PLANT POWER: Flax seeds – better than they sound
June 21, 2019 • 1 min read
There are many reasons why flax seeds (aka common flax or linseed) top the list of health foods.
Chockfull of heart-healthy omega-3 fats, fibre, protein, and a veritable galaxy of vitamins and minerals, flaxseed has been linked to a range of impressive health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
Other studies link flax seeds with improved cholesterol levels, both lowering ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and boosting “good” HDL cholesterol.
Flax seeds contain up to 800 times more lignans than other plant foods. Lignans are plant compounds containing antioxidant and oestrogen properties, both of which can help lower the risk of cancer, notably breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Most nutrition experts recommend ground over whole flax seed, as the ground form is easier to digest. Like other sources of fibre, flax seed should be taken with plenty of water or other fluids.