The Health Benefits Of Flax Seeds

Flaxseed, also known as linseed is an ancient Mesopotamian crop which is cultivated for its rich oil content and fibre. Flax Seeds are the powerhouse of nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids, anti oxidants, minerals and vitamins. The nutritional content of flaxseeds provides a lot many health benefits, which is the sole reason that flaxseeds are highly popular among health enthusiasts.

Flaxseeds are also used in paints because of their quality of drying the paints. Also, they are used as cattle feed because they provide a wholesome meal to cattle. The various health benefits of flaxseeds are mentioned below.

Source of omega 3 fatty acids
One spoon of flaxseed oil provides about 8 grams of omega 3 fatty acid. Research studies suggest that omega 3 fatty acids is helpful in controlling blood pressure and preventing artery diseases, strokes and cancers of prostate, colon and breast. Good quantities of this essential oil facilitate development of infants and maturation of nervous system.

Source of vitamin E
Flaxseeds are excellent source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is extremely essential in maintaining the integrity of cell membranes of mucus membranes and skin as it prevents them from oxygen free radicals.

Powerhouse of minerals
Flaxseeds provide many minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc.

Provides vitamin B
Flaxseeds are stuffed with B-complex groups of vitamins such as vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pantothenic acid and folates. Thiamin is a vital co-factor for carbohydrate metabolism which prevents beri-beri disease. Folates help in preventing neural tube defects in the fetus during pregnancy.

Flaxseeds are generally of brown, yellow or golden colours. Flaxseed oils are widely used as base oils or carrier oils in cooking because of their strong nutty flavour and aroma. Their various health benefits make them suitable for use in pharmaceutical and traditional medicines.