Flaxseeds have been held in high regard for their health properties for about six thousand years. They could have been the world’s first superfood, but that’s just speculation. Flaxseeds have been known to help clear up skin, reduce sugar cravings, improve digestion, promote weight loss, and balance hormones.

In case you need some nutritional information about flaxseeds, we have a list of the facts per 1 ounce of flaxseeds below:

• 6 grams of protein
• 8 grams of fiber
• 6,338 milligrams of omega-3s
• 31% RDA of vitamin B1
• 30% RDA of magnesium
• 10% RDA of selenium
• 35% RDA of manganese
• 19% RDA of phosphorus

Based on the nutritional profile, flaxseeds are one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. Oh, and we forgot to mention that they also contain iron, zinc, potassium, copper, and vitamin B6.

Flaxseed Benefits

Great Source of Lignans:

What are Lignans, you ask? Lignans are polyphenols that are found in plants. Flaxseeds are the richest source of lignans, with sesame seeds being the runner-up. Lignans have antioxidant and estrogen properties, both of which help to lower one’s risk of cancer and improve overall health. A recent study revealed that women who ate flaxseeds were 18% less likely to develop breast cancer.

Fiber Superstars:

Did you know that flaxseeds contain two types of dietary fiber? Roughly 20-40% is made up of soluble Fiber and the other 60-80% is made up of insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber works to slow digestion and increase consistency of contents in the intestine. All of that helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Now, insoluble fiber allows water to bind to stools, increasing their bulk and resulting in softer excrement. This helps prevent constipation.

Weight Loss Aid:

Because flaxseeds are full of healthy fats and fiber, they help you feel full for longer, which ultimately helps you eat fewer calories. Additionally, flaxseeds help to decrease water weight and reduce inflammation, both of which make it difficult to lose weight.

High Quality Protein:

Studies have shown that flaxseed protein can help to improve immune function and lower cholesterol. If you are trying to cut back on meat and are in search of a great plant-based protein, flaxseeds are the food for you. They help you feel full and satiated between meals.

Cancer Fighters:

Time and time again, flaxseeds have proven that they have the powers to help fight prostate, breast, ovarian, and colon cancer. The Journal of Clinical Cancer Research found that the lignans, which get converted into compounds in the intestinal tract, in flaxseeds help to balance hormones and reduce one’s risk of breast cancer. People with endometrial and ovarian cancers may benefit from eating flaxseeds as well.

Sources:

https://draxe.com/10-flax-seed-benefits-nutrition-facts/

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/lignans

http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-flaxseeds#section8

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