If you’re new to the superfood scene, you might think that flaxseed is a passing fad, but that’s far from the case. It’s been around since 3000 B.C., and its health benefits have been touted since the 8th century when King Charlemagne ordered his subjects to eat it.
Researchers believe that the king was onto something, and now, many claim that flaxseed is one of the most powerful superfoods available. So, just what is flaxseed, and what benefits can you expect if you consume it? Plus, how do you add the tiny seed to your diet?
About Flaxseed
You’ve heard people talk about flaxseed, but you’re still a little hazy on what this superfood is. Flaxseed is a small seed that can be tan, golden, or brown in color. It’s known to have originated in China and Egypt and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. The seed might be tiny, but it’s packed with fiber, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also the best way to add lignans to your diet since it has more lignans than any other food out there. Lignans are plant compounds that act as antioxidants, supporting our immune system and balancing hormone levels in the body. Lignans have been shown to promote cardiovascular health and have cancer fighting properties.
Nutritional Benefits
Flaxseed has an unbelievable number of nutritional benefits. It’s low in carbs while high in fiber. This combination makes you feel full longer, helps detoxify the colon, and can even help you lose weight. On top of that, flaxseed can help you fight off sugar cravings.
Flaxseed is also high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3 fatty acid. Research shows this fatty acid reduces inflammation and the risk of heart disease.
This tiny little seed can even lower cholesterol. When you eat flaxseed, you excrete more fat than normal in your bowel movements. This reduces your cholesterol.
In addition, flaxseed:
- Improves the health of the skin and hair
- Improves digestive health
- Is gluten-free
As you can see, there are lots of reasons to chow down on flaxseed.
Nutritional Benefits
While many people choose to eat whole flaxseeds, you can get more out of these tiny seeds when they are ground into flaxseed meal. That allows your body to absorb the soluble and insoluble fiber contained in flaxseed.
Flaxseed oil is another option. It’s easy to digest, and it contains an ample amount of healthy fats.
You have quite a bit of leeway when it comes to adding flaxseed to your food. You can pop it in the oven at 300 degrees for three hours without harming the omega-3 fatty acids, so don’t be afraid to add one to three tablespoons into your baked goods. It’s easy to have a guilt-free cake when you’re loading up on nutrients.
You can also add a tablespoon or two of ground flaxseed to your smoothie in the morning or put a tablespoon in your yogurt. Add some raw honey, as well, to make it taste even better.
Flaxseed also tastes great in homemade granola, or you can use it instead of eggs for your favorite vegan recipe. Just add some water to the flaxseed to get the desired consistency.
The key is to experiment and find out what you like. If you only use a few tablespoons, the taste won’t be overpowering, so you can get the nutrients without changing the flavor.
Improve Your Health with Flaxseed
Now is the time to improve your health by adding flaxseed to your diet. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the superfood until you find the best way to eat it for your personal taste. Then, add it to your diet every day so you can begin to see results.
