Unlike a lot of health foods today, flaxseeds have the distinguished honor of having been eaten for centuries, specifically for their health benefits. A lot of health foods were originally included in peoples’ diets because they made food taste better. Think about ginger, turmeric, or chilli powder. They have lots of health benefits, but people began eating them because they made food taste better, hence why we call them spices. That’s why their Latin name is Linum usitatissimum, which translates to “the most useful”. Below are some of the best health benefits that flax seeds have to offer:
1. Flaxseeds are extremely nutrient dense
Flaxseeds are packed to the brim with vital nutrients. In a singular serving of flaxseed, you will receive dietary fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and lots of vitamins and minerals, such as, B complex vitamins, folate, calcium, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium.
2. Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids
One of the best benefits of flaxseeds is that they have high omega-3 fatty acid content. The best source of omega-3 fatty acids is fatty fish; it is also one of the few sources, which makes a plant based source all the more valuable. Omega-3 fatty acids have a natural anti-inflammatory property that has been shown to improve cognitive abilities and prevent certain age related mental diseases like, Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Flaxseeds are a great source of lignans
Lignans are plant compounds that contain both antioxidant and estrogen properties which lower the risk of developing cancer. Flaxseeds have about 800 times more lignans than other plant food sources.
4. Flaxseeds are rich in dietary fiber
Some consider this to be flaxseeds’ most important health benefit. The dietary fiber helps to guarantee healthy bowel movements and proper digestion.
