You don’t have to be a nutrition expert to know what a superfood is. For some time now, one has heard and read about superfood, the all-rounder when it comes to nutrition. Even if it is repeatedly claimed that the so-called superfoods are of exotic origin, it must be contradicted at this point. The regional flaxseed is also considered a superfood.
Local superfood: flaxseed
At first glance, the flaxseed looks rather inconspicuous with a size of 4 to 6 millimeters, but it is full to the brim with valuable nutrients. Flaxseed contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids and a range of dietary fibers that are important for health. The local superfood can easily keep up with the trendy chia seeds and should not be missing on any menu.
Flax seeds are the seeds of flax, also known as common flax (Linum usitatissimum). The common flax is the oldest cultivated plant in the world. Our ancestors already used the medicinal plant as an effective remedy and is still very popular today.
The small seeds are full of healthy ingredients that not only keep the metabolism going. You can see the small nondescript grains
- all
- crushed
- as linseed oil
- as capsules
What Makes Flaxseed So Healthy?
- very good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium
- perfect low carb food
- containing lignans have a cancer-inhibiting effect
- Dietary fiber helps digestion
- is rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- reduces food cravings
The fiber bomb
More than a third of flaxseed consists of valuable fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract. Due to the swelling and mucilaginous substances in the seed coats, satiety is maintained for a long time, which in turn is beneficial in weight reduction.
The anti-inflammatory
The linseed contains around 30% polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, significantly more than fish. The omega-3 fatty acids have a protective effect on the heart and circulation. They support the body’s own defense cells and have a supportive effect on the functioning of the brain. They also have a positive effect on cholesterol level and blood vessels.
The cell protector
Flaxseed contains lignans as secondary plant substances, which act as powerful antioxidants and natural phytoestrogens and thus ensure a balanced hormone balance. Studies also attribute a cancer-inhibiting effect (breast cancer) to the lignans. Furthermore, the lignans can lower the LDL cholesterol by up to 10%, while the HDL cholesterol and the triglycerides remain untouched.
The antihypertensive
You can lower your blood pressure by consuming flaxseed. Studies show that around 30 g of ground flaxseed per day can sustainably lower blood pressure. This applies to both the systolic and diastolic values.
The vitamin supplier
The linseed is rich in vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and the beauty vitamin E. The seeds also contain a proportion of folic acid, which is essential for cell growth and their division processes.
Can you lose weight with flaxseed?
Even experts can answer this question with a “YES” with a clear conscience. The fiber in the small seeds swells up in the stomach, creating volume. As a result, you feel full longer and consequently eat less. The blood sugar level also remains stable after consuming the superfood, so that food cravings do not arise in the first place.
The superfood provides almost 29 grams of valuable protein per 100 grams of linseed and supplies the body with essential omega-3 fatty acids. Both protein and fatty acids are required for healthy muscle building.
