Flaxseed is a Nutritional Powerhouse
Flaxseed is a nutritional powerhouse because you can get more bang for your buck when you eat flaxseed.
Nutritional information: 1 tablespoons of ground flaxseed have 30 calories, 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrate, 2 grams of dietary fiber and 1 grams of protein. Flax seed is rich in potassium and folic acid and also omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed is gluten-free.
You can add ground flaxseed which has a nutty taste to hot or cold cereal, sprinkled into smoothies, added to soups or meatloaf and mixed into casseroles. In fact, it a great way to sneak dietary fiber into your family’s diet without anyone even noticing like your kids.
Flaxseed can be bought as beans and you can grind them or you can buy flaxseed already ground up. I prefer buying ground flaxseed. Once you open the ground flaxseed you can refrigerate to extend the freshness.
Image from: https://www.verywellfit.com/flax-seed-nutrition-facts-calories-carbs-health-benefits-4172556
Flaxseed is Rich in Dietary Fiber
Flaxseed contains two types of dietary fiber — soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber absorbs water in your intestines and slows digestion, which may help regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels and lower cholesterol. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool, which may prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Flaxseed is considered a pre-biotic food.
Flaxseed Good Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Flaxseed contains Alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acids are good fats which can help reduce inflammation which may be responsible for cancer and health disease.
Flaxseed Good Source of Lignans
Flaxseed is an excellent source of lignans, which are natural antioxidants and members of plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). In fact, flaxseed contains more lignans than another plant food.
Flaxseed May Help Decrease Risk Cancer and Heart Disease
Research suggests that flaxseed may help decrease the risk of cancers like breast, colon and prostate cancer as well as decreasing the risk of heart disease. It’s the combination of dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and lignans in flaxseed that helps to decrease the risk of cancers and heart disease. Flaxseed may help to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) levels. Other benefits show that flaxseed may also help lower blood triglyceride and blood pressure. It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the risk of a heart attack. Lignans help to decrease inflammation which is the precursor to heart disease and cancer.
Flaxseed Egg Substitute
You can make a plant-based egg substitute.
Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let sit until it forms a gel. Use the flaxseed mixture in place of eggs in recipes.
Bottom Line
Adding flaxseed to your daily diet will help to jumpstart your health.
is a registered dietitian with a Master’s Degree in clinical nutrition. She is the Chief Blog Organizer for www.DayByDayLiving.net
Barbara worked as a research nutritionist with the military’s tri-service medical school & worked as a performance nutrition consultant to Navy SEALS’ BUD/S Training Program and West Coast Navy SEAL Teams. Barbara is the former nutrition performance consultant to the University of Louisville Athletic Department. She is the author of Fast Facts on Fast Food for Fast People and High Energy Eating Sports Nutrition Workbook for Active People used by the University of Louisville, University of Tennessee Lady Vols and the Tennessee football program, the LSU basketball program, the Buffalo Bills, the Cleveland Browns and by the United States Navy SEALs.
Barbara is the former publisher of Kentuckiana HealthFitness Magazine, Kentuckiana Healthy Woman magazine and radio show host of Health News You Can Use. Barbara has over 60 years of experience in promoting healthy lifestyles to consumers. Barbara is a former runner who walks, a spinner, hiker, a pickleball player, a mother and grandmother to 13 grandchildren.
Barbara also serves on the Leadership Team for Moms for America as the Grammy Grizzlies National Group Leader. (www.momsforamerica.us).
