The Latin name for flaxseed is Linum usitatissimum, which means “very useful”. The plant is grown to provide material for fabric (what we usually call linen), string and linseed oil for wood preservation. Its nutritional benefits, however, are even more amazing. It lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces plaque buildup in arteries, protects against cancer, helps with blood sugar control and helps prevent constipation.
The three main nutritional components of flaxseed are:
Omega-3 fatty acids – one of the best plant sources of alpha-linoleic acid, known as ALA
Lignans – the highest plant source available
Fiber – both soluble and insoluble
The health benefits from eating flaxseeds are many:
To get the most benefit out of flaxseeds, it’s better to eat them ground instead of whole. You can sprinkle them on cereal or yogurt, bake them into muffins, breads, or cookies, add them to smoothies, pancakes, waffles, casseroles or thick soups or chili. They’re highly nutritious and excellent sources of antioxidants and minerals.
At this time of year, when cases of flu and COVID are rising, as well…
The Access to Nutrition Initiative has analyzed around 11,000 products from leading food companies including…
In case you needed any encouragement for enjoying your coffee, a new study published in…
A study published in the BMJ has found a connection between consuming artificial sweeteners and an increased…
Quinoa is an ancient, plant-based seed that has been cultivated in the Andes for 7000…
We all know the importance of cutting back on salt in order to keep our…