What are flaxseeds? Why are they so important? How did they become such a trendy food item?

Flaxseeds come from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum),  first grown in Egypt. The seeds are either tan color or brown with a unique nutty taste. The brown type seem to have a more intense flavor when compared to the tan/gold colored type.  Their very strong fibers (stronger than cotton) can be woven into linen for clothing purposes. But ever since cotton took over as the fiber of choice in America, people now grow the flax plant to reap the intense wellness benefits from the seeds as a food item. You can roast it, crush it for oil, blend it or consume as a supplement. Here are some key reasons why flax seeds should be an essential part of our daily meals. 

 

#1 High In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

What are omega-3 fats and why are they  important? Omega-3 fatty acids are a crucial group of fats that your body can’t make but needs to have inorder to function  properly. The three main types are ALA (which you get from plants) and EPA and DHA (which you get from animal sources). Flaxseeds contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA). They help to keep body inflammation low and thus help with energy production and  rate normal metabolic.

#2 Helps To Relieve Constipation

When the digestion process slows down, constipation follows. This is a clear information from your body that you are not absorbing nutrients properly. You can easily tell because you become bloated and experience fatigue throughout the day. Flaxseeds, especially the oil, acts to lubricate the lining of your digestive tract, improving the passage of unwanted material and the proper absorption of nutrients needed to grow and improve the tissues of the body. 

#3 Fights Cellulites

Most people I know want their skin to be smooth, toned and cellulite free. The collagen in our body helps to keep our skin tight and toned. But as we grow older, our level of collagen production reduces which causes our skin to thin and sag. This improves the skin’s strength, moisture and elasticity. Flaxseeds help to improve the appearance of cellulites, giving the shin a tight and toned look. 

These are just a few reasons why flax seeds should be part of your daily wellness menu. It Is better to consume them ground, than whole especially due to its tough outer shell. Once ground, carefully preserve them because they easily go bad. You can add them to smoothies, salads, soups as thickeners, baking recipes and many more uses. 

 

Coachkay

WLS, FNS (NASM)

#MashFire