increasing the availability of nutrients that would not have been readily absorbed otherwise in the case of whole seeds. They are easily prone to oxidation; hence, they need to be refrigerated. Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fats but lacks fiber and phytochemicals. Flaxseed oil should not be used in cooking but should be added later to preserve its nutritive value.