Would you trust a product with more than FIVE-THOUSAND years of five star ratings? I would! Let me introduce you to a humble little seed I like to call flax. This tiny golden seed of goodness has been recorded in history to have been cultivated by the ancient Babylonians, used by Aztec warriors and utilized by the colonists. Clothes, paper, food; is there anything this little plant can’t be used for?
If you’ve ever eaten flax seeds, you’ve experienced their goodness first hand. Flax may just be the most versatile ingredient to have in your pantry. Out of eggs? Flax. Need a thickener? Flax. Vegetarian or vegan? Flax. Hormonal issues? Flax. Constipated? Flax. Trying to lose weight? Flax. Want stronger, healthier, more vibrant, glowing hair skin and nails? You guessed it: Flax! Flax, Flax, Flax!
Truly, flax may be one of the best things you can incorporate into your nutrition plan. Use it for health, wellness, and longevity. Flax’s versatility and benefits come from the unique combination of high fiber along with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
Fiber
Most of us know that we need fiber in our diet on a daily basis. Fiber helps us feel full longer and stay regular. What makes flax so special is the type of fiber it contains: mucilage gum. Mucilage gum actually forms a gel-like substance that keeps us full longer, keeps our stomach from emptying too quickly (eg: helps us to avoid a sugar spike), and helps us absorb nutrients better.
Of course, the same fiber helps us move and excrete waste from our intestines efficiently. This in turn helps us naturally lower cholesterol. The fiber actually prevents the fat from being absorbed into our bodies by trapping it in the digestive system and then excreting it. The same concept applies to bile, the product of cholesterol from the gallbladder. The excess cholesterol in the blood is then used and excreted as bile.
Omega-3
You’ve heard the hype about all the healthy fats from fish and other animals, but check out alpha linolenic acid (ALA) from flaxseeds. Similar to walnuts and chia seeds, flaxseed oil is great for reducing inflammation in the body so it’s no wonder it’s also great for your heart. ALA has been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, protect arterial function, and reduce heart arrhythmias.
The same healthy fats that protect your heart also help your hair, skin and nails. ALA is responsible for making your hair shinier, stronger, as well as more protected from everyday exposure. Stronger nails are included in this beauty-salon-worthy list of benefits. And if you’ve ever had skin issues, this key ingredient may be the holy grail you’ve been searching for. ALA, whether ingested or applied like your favorite lotion, can give your skin that healthy glow and smooth texture it’s been missing.
Lignans
Lignans are antioxidants that are uniquely related to the fiber in flax. These antioxidants help fight wrinkles, signs of aging, and hormone imbalances. Because of this, lignans work somewhat similarly to estrogen. Interestingly, lignans work uniquely balance hormones by acting either to increase or decrease estrogen depending on the individual’s hormone levels. This quality is especially helpful for women experiencing post-menopausal hormone imbalances. Additionally, due to their antiviral and antibacterial properties, lignans found in flax can help you stay healthier and recover quicker. Flax seed may also aid in the prevention of breast, prostate, ovarian and colon cancer.
If you haven’t tried incorporating flax seed into your “Eat Daily” list, you should! For a cleaner, healthier, more balanced body, experience the benefits of this amazing little seed. Take care of yourself today so your future self will thank you.