Flax seeds are one of the most versatile.
Today, you see them in oatmeal bowls, acai bowls, smoothies, and other foods.
However, many years ago, people mostly used them for creating textiles.
Now that more and more people are becoming increasingly health-conscious and aware of the food they consume, flax seeds benefits have grown in popularity.
It is no surprise as they offer plenty of health benefits.
When we look at the benefits of flaxseeds, weight loss is one of the most significant benefits.
However, there are many other benefits that we will discuss in detail.
This article explains what flax seeds are, where they come from, the many benefits they offer, how they help in weight loss, any side effects and the different ways you can eat them.
What are Flax Seeds?
Flaxseed comes from the flax plant that grows in countries all over Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
These seeds are usually golden yellow to reddish-brown and contain phytoestrogen, which is very similar to estrogen.
Flaxseeds also have oil and soluble fibre.
Today, the flax plant is cultivated for its seeds, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and fibre.
Thanks to this, flaxseeds have become extremely popular as a health food in recent years.
Experts even call it a superfood and advise including them in our daily diet.
Flaxseed benefits are numerous. Regular consumption can boost our physical and mental health.
These seeds have become so popular that they have even been added to pet foods.
Consider all this, it's no wonder that the flax plant itself is referred to as Linum usitatissimum, meaning “the most useful” in Latin.
Flax Seeds – Nutritional Properties
Flax plants are one of the oldest cultivated crops and are of two different types – brown and golden. However, both are equally nutritious.
Ground flax seeds (one tablespoon) contains:
Protein – 1.3g
Carbohydrates – 2g
Fiber – 1.9g
Total fat – 3g
Sodium – 2.1mg
Potassium – 56.9mg
Iron – 2% of the RDI
Calcium – 1% of the RDI
Magnesium – 6% of the RDI
Calories – 37
Flax Seeds for Weight Loss
Flax seeds play an essential role in your diet if you want to lose or manage your weight.
That is preeminent because of its high fiber content. Fiber helps you feel full, which results in a lower intake of calories daily.
In other words, flax seeds help to suppress your appetite by making you feel full.
As a result, you don't end up binge eating to satiate your hunger.
Flax seeds can be a great addition to your diet if you feel the urge to snack in between meals or lower your food consumption.
In addition, flax seeds can also cut down on your appetite.
If you wonder how to use flax seeds for weight loss, you can incorporate them into your meals, especially for breakfast.