Flaxseed is one of the superfoods available in our online store. Numerous scientific articles and studies have been written about its health-promoting properties. These small, inconspicuous seeds have been known to humanity for thousands of years, yet for most of that time, we were unaware of how many health benefits they provide.
Consuming flax seeds regularly is a small act in our daily routine, but it offers tremendous support for maintaining the proper functioning of our body and protecting against serious illnesses.
What is flaxseed?
Flaxseed, or linseed, refers to the small seeds of the common flax plant. They are characterized by a brown or slightly golden color. The former, i.e., brown, is definitely more widely available on the market and is what we encounter in most stores.
Flax seeds owe their health-promoting properties to three main components:
There are as many as 25g of dietary fiber in 100g of flaxseed. The soluble and insoluble fiber fractions, present in similar proportions, have a positive effect on many aspects of our health.
If you are not a fan of nuts, you might be pleased to know that flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid. This is valuable information, especially for vegans, as these seeds are a very important source of omega-3 acids in a plant-based diet.
The last component is lignans. The name of these bioactive compounds is likely the most mysterious of the three. The activity of lignans resembles the action of human hormones—estrogens.
The composition of these tiny seeds is truly impressive. The properties provided by dietary fiber, omega-3 acids, and lignans, combined in a single product, strongly argue for flaxseed being called a superfood.
What do flax seeds help with?
Flax seeds gently lower blood pressure. This applies to both systolic and diastolic pressure. Another health-promoting effect is the improvement of health in people suffering from coronary artery disease. This happens through a beneficial effect on the tension of blood vessel walls and improved blood circulation.
Flaxseed supports the functioning of the digestive system, which can protect against constipation, colitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This effect can be achieved by consuming about 20-30g of flax per day.
Last, but not least, is the role of flaxseed in fighting type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and other conditions resulting from carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
The list of health benefits of flaxseed is truly long. This makes it a natural remedy that is widely available to everyone and, at the same time, very easy to prepare.
How to prepare flax seeds?
A popular way to prepare flax seeds is to make something similar to a starch-based dessert (kisiel). If you want to obtain a mucilage, the seeds should be covered with water and simmered over low heat for about 10 minutes. For flavor, you can add natural fruit syrups.
If you prefer eating the seeds over a drinkable form, there are various options. You can add whole flaxseed to organic cereal flakes, yogurts, smoothies, ORGANIC sandwich spreads, or simply sprinkle it over a dish. Another possibility is to grind the seeds so they are less noticeable. What is the difference? Whole seeds are more satiating and reduce hunger, but ground ones are more easily absorbed by the body.
Remember that if you want to grind the seeds, do it immediately before adding them to a dish. Freshly ground flax seeds should not sit in the open for long—they oxidize quickly and lose their wonderful properties.
Great news for vegans is that flaxseed can serve as a substitute for chicken eggs in cooking. When preparing pancakes, cakes, or other baked goods, we can confidently make this substitution.
Golden and brown flaxseed at Żywioł Zdrowia
At the Żywioł Zdrowia store, you can order this true superfood straight to your door! We offer both golden and brown flaxseed, in the form of whole seeds and ground. These are organic and natural products from certified crops.
