With the rising
emphasis on fitness and healthy eating, a tiny seed has come in to much
prominence- Flax or Linseed, also known as “Alasi” in Hindi. The benefits of
Flax seed are numerous and this tiny brownish seed is packed with
micronutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy cholesterol that
help fight several ailments such as, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, hot
flashes. A single table spoon of ground flax seeds contain 2 grams
of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, 2 grams of fiber and 37 calories. What’s even
better is flax seed helps in losing
weight and keeps the
heart cholesterol free.
Benefits of Flax Seeds:
The history of Flax seeds as a food crop goes back to
prehistoric Babylon as early as 3000 B.C along with Georgia, China and ancient
Egypt. Although flax is a power house of nutrients, the basic health benefits
of flax are as follows:
Omega 3 fatty acids: These are essential poly unsaturated
fatty acids that are crucial for healthy heart functioning and protection
against cancer. Omega 3 fatty acids are primarily found in sea fishes and eggs,
therefore flax is a great alternative source of this “good” fat for the vegans.
ALA: Alpha-linolenic acid that protects
the body against inflammation, that is especially beneficial for patients
suffering from arthritis, and joint pain.
Lignans: Flax is the richest source of
lignans, that has estrogen and antioxidant qualities that helps regularize
hormonal imbalance in women.
Fiber: The high fiber content and low
carbohydrate content in flax makes it a great option for weight loss, because
the fiber expands in the stomach by absorbing fluids and gives us a fuller
feeling, and checks hunger for a long time.
Antioxidants That Fight
Cancer:
The high level of omega 3 fatty acid and Lignans present in
flax combats prostate cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. Three types of
Lignans found in flax seed are-secoisolariciresinol, matairesinol and
pinoresinol that has capacity to affect the hormonal workings and control
hormone related cancers and hormone dependent tumors.
Shields the Heart:
The
positive impact of flax on human heart is boundless.
About 50% of the calorie contained in flax comprises of fats, which is a
mixture of several fatty acids such as, poly-unsaturated fats, mono-unsaturated
fats, and very little saturated fats. Most of the poly-unsaturated fats remain
in the form ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Now, ALA is a “miracle” fatty acid that
helps to reduce bad cholesterol, while leaving the good cholesterol in the
blood intact. It also reduces blood-pressure
and chances of stroke.
Controls Diabetes:
Lignans present in Flax seeds work effectively in controlling Type 2
Diabetes. Research shows that a daily intake of flax builds up insulin
sensitivity in glucose intolerant people. This is because of the high level of
soluble fibers in flax. Consumption of a table spoon of ground flax seeds for a
month has shown to improve fasting blood sugar levels.
Protect against Inflammation:
Two specific agents present in flax seeds, namely ALA and lignans have
the capacity to check the flow of certain pro-inflammatory agents that are
responsible for arthritis pain, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, joint pain, etc.
Responsible for Flawless Skin and Shiny Hair:
The
omega 3 fatty acids helps treat skin diseases like acne, allergies and sun
sensitivity. In addition, it rejuvenates the skin, regenerates the skin tone
and makes it smooth, supple and glowing. It fights the problems of hair fall,
dry scalp, dandruff, brittle hair and supplies nourishment to
the hair follicles to
make the tresses healthy and strong.
No comments:
Post a Comment