Superfoods have become increasingly popular in recent times, as more and more people are turning to natural ingredients that have a whole host of positive benefits on general health and wellbeing. An undisputed champion in our eyes is flaxseed, which is a delicious and nutritious ingredient that can be added to a broad range of drinks and dishes. Whether it’s part of a blueberry thrill smoothie or açai bomb smoothie bowl, flaxseed is an ingredient you can’t afford to ignore. Let’s take a look at what makes it so special.
The brilliant benefits of flaxseed
Also known as linseed, flax seeds are packed full of goodness and play a crucial role in your general health and wellbeing. They are high in protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help your mind and body function to the best of their abilities. Let’s take a look at some of the specific ways in which flaxseed can help you thrive:
Rich in Omega-3
Flax seeds are high in alpha-linolenic acid (ACA), which is a plant-based fatty acid. The human body is incapable of producing ACA, so it’s important to get it from the food that you eat. More generally, Omega-3 plays an important role in the structure of your cells, contributing to the health of your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and immune system. In other words, you’d be doomed without it, so you need to make sure you’re taking in enough Omega-3 in your diet.
High in fibre
Did you know that just one tablespoon of flax seeds contains three grams of fibre? In other words, it’s an awesome way to pack some extra fibre into a nutritious morning smoothie or on top of your porridge and oats. Dietary fibre is crucial for the functioning of our digestive health and contributes to regular bowel movements. Also, taking sufficient fibre in your diet leads you to feel fuller for longer, which reduces your tendency to snack throughout the day. The fact that flax seeds contain so much fibre for such a small serving makes them a great ingredient to keep in the kitchen.
Lowers bad cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is bad for your body, and studies have found that eating flax seeds can potentially reduce its prevalence in your body. LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins, and too much of it can lead to the blockage of your arteries. This can then cause a range of heart and general health issues, so it’s important to manage your cholesterol levels and watch what you eat.
Excellent source of protein
Flax seeds are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them particularly popular with vegans and vegetarians. Every cell in the human body contains protein, highlighting why it’s so important to your functioning. You need protein to repair cells and produce new ones, and it also contributes to the healthy growth and development of your muscles. The fact that flax seeds are high in protein makes them an ideal addition to your favourite smoothies, providing you with a healthful protein boost that can help your body in a number of ways.
Helps you feel fuller for longer
As flax seeds have a high soluble fibre content, they can suppress your hunger cravings and keep you fuller for longer. Naturally, if you don’t feel full, you’re more likely to snack throughout the day, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Adding flax seeds to your morning porridge or muesli is an excellent way to fill yourself up and will help you stay full throughout the morning. They also have all of the other incredible health benefits that we’ve mentioned, highlighting why they’re such an amazing addition to your diet.
It really is amazing just how healthy flax seeds are. As a rich source of omega-3, fibre, and protein, this simple ingredient can help you feel much healthier in so many different ways. So, whether you add some flax seeds to your morning muesli or a lunchtime smoothie, it’s an excellent way of ensuring your body gets some of the key nutrients it needs to thrive.
