Sprinkle on one or two tablespoons of flaxseed to your oatmeal, cereal, or yogurt every day for some heart healthy omega-3s and some extra fiber power. Just one tablespoon delivers 2 grams of insoluble and soluble fiber and 1.8 grams of omega-3!
The Health Benefits of Flaxseed
Omega-3s help tame inflammation and boost brain energy, while lignans provide antioxidant and plant estrogen properties. In fact, flaxseed contains 75 to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods! Here’s what all those omega-3s and lignans are doing for your health:
Protecting Against Cancer
Research suggests that flaxseeds may just lower your risk of cancer, including cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate. ALA, the type of omega-3 found in flaxseeds, has been shown to suppress tumor incidence and proliferation. Lignans add to the cancer protection by helping to inhibit the activity of enzymes involved with hormone metabolism and the growth of tumor cells.
Enhancing Heart Health
The omega-3s in flaxseed help to ease inflammation—one of the primary precursors of heart disease—and have also been shown to help regulate heartbeat. Studies also point to the blood pressure-lowering effects of omega-3s. Other studies indicate that lignans may help prevent atherosclerosis and keep plagues from forming by up to 75%!
Flaxseed is also praised for diabetes management (lignans improve blood sugar) and lowering cholesterol.
Flaxseed is easy to add to your diet. Sprinkle some flaxseed into your smoothies and soups. Or mix them into your casseroles and chili. Flaxseed is a great baking ingredient. Use it in breads, muffins, bagels, pancakes, and waffles!
