Flaxseeds - Introduction
Flax seeds are plant-based food rich in beneficial fats, antioxidants, and fiber. Many call flaxseed a “functional food,” which means one can eat it to improve their health.
Flaxseeds are among the most adaptable seeds. Nowadays, you can find them as acai bowls, oatmeal bowls, smoothies, and many other dishes. Previously, flax seed was used to design and make textiles. But nowadays, it is considered a superfood or superseed. Today is widely used in the nutritional world and is recognized as a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
This article focuses on flaxseed, from when it became a popular food item to the various varieties you can find it in, and the health benefits it provides to human health.
Define Flax Seeds – What Is Flaxseed?
This super seed is a product of the flax plant, which can be found in many countries across Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean. These seeds have a yellowish to reddish-brown color and are rich in phytoestrogen, which is precisely similar to estrogen. This superfood is rich in oil and soluble fiber.
The flax plant, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, is cultivated primarily for its seeds. These seeds are a popular health food because of this. Experts call flax seeds a superfood and recommend including them in your daily diet.
This superfood has numerous health benefits. Daily consumption of this high protein seed can improve physical and mental health. These seeds have become so popular that you can add them to your pets’ food.
Considering this, it is no surprise that the flax plant itself is known as Linum usitatissimum. Linum usitatissimum, meaning in Latin, is “the most useful.” It is also known as Aliviraaii (common flax), brown-seeded flax, Alasi, etc.
Flax seeds have been associated with providing health benefits such as better digestion, reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and lower chances of cancer. Flax seeds can be easily incorporated into your daily diet. However, grinding them is the best method to reap the health benefits. Flax seeds can be either yellow or brown. Flaxseed oil is often made from them. They can be sold whole, ground/milled, or roasted.
Where Did Flax Seeds Come From?
Flax seed is derived from the flax plant, also known as Linum usitatissimum. It grows to about 2 feet in height. It was likely first produced in Egypt, but it has been cultivated around the globe.
Flax can be used to weave linen. Its fibers are twice as strong as cotton. The plant was initially brought to North America for clothing production. However, cotton became the preferred fiber in the United States by the middle of the 20th century. Today, flax is grown to produce seeds in most North American countries.
Flaxseed oil is a delicious, nutty-tasting oil that can be consumed by itself or by crushing the seeds and pressing them cold. It has been common for decades to find this superseed, also known as linseed, in bread and cereal. Over the past decade, it has become a popular ingredient in the health food industry. The many health benefits of flaxseed have been well documented, and there are many options for people to consume it, either as a supplement or an ingredient in various foods. You can add this superfood to your pets’ food.
Flax Seeds Nutritional Value Per 100g: Flaxseed Nutrition Facts Calories, Carbs, Fiber Etc.
Flaxseed Nutrition Fact
Moisture (g) 6.5
Protein (N × 6.25) (g) 20.3
Fat (g) 37.1
Minerals (g) 2.4
Crude fiber (g) 4.8
Total dietary fiber (g) 24.5
Carbohydrates (g) 28.9
Energy (kcal) 530.0
Potassium 750.0
Calcium (mg) 170.0
Phosphorous (mg) 370.0
Iron (mg) 2.7
Vitamin A (μg) 30.0
Vitamin E (mg) 0.6
Thiamine (B1) (mg) 0.23
Riboflavin (B2) (mg) 0.07
Niacin (mg) 1.0
Pyridoxine (mg) 0.61
Pantothenic acid 0.57
Biotin (μg) 0.6
Folic acid (μg) 112
A teaspoon of flaxseed can also contain traces of many types of vitamins and minerals in a teaspoon, but not in large quantities. This superseed also contains lignans and tryptophan, valine, lysine, and tyrosine. It also has healthy fats that are mostly unsaturated.
Eating the whole seed should be avoided, and grounded seed should be eaten as the intestines might not absorb the complete nutrients from whole seeds.
Flaxseed can be eaten ground to provide a wealth of healthful nutrients. These seeds are beneficial for certain diseases. This evidence was supported by preliminary research with patients suffering from various diseases and animals that were tested in laboratories –
- Improve heart health
- Lower the cholesterol level
- The risk of certain cancers, such as breast, colon, and prostate, can be reduced
- Reduce symptoms of menopause
More studies need to be done before we can draw conclusions about flax seed’s effectiveness in treating these health issues. These findings are still exciting.