Eating flax seeds regularly is a very good measure to take care of our general health.
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12 properties and benefits of flax seeds
The properties and benefits of flax seeds for those who consume them on a regular basis are very remarkable. The most remarkable thing about this food is that they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids .
There are not too many foods that provide us with this vital nutrient; This reason alone would be enough to incorporate flaxseed regularly into our diet. However, in this article we will see that flax seeds have much more to offer us.
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1. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
We have already advanced that flax seeds are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. It is a component that our body needs in a vital way and that it is not capable of producing on its own . That is why it is very important to consume foods like flax seeds on a regular basis.
2. They have anti-inflammatory properties
Flaxseed is a food capable of reducing inflammation . We refer to the inflammation of the internal organs. Stress and poor quality food make our body suffer, but flaxseed has a calming effect on the inflammation of the digestive tract and is also helpful in preventing hemorrhoids.
3. They have antitumor properties
Flaxseed has antitumor properties thanks to the different components it contains . One of the most prominent is the aforementioned omega-3 essential fatty acid. They are substances with antioxidant capacities that block the growth of cancer cells. Cancers of the breast, colon, or prostate can be prevented by eating healthy foods like flaxseed.
4. They improve the immune system
Antioxidant and mineral substances in flaxseed have beneficial properties on the immune system . Our body needs minerals such as zinc or selenium to ensure that our defenses are in good shape, as well as being essential for different metabolic processes.
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5. They make you feel full
Flax seeds help to feel full thanks to their great contribution in fiber . If we consume foods that have a good contribution of fiber, they will prevent us from hunger before mealtime. Having a snack with flaxseed mid-morning or afternoon goes very well to hold out until lunch or dinner.
6. They help lose weight
Closely linked to the previous point, we can say that eating foods like flaxseed helps to lose weight. In addition to filling us up and making us not suffer from cravings to eat between meals, flaxseed speeds up the metabolism . This is due to antioxidant substances such as omega-3 fatty acids.
7. They fight hypertension
Taking a little flaxseed every day has properties and benefits at the cardiovascular level . Flax seeds are useful for fighting hypertension, so people with high blood pressure would do well to eat a little of this food every day. You have to find a way to adapt the diet and introduce foods like this and remove others.
8. Fight diabetes
Flax seeds also help control diabetes . It is not a cure, but eating foods like this makes the body have better conditions in conditions of this type. It has been scientifically shown to help improve fasting blood sugar in people with diabetes by improving triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
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9. They improve respiratory problems
Flaxseeds have also been shown to help with seasonal illnesses . It is a great help for the body when it has to fight colds, coughs or bronchitis. Also in the case of sore throats. Just boiling water with flaxseed and then drinking it can be a good help for the body.
10. Fight menstrual pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, flaxseed is recommended in the case of suffering from menstrual cramps . In fact, it is also useful in the case of suffering symptoms of menopause, and it helps to combat hot flashes.
11. They take care of the skin
Flax seeds help improve skin oxygenation and cell renewal . It is about properties and benefits that make the skin stay young and healthy. Antioxidant substances such as vitamin E have anti-wrinkle action, and also improve skin conditions such as acne.
12. They take care of the hair
The properties of flax seeds also have benefits for hair . Consuming flaxseed regularly makes hair strong and shiny. To enhance the natural beauty of hair, it is possible to prepare flaxseed oil at home; just soak the seeds for half an hour, cook them with a little oil and filter everything. The resulting oil can be applied directly to the hair.
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Bibliographic references
- Catz, C. (2017). Chia, Flax and Psyllium: The Super Seeds. Bilbao: Beta Editions .
- Fedeniuk, R.W. y Biliaderis, C.G. (1994). Composition and physicochemical properties of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) mucilage. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 42 (2), 240-247..
- Singh, K.K., Mridula, D., Rehal, J. y Barnwal, P. (2011). Flaxseed: a potential source of food, feed and fiber. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 51 (3), 210–222.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.