Flax Seeds: A Guide to the Health Benefits and Uses of this Natural Remedy

A few days back, one of my patients, Mr. Venugopal Rai visited me. He asked me very curiously, ”Sir, what’s this new craze with Flax seeds? What are the benefits of flax seeds?

Everyone in my office is following the trend. They mix it with buttermilk, curd and everything else. Some keep munching it all the time in the office”.

I was amused for a few seconds. Because what this gentleman called a “new trend”! It is something that has been established by Ayurveda thousand years ago!

Ayurveda hails Alsi seeds( Atasi in Sanskrit) or flax seeds as a real jewel. The benefits of flax seeds are abound.

It has super fascinating health-protective properties. Flax seeds are loaded with vital nutrients, especially omega-3. These tiny seeds are beneficial for cardio and digestive health.

Preliminary studies are also establishing the role of flax seeds in –

• fighting heart diseases
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Cancer. 

Flax seeds – Nutritional Facts

Researchers have crowned it as the most powerful plant on the planet. Flaxseed consists of high carbs, proteins, fibres, vitamins and minerals.

Most of the health benefits of Flax seeds are because of its rich nutritional content. It contains Omega 3 essential fatty acids, Lignans and Fibers. 

Flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods.

It is also rich in vitamins and minerals. Flax seeds contain thiamine (vitamin B1), copper, molybdenum, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Health Benefits of Flax Seeds

Flax seeds have multi-faceted benefits. This makes it a must-have item in our diets. Ayurveda has listed a zillion benefits of flax seeds. These benefits are now stamped by the scientific evidence.

From 1000 years or more, Ayurvedic practitioners have used supplements of flax seeds. Flax seeds are beneficial in –

• heart diseases
• diabetes
• arthritis
• digestive problems
• weight loss
• Skin and hair care.

1. Flax Seeds for digestion

Flaxseeds are a brilliant source of both soluble and insoluble fibre.

Also Read: 5 Ayurvedic tricks to treat hyper-acidity

Fibre ensures bowel regularity.Reduce inflammatory bowel diseases. Maintain a healthy colon and digestive tract.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Raisins

Furthermore, the healthy oils and lignans in flax seeds lubricate the digestive system. This make it much easier for food to pass through your system. Flaxseed works like a gem in relieving constipation as well as diarrhoea. 

Also Read: Best Ayurvedic medicines for indigestion

2. Flax Seeds for Diabetes

Research suggests that daily intake of flaxseed may improve blood sugar levels.

Also Read: Take your diabetes for a walk in the park!

Researchers conducted a study on Effectiveness of Adding Flaxseed to Type 2 Diabetic Patient. The study concluded that flaxseed can decrease BMI. It can control blood glucose. And Help maintain lipid profile in type 2 diabetics. 

Also Read: Beating diabetes with 3 Nutri-packed Power Foods

Many research has quoted that Flaxseed may have great potential in reducing the incidence of type 1 diabetes. It may even delay the development of type 2 diabetes.

Also Read: Methi seeds in diabetes

Flaxseed is also very effective in relieving constipation in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Also Read: White Rice and Diabetes

3. Flax Seeds in Cancer

Recent studies pitched Flaxseed as a potent protector against cancer. It is effective against breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.

The lignans in flaxseed may help protect against cancer. By blocking enzymes that are involved in hormone metabolism. And interfering with the growth and spread of tumour cells.

The anti-oxidants also contribute to protecting cells from becoming cancerous.

4. Flaxseed for Cardiovascular Disease

Research suggests that omega-3 and amino acid in flax seeds help the cardiovascular system. It maintains the blood pressure, heart rhythm, through its anti-inflammatory action. 

Daily consumption of flaxseed helps in improving cholesterol levels. It helps prevent hardening of arteries. Keep away plaque from being deposited in the arteries.

Also Read: How anger affects your heart

How to consume?

It is best to consume flaxseed in grounded form. Because if not chewed properly it will pass out undigested.

You can also opt for flaxseed oil in replacement of your regular cooking oil.

Try mixing and and blending the grounded flaxseed with –

• yoghurt
• oatmeal
• cereal
• smoothies
• casseroles
• other baked goods.

Flax seeds or flaxseed oil can be found in nearby supermarkets or it can be easily ordered online!

Ayurveda’s verdict

Flaxseed or Linum usitatissimumis highly acknowledged in Ayurveda. For its usefulness for both medical and dietary benefits.

In Ayurveda, flax seeds are known for stimulating Agni or the digestive fire. This promotes better digestion. Flax seeds’ anti-inflammatory property cools down Pitta.

  Flax seeds are a jewel from the cascades of Ayurveda which is an all in all remedy for many ailments.