Complete Guide on Flaxseeds Health Benefits, Nutrition Profile & Therapeutic Uses

Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is the seed of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). Flax is a flowering plant that has been cultivated for its valuable fibers and seeds for thousands of years. Flaxseeds are known for their nutritional and health benefits and have been used for various purposes, including as a food ingredient, dietary supplement, and as a source of fiber. Discover various flaxseeds health benefits, nutritional profile, therapeutic uses and more –

Nutritional Value of Flaxseed

Flaxseed has a high nutritional value and is an excellent source of organic acids and vital fatty acids. Additionally, it contains a lot of protein, antioxidants, vitamins E, K, C, B1, B3, B5, and B6 as well as dietary fibre. Flaxseed has also been discovered to be a good source of minerals such sodium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. (Source)

Therapeutic Uses of Flaxseed 

The antioxidant and cell-rejuvenating abilities of Flaxseed are being researched. Over eight hundred years have passed since it was first utilized as medicine. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of Flaxseed’s bioactive ingredients to prevent or lessen a number of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. (Source)

Even the past has mentioned the benefits of Flaxseed for health. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, advised eating Flaxseed seeds to ease abdominal pain.

• It has been suggested that Flaxseed seeds can treat lupus. 
• According to reports, it acts as a hepatoprotective agent.
• Numerous theories contend that the bioactive elements in Flaxseed seeds may affect how hormones are metabolised.
• Alcoholic liver problems have been shown to benefit from Flaxseed oil treatment. (source) 

Also Read: How To Detox Liver At Home: 10 Simple Ways To Detox Liver Toxins At Home!

Various Health Benefits Of Flaxseed

Flaxseed Benefits In Maintaining Blood Sugar Level

 According to studies, healthy participants who ate Flaxseed seeds had higher peak glucose levels. Lignan supplementation did not significantly affect the lipid profile, fasting glucose, or insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes individuals, although it did produce small but statistically significant improvements in glycemic management. (source) 

Advantages Of Flaxseed In Treatment Of Cancer 

Flaxseed has been shown to decrease the primary risk markers of colon and mammary carcinogenesis in animal studies. Rats treated with carcinogens have been used in studies to determine whether Flaxseed seed lignans can shrink breast tumour growth. 

According to a human study on the impact of Flaxseed consumption on cancer risk markers, daily consumption of Flaxseed seeds stimulates a number of hormonal changes in the body that lower the risk of breast cancer. (source)

How Flaxseed Benefits in Treating Kidney Diseases

According to research done on animal models, the development of renal disorders such polycystic kidney disease is changed by Flaxseed products like oil and lax lignans. Which ingredient in Flaxseed is responsible for its protective impact on the kidneys has not yet been proven by investigations. (source) 

Flaxseed and Digestive Health 

Flaxseed’s high levels of soluble and insoluble dietary fibres aid in the maintenance of regular bowel motions, which helps to prevent constipation. Magnesium, which is included in Flaxseed, helps to maintain a healthy stomach by allowing the muscles of the digestive tract to relax. (source) 

Joint and Bone Health

The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds may help reduce joint pain and inflammation in conditions like arthritis. Some studies suggest that the nutrients in flaxseeds, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, may contribute to maintaining healthy bones.

Flaxseed Health Benefits for Skin:

Flaxseed, also known as Atasi, is mentioned in Ayurveda. It has a number of beneficial properties for skin, including Picchaila (lubricousness), Balya (improves tensile strength or elasticity of the skin), Madhura (balances skin pH), Grahi (improves moisture holding capacity of the skin), Vranahrit (wound healing), and Tvagdo (removes skin blemishes). Additionally, Vata (skin) diseases such undernourishment, lack of lustre or shine, dryness, etc. have been reported to benefit with Flaxseed.

Precautions You Should Take Before Using Flax seed

• We must take into account the cautions issued owing to the anti-nutrition and cyanogenic glycosides present in Flaxseed until some established scientific proof is available to refute this assumption, even though a review of the literature has not yet reported any cases of Flaxseed-induced toxicity.
• To get rid of cyanogenic glycosides, toast Flaxseed seeds before eating them.
• After receiving an absolute heat treatment, Flaxseed may be consumed as milled flour without risk.
• Young men and pregnant women may face negative effects from lignan’s hormonal actions. Your Ayurvedic doctor must provide you guidance on how to consume it.
• Don’t take Flaxseed right before night. (source) 

Side Effects of Using Flaxseed

• Whole and cold-pressed Flaxseed seeds contain various anti-nutrients including cyanogenic glycosides that may have detrimental effects on health. 
• Flaxseed’s high phytic acid content may result in less efficient absorption of minerals like calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper, and iron. (source)
• A strong respiratory inhibitor called hydrogen cyanide is released by the cyanogenic glycosides.
• Long-term exposure may raise the risk of iodine-deficiency-related illnesses such goitre and cretinism because the thiocyanates produced as a result of cyanogenic glycosides interfere with the thyroid gland’s ability to absorb iodine.
• Flaxseed side effects in women can include mild diarrhea and stomach bloating.

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